Top 6 ways to fix ‘Android won’t send picture messages or MMS’

Are you looking to send images directly via SMS to someone who does not use a smartphone? Millennials would be aware of Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). Before smartphones were a thing, MMS was used to send images, video clips, and audio files over a simple text. This service is still around and can be used to reach people who use a feature phone. If your Android phone won’t send MMS or picture messages, here are a few steps that will solve your problem. Before going through the list make sure you have sufficient balance as sending MMS costs more than SMS, so check the tariffs. 

Enable mobile data

Internet connectivity is required to send picture messages on Android devices. If the smartphone refuses to send a picture message, check from the drop-down menu if the mobile data is switched on. If you are using Wi-Fi, try temporarily disabling it and switching to cellular data. Service providers don’t allow you to send MMS over Wi-Fi so make sure you have an active data package or sufficient balance. Swipe down from the status bar and tap the blue WiFi tile in the Quick Settings Menu to turn it off. Tap the grey mobile data tile to turn it on.

Force stop messaging application

One can consider forcefully stopping the messaging application if it is refusing to send an MMS to someone. There may be some bug or issue causing this problem. It’s better to force-stop the application and give it a fresh start. It works exactly like restarting your smartphone when some issue occurs. Here’s how you can go about it.

Step 1: Go to Settings and select Apps.

Step 2: Select the native messaging app.

Step 3: Tap on Force Stop at the bottom of the screen.

Read Also: How to reset your Android smartphone

Allow unrestricted data use

Android phones are smart and manage things on their own in the background. But sometimes they restrict a few applications unnecessarily as well. Make sure that the Messaging application has unrestricted foreground and background data usability. Here’s how.

Step 1: Go to Settings and select Apps.

Step 2: Select the native messaging app.

Step 3: Tap on Mobile Data.

Step 4: Turn on the toggle switch for Allow background data usage.

Clear cache

While working around the application there are chances that your smartphone might have stored some bad cache data which is causing trouble. Users can clear the cache and check if the problem is resolved.

Step 1: Go to Settings and select Apps.

Step 2: Select the native messaging app.

Step 3: Select Storage.

Step 4: Tap on Clear Cache.

Save MMS APN settings on your device

If your MMS APN settings are faulty or outdated, you won’t be able to send pictures or video clips as texts to your loved ones. To fix this, request MMS APN settings from your network provider. Dial the code for customer service and navigate your way to GPRS and MMS settings. Airtel users can visit the network provider’s official website and enter their number to receive the settings.

Reset Network Settings

Sending any type of multimedia requires the proper configuration of your network settings. If they aren’t configured properly it can cause more issues as well. This can be fixed by resetting the phone’s network setting. To do so one can follow these methods.

Step 1: Go to Settings and select General Management.

Step 2: Scroll down and select Reset.

Step 3: Tap on Reset Network Settings.

Step 4: Select Reset Settings.

Step 5: Enter your PIN to confirm your selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why am I not able to send MMS from my Android phone?

Since MMS only works with your network provider’s mobile internet, you won’t be able to send it using a WiFi network. Switch to mobile data to send an MMS.

How do I get MMS APN settings on my phone?

Airtel users can get MMS APN settings by entering their phone number on the official Airtel website. Other users will need to contact their network provider to receive the settings.

What is the file size limit for MMS?

The MMS size limit depends on the network provider you are using. This file size limit can be anywhere between 2-5 MB.

Read Also: Top 5 ways to fix if you are unable to download apps 

Conclusion

These are some simple steps one can follow to solve the ‘Android won’t send picture messages or MMS’ problem. We also recommend checking for updates for both the application and the smartphone. Often pending updates cause issues. Try updating them and see if it works for you.