Why is MMS not working on my Phone?
Table of contents
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is a simple and easy way to send pictures, videos, and other media directly through text messages. However, due to various reasons, your phone may fail to send or receive MMS. This issue can be quite frustrating and may require time to resolve. It results in communication delays and getting a message with missing content.
So, in this guide, we'll explore common reasons behind multimedia messages not working on your phone and provide solutions to fix the issue instantly.
Why Aren't MMS Messages Downloading or Sending?
If the MMS message is not working on your phone, it could be due to poor network connection, incorrect APN settings, insufficient storage in your device, or carrier-related network problems.
Why is MMS not working on Android?
If your MMS is not working on Android, it is due to issues with your network settings, specifically the APN (Access Point Name) configuration.
Data connection issues:
- Weak signal: If your Android phone is in an area with poor network coverage, such as remote locations or indoors, it can be difficult to send or receive MMS messages.
- Network issues: If your Android phone’s mobile data or wifi connection is unstable or interrupted, MMS may not work.
- Roaming issues: When traveling, your phone switches between different networks, and MMS might stop working. This happens because the same network settings may not work properly in another location.
📖 You may also read: How to Receive SMS While Travelling Abroad?Incorrect APN settings:
- Wrong APN details: Access Point Name (APN) settings are necessary for your Android phone to connect with your mobile network for data services, including MMS. If your APN settings are incorrect, not configured, or have been changed, you can face issues when sending or receiving MMS.
Missing MMS APN type: Each APN includes a type, such as "default" or "MMS." If "MMS" is not listed in the APN type, your Android phone won’t be able to receive or send multimedia messages.
Device-Related issues:
- Insufficient Storage Space: MMS takes up your phone’s memory. Thus, when your Android phone’s internal storage is full, you may not send or download MMS of a large size.
- MMS setting disabled: Sometimes, MMS functionality is manually disabled in your Android phone’s settings. If you have accidentally disabled the MMS setting, you won't be able to send or receive multimedia messages.
Outdated software: Outdated operating system versions or messaging apps may not support the latest MMS features. So, MMS may not work if your Android phone is too old.
Carrier issues:
- Data plan limitations: Not all providers offer MMS service. So, if your data plan does not include MMS functionality, you cannot send or receive multimedia messages.
- Network problems: Your carrier’s network may occasionally face issues, such as network congestion, outages, or maintenance, that can affect MMS services.
Why is MMS not working on iPhone?
MMS messaging is not working on your iPhone due to issues such as disabled cellular data, carrier restrictions, network configuration problems, or outdated software.
Cellular Data is Turn Off
If cellular data is disabled, your iPhone won’t send or receive multimedia messages like photos, videos, or group texts.
MMS Messaging is Disabled
Your iPhone's MMS Messaging toggle should be on to send and receive photos, videos, or other visual or audio messages.
Carrier Issues or Limitations
Some carriers don't support MMS or may have restrictions. If your carrier has issues with MMS, you cannot send or receive messages.
Outdated iOS Software
If your iPhone is running on outdated iOS software, it could cause compatibility issues with MMS. Then, your MMS messages may fail to download, send and receive.
Large Attachments
Sometimes, picture or video message sizes are too large. In that case, MMS may not work, so reduce the file size and send it again.
Network or Configuration Issues
MMS may not work on your iPhone due to network and configuration problems. If your iPhone has a weak signal, incorrect carrier settings, SIM problems, or misconfigured MMS settings, MMS may not work.
How to fix MMS Messaging not Working?
Configure your MMS and APN settings correctly, ensure you’re connected to a strong network, and check that your phone has enough storage space. If the issues continue, contact your mobile carrier for assistance.
1. Ensure a Stable Network Connection
MMS messaging requires a strong network connection. Before sending MMS, check your device's signal strength and move to an open area if necessary. If the signal is still weak, toggle between 3G, 4G, or 5G to find the best network mode.
You can also restart your device to refresh the connection. If problems continue, reset the network settings and ensure your SIM card is properly inserted and undamaged.
2. Turn on Mobile Data
If you’ve turned off mobile data, it can affect the sending and receiving of MMS. To turn on mobile data to enable MMS on Android or iOS, follow these steps:
- Open Settings: Go to your phone's Settings app.
- Find Mobile Data Option: Navigate to "Connections," "Network & Internet," or a similar option depending on your device.
- Turn on Mobile Data: Tap on Mobile Data or Cellular Data and toggle it to the ON position.
3. Check Insufficient Balance or Plan Restrictions
If you are having trouble with MMS, make sure you have enough balance and your carrier allows the service. Some plans may restrict MMS usage or require additional balance for MMS features.
You can check your current balance through your carrier’s app website or by dialing their USSD code. Also, confirm that your plan supports MMS or multimedia messaging and covers any associated charges. If necessary, upgrade your plan or add sufficient funds.
4. Check the Attachment Size
Verify the file size of your attachment to ensure it is within the allowed carrier’s size limit. The maximum size is usually 2 MB for all image types and 600 KB for audio and video files.
You can compress the file using your phone’s built-in tools or third-party apps to reduce its size. Alternatively, consider sending smaller files or splitting large attachments into multiple messages for easy transfer.
5. Clear Data in the Messaging App
The cache files or corrupted data in the messaging app can also cause issues with MMS. Clearing the data removes temporary files and resets the app. Here is how to clear data when multimedia messages is not downloading on your device:
- Open Settings: Navigate to your phone's "Settings" menu.
- Find the Messaging App: Go to "Apps," "Applications," or "Manage Apps," then locate your default Messaging app.
- Clear Cache and Data: Select the app, tap on "Storage," then choose "Clear Cache" and "Clear Data."
- Confirm and Restart: Confirm the action and restart your phone to refresh the app's settings.
6. Update Your Messaging App
An outdated messaging app may have bugs that prevent MMS from working. Updating your messaging app could resolve this problem. Here is how to update your messaging app:
- Open the App Store: Visit the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
- Search for the Messaging App: Type the name of your default messaging app (e.g., Messages) into the search bar.
- Check for Updates: If an update is available, you’ll see an "Update" button. Tap it to install the latest version.
- Restart Your Device: Once updated, restart your phone to integrate the new version effectively.
7. Check the APN Setting
Incorrect APN (Access Point Name) settings can disrupt MMS functionality. Here is how to check and update the APN setting:
- Open Setting: Go to "Settings" on your phone and select "Network & Internet" or "Connections."
- Locate APN Settings: Navigate to "Mobile Network" and tap on "Access Point Names (APN)."
- Review APN Details: Verify that the APN settings match those provided by your carrier. Look for fields like MMSC, MMS proxy, and MMS port and configure them correctly.
- Check and update: If any details are wrong or missing, correct them with the information from your carrier's website or customer support.
- Save and Restart: Save the changes, restart your phone, and test the MMS functionality to check if it's working.
8. Toggle on auto-download MMS
If an auto-download MMS option is disabled on your device, you may not receive or download multimedia messages automatically. Here is how to toggle it on:
- Open the Messaging App: Go to your default messaging app.
- Access Settings: Tap on the three-dot menu icon (or gear icon) in the upper-right corner of the app to open its settings.
- Find MMS or Advanced Settings: Look for options related to MMS or multimedia settings.
- Toggle Auto-Download: Enable the "Auto-Download MMS" option to download incoming MMS automatically. If it is already enabled, consider disabling and re-enabling it.
- Restart Your Phone: After adjusting the settings, restart your phone to apply changes.
9. Verify Storage Space
A lack of storage space on your phone can prevent you from saving or downloading new MMS messages. Here is how to verify your phone storage space and free up space:
- Check Storage Availability: Open your phone's "Settings" and go to "Storage." You will see how much space is available and how it is being used.
- Clear Unnecessary Files: Remove unused apps, large files, or old messages that are taking up space. You may also consider moving photos or videos to a cloud storage service.
- Clear App Cache: Go to the "Apps" section in Settings, select the Messaging app, and clear its cache.
- Restart Your Device: Once you have cleared enough space, restart your phone to refresh the system.
Conclusion
MMS may not work on your phone due to network issues, incorrect device settings, or carrier restrictions. To fix this issue, ensure mobile data is on, your plan supports MMS, and attachments meet size limits. Clearing your app cache, updating settings, and managing storage can also solve this problem. If the problem still exists, it is best to contact your carrier for assistance.
MMS issues are common, which can impact your communication. For a more versatile messaging and communication solution, consider upgrading to Calilio's cloud telephony services. With its advanced features like instant messaging, bulk messaging, and file sharing, you can stay connected without interruptions. Sign Up today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a low balance or limited plan affect MMS?
Yes, some carriers restrict MMS functionality if your balance is low or if you are on a limited plan that doesn’t support multimedia messaging.
How do I fix MMS issues caused by my Carrier?
If you suspect the issue is related to your carrier, contact them to confirm that there are no network outages, maintenance, or issues with your plan. They will help you resolve any MMS issues.
How to enable MMS on Android?
To enable mms messaging on Android, follow these steps:
- Go to your phone’s “Settings” app.
- Tap Apps & notifications.
- Choose a Messaging App.
- Check MMS Settings.
- If the MMS switch is already green, MMS is already enabled. Otherwise, turn on the MMS Setting.
How to enable MMS on iPhone?
To enable mms messages on iPhone, follow these steps:
- Go to your phone’s “Settings” app.
- Scroll down until you see the Messages option.
- Tap to Messages.
- Check the SMS/MMS section.
- Right below the SMS/MMS section, you can see the MMS messaging option.
- If the MMS switch is already green, MMS is already enabled. Otherwise, turn on the MMS Setting.
Latest Posts
From the blog
The latest news, technologies, and resources from our team.