Why do my MMS keep failing to send?

Are you having problems sending picture messages on your android phone? Check that your mobile data is turned on. The signal strength should also be strong, with 4 or 5 bars. Enable MMS settings and update the messaging app. As a last resort, factory reset your device.

I went shopping and wasn’t sure that I was picking the correct items as per my wife’s list. I tried sending her a picture message of the products but was unsuccessful. My cellular data was on and the signal strength was strong. I cleared my messaging app’s cache and data (after trying other solutions) and it worked.

If you’re also having problems sending picture messages on your android phone, here are 10 easy and super effective solutions!

10 Solutions To Android Won’t Send Picture Message Problem

1. Turn On Mobile Data Connection

You must be connected to the internet for you to send or receive picture messages. The first step should be to ensure that your mobile data is on or that you are connected to a stable WiFi network.

To turn on WiFi/mobile data:

  • Swipe down from the top to open the notifications center.
  • Tap on the WiFi/mobile data icon to turn it on.
  • If it's already on, disable then enable it once again.

Alternatively:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Select Wireless and Network Settings. (For new android versions, go to Connections then Data Usage.
  • Tap Mobile Networks.
  • Tap it to enable. If it’s already on, disable and enable it again.

Your mobile data may be on but a weak network connection prevents you from sending the multimedia messaging service (MMS). Check that the signal strength is strong; 4 or 5 bars. A ½ a bar means that the network is weak. Try moving around to a place with a strong network connection.

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2. Enable MMS Setting (For Roaming)

If you are sending the picture message using a Roam Mobile Network, you’ll have to first configure the MMS setting.

To enable MMS setting:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Select More Settings or Mobile Networks/ Mobile Data.
  • Tap Access Point Names.
  • Insert your APN Settings.

Why do my MMS keep failing to send?

3. Restart Your Phone

Restarting your device is normally a viable solution to fix minor software glitches.

  • Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears.
  • Tap reboot and wait for your device to restart.

4. Allow Unrestricted Data Usage

Smartphones restrict a few background apps to help them function well. Check and ensure that the messaging app has an unrestricted background and foreground data usability.

To allow unrestricted data use:

  • Press and hold the messaging app until its shortcut pops up.
  • Tap on the App Info (i) button.
  • Under App Settings, tap Mobile Data and WiFi.
  • Turn on both Unrestricted data usage and Background data.

5. Force Stop Messaging App

There may be a bug or issue making the messaging app fail to send MMS. Force stop the messaging app and give it a fresh start.

To force stop the messaging app:

  • Press and hold the messaging app until its shortcut pops up.
  • Tap on the App Info (i) button.
  • Tap Force Stop.

Re-open the app and try sending your picture message.

6. Wipe Cache and Data

Your stored cache may be corrupted and cause the MMS error. Try deleting your phone's cache and data and see whether it will solve the issue.

To wipe Messaging App Cache and Data:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Select Apps and tap Application Manager.
  • Scroll down to your default messaging app.
  • Tap Storage and then press Clear Cache. Next, tap Clear Data.

Try sending your MMS message and see whether the problem has been fixed.

Your messages app may be outdated and acting up. Update it to solve the problem. Doing so enhances the user experience and also helps to fix major issues.

To update Messages App:

  • Go to Google Play Store.
  • Select My Apps & Games.
  • Scroll to your default messages app and tap Update.

Updating your Android OS may do the trick. You may be unable to send MMS because you are running on an old operating system.

To update Operating System on Android:

  • Open Settings.
  • Select System.
  • Tap System Updates.
  • Click Check for Update.

Download and install any pending updates. Now, try to send your MMS message and see whether it works. If not, try the next solution. 

Why do my MMS keep failing to send?

9. Soft Reset

Perform a soft reset on your phone to solve this problem. To do this, simply pull out your phone’s battery and leave it for about 45 seconds before returning it. But most android devices nowadays have non-removable batteries.

To soft reset android phones with non-removable batteries:

  • Switch off your phone using the power button.
  • Wait for about ten seconds then switch on your phone by pressing the power button.

10. Factory Reset

When everything fails, it's time for a factory reset. Factory-resetting your Android device deletes everything from it and you begin afresh as if it's a new phone. So, it's important that you backup your data before beginning the process.

To back up data on android:

  • Open Settings.
  • Select Google and then tap Backup.  Your phone presents you with the available storage capacity.
  • Tap Back Up Now under Backup to Google Drive (or Back Up to Google One on some devices).
  • The backup will begin. Ensure that your phone is charging and connected to a stable WiFi connection. The process may take several hours, so you may want to do this overnight.

To factory reset an Android Phone:

  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Backup & Reset.
  • Select Factory Data Reset.
  • Choose Reset Device then tap Erase Everything.

You may be asked to provide your password. Your phone will switch itself off, complete the factory reset process then reboot itself.

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Reasons Why You Can’t Send MMS On Android

  1. A network connection error is the most common reason for failing to send an MMS. You need a stable network connection to send a multimedia message service; failing which your picture message won't be sent.
  2. An outdated software prevents your android device and apps from functioning properly. This may prevent you from sending the picture message.
  3. A full cache memory stops some services temporarily. Your messaging app may function properly but you may not be able to access some services like sending MMS. Clearing the phone's cache and data will help solve this.

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Conclusion

Message sent! A picture is worth a thousand messages. So, don’t hesitate to send that MMS to your loved one. The solutions above will help you solve any MMS error. If you have any questions or incur any difficulties, feel free to reach out.

Why are my MMS is not sending?

Check the Android phone's network connection if you can't send or receiving MMS messages. An active cellular data connection is required to use the MMS function. Open the phone's Settings and tap “Wireless and Network Settings.” Tap “Mobile Networks” to confirm it is enabled.

Why can't I send MMS pictures?

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 use 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.

How do I fix my MMS on my Android?

How to Fix MMS Messages Not Downloading Android.
Restart Your Phone. In many situations, a simple restart can be used to fix some issues. ... .
Check the Network Connection. ... .
Disable Android MMS Auto-Retrieve Setting. ... .
Delete Old Messages. ... .
Clear Cache and Data. ... .
Uninstall Problematic Apps. ... .
Android Factory Reset..

How do I get my MMS messages to send?

MMS requires a steady connection to be able to send MMS messages..
Tap Apps. Tap Settings. Tap More Settings or Mobile Data or Mobile Networks. Tap Access Point names..
Tap More or Menu. Tap Save..
Tap the Home Button to return to your home screen..