MMS Not Working? How to Fix Picture Messages
If your picture messages are not sending or you cannot receive MMS, do not worry — it is almost always a settings issue that can be fixed in a few minutes. Work through the troubleshooting steps below to get MMS working again on your phone.
Step 1: Check Mobile Data Is Turned On
MMS requires an active mobile data connection. Even if you are connected to Wi-Fi, MMS will not work unless mobile data is also enabled.
- iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > ensure the toggle is on.
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > ensure Mobile Data is on.
This is the single most common cause of MMS failures. If mobile data was off, turn it on and try sending your MMS again.
Step 2: Check Your APN Settings
APN (Access Point Name) settings tell your phone how to connect to your network's data and MMS services. Incorrect or missing APN settings are a frequent cause of MMS problems, especially after switching networks, inserting a new SIM, or resetting your phone.
Visit our APN Settings guides for step-by-step instructions specific to your network. Make sure both the main internet APN and the MMS APN are correctly configured.
Step 3: Check Message Size
Most UK networks limit MMS attachments to around 300KB–1MB. If you are trying to send a high-resolution photo or a long video, the message may fail because it exceeds the size limit. Try these fixes:
- Reduce the photo resolution before sending.
- Trim video clips to under 15 seconds.
- Use a messaging app like WhatsApp for larger files instead.
Step 4: Restart Your Phone
A simple restart clears temporary glitches in your phone's network connection. Power your phone off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. Once it reconnects to the network, try sending your MMS again.
Step 5: Reset APN Settings
If the steps above have not resolved the issue, reset your APN settings to default:
- iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Mobile Data Network > Reset Settings.
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Access Point Names > tap the three-dot menu > Reset to default.
After resetting, your phone should automatically download the correct APN settings from your network. If it does not, manually enter them using our APN guides.
Step 6: Contact Your Network
If none of the above works, there may be a network-side issue or a restriction on your account. Contact your network's customer service to check that MMS is enabled on your plan and that there are no blocks on your account.
Managing MMS issues across multiple business devices? Connection Technologies can audit your fleet's APN and messaging settings to ensure everything works correctly. Contact us for business mobile support.
