Troubleshooting: Why won’t my Android send pictures?

Understanding the Basics

Sending pictures via text messages on Android devices relies on Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS). This service allows users to send multimedia content like images and videos over cellular networks. Several components play a role in this process, including the phone's operating system, messaging app, network settings, and internet connection.

Common Issues

1. Network Settings: Incorrect or incomplete network settings can prevent your device from sending MMS messages.
2. Messaging App: The messaging app itself might be outdated or have issues that prevent it from functioning correctly.
3. Storage Space: Insufficient storage space on your device can cause problems with sending MMS messages.
4. Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for sending MMS messages, especially if you're using Wi-Fi.
5. Operating System: Running an outdated operating system can lead to compatibility issues with the messaging app and network settings.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Check Network Settings

Network settings are crucial for sending MMS messages. Here’s how to check and adjust them:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Mobile Network: Scroll down and select "Mobile Network" or "Cellular Network."
3. Access APN Settings: Look for "Access Point Names" (APN) and select it.
4. Verify APN Settings: Ensure that the APN settings are correct and match those provided by your carrier. Common APN settings include:
   • APN: Your carrier's APN (e.g., "tmobile" for T-Mobile)
   • MMS Protocol: "mms"
   • MMS Port: "80"
   • MMS Proxy: Leave blank
   • MMS Max Message Size: "1048576"
   • MMS UA Prof URL: Leave blank
5. Restart Device: After making any changes to the APN settings, restart your device to ensure that the changes take effect.

Update Messaging App

An outdated messaging app can cause issues with sending MMS messages. Here’s how to update it:

1. Open Google Play Store: Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for Messages App: Search for the "Messages" app in the Google Play Store.
3. Update App: If there is an update available, tap on "Update" to download and install the latest version of the app.

Force Stop Messages App

Forcing the Messages app to stop can sometimes resolve temporary issues:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and select "Apps" or "Application Manager."
3. Select Messages App: Find and select the "Messages" app from the list of installed apps.
4. Force Stop: Tap on "Force Stop" to stop the app temporarily.

Restart Your Phone

Restarting your phone can often resolve connectivity issues and refresh the system:

1. Press Power Button: Press and hold the power button until your device turns off.
2. Wait for a Few Seconds: Wait for about 10 seconds before pressing the power button again to turn it back on.

Enable Unrestricted Data

Ensure that data is unrestricted for the Messages app:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Data Usage: Scroll down and select "Data Usage."
3. Select Messages App: Find and select the "Messages" app from the list of apps.
4. Enable Unrestricted Data: Toggle on "Unrestricted Data" or similar option to allow unrestricted data usage for the Messages app.

Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings can resolve issues related to cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to System: Scroll down and select "System."
3. Select Reset Options: Find and select "Reset Options."
4. Select Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile & Bluetooth: Choose this option to reset all configured preferences related to cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
5. Confirm Action: Tap on "Reset Settings” to confirm the action.

Check for Storage Space

Insufficient storage space can prevent your device from sending MMS messages:

1. Open Files App: Go to the Files app on your Android device.
2. Remove Unused Photos & Videos: Delete any unused photos and videos to free up storage space.
3. Remove Unused Apps: Uninstall any unused apps to free up storage space.
4. Move Media Files to SD Card: If your device supports expandable storage, move media files to an SD card to free up internal memory.

Update Operating System

Running an outdated operating system can lead to compatibility issues with the messaging app and network settings:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to System: Scroll down and select “System.”
3. Select System Update: Find and select “System Update.”
4. Check for Update: Tap on “Check for Update” to see if there are any pending updates available for your phone.
5. Download Update: If an update is available, click on “Download Update” to install it.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check Camera Permissions

Ensure that the messaging app has permission to use your camera or access your photos:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Apps: Scroll down and select “Apps” or “Application Manager.”
3. Select Messages App: Find and select the “Messages” app from the list of installed apps.
4. Check Permissions: Look for camera and storage permissions and ensure they are enabled.

Use Different Messaging Apps

If the built-in messaging app is not working, try using a different SMS/MMS app:

1. Download Alternative App: Download an alternative SMS/MMS app such as Signal SMS or Textra.
2. Install App: Install the new app and set it as your default messaging app.

Post Screenshots of APN Settings

If you're still having trouble after adjusting APN settings, post screenshots of your APN settings for further assistance:

1. Open Settings App: Go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to Mobile Network: Scroll down and select “Mobile Network.”
3. Access APN Settings: Look for “Access Point Names” (APN) and select it.
4. Take Screenshot: Take a screenshot of your APN settings and share it with others for feedback.

Real-Life Scenarios

Scenario 1: Kyocera E6910

A user with a Kyocera E6910 reported issues after updating from Android 9 to Android 10. The symptoms included:

• Unable to send picture MMS messages
• Unable to send pictures over Facebook Messenger
• Sending pictures over email worked fine
• Music App (Poweramp) could no longer find music even though it was still visible in the File Manager
• Unable to search for contacts in the phone app

The user tried various solutions including setting the proper APN settings, resetting the device, and using different messaging apps. However, the issue persisted until they performed a factory reset, which resolved most of the problems except for the inability to send picture MMS messages.

Scenario 2: iPhone 13 Pro Max

A user with an iPhone 13 Pro Max reported issues sending photos to an Android device. The user tried troubleshooting settings, including SMS/MMS/text settings, with and without Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The solution was found by turning on airplane mode and sending photos via Wi-Fi only.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the problem and continue sending pictures via text messages on your Android device.