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Why Are MMS Messages Not Working?

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Mehak Dhingra

7
mins read

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Key Takeaways

A survey reveals that 32% of consumers feel more connected to a brand through MMS. Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) has been around for quite some time, allowing users to send and receive multimedia content like images, videos and audio files. Despite its popularity and convenience, MMS is not without its issues, especially in comparison to newer, more modern messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram and iMessage. Users frequently face challenges when trying to send or receive MMS messages on their smartphones. Whether due to carrier limitations, device settings or network connectivity, these problems can be frustrating.

Here are 10 reasons why MMS Messages are not working on your Android Phone

Attachment Size Limitations

  1. Attachment Size Limitations

    • File size limitations

      Different carriers set specific limits on MMS file sizes, which can cause issues with sending or receiving large files.
    • Check attachment size

      Always verify the size of the file you're trying to send or receive to ensure it complies with your carrier's restrictions.
    • Compress files

      If the file exceeds the allowed size, compress the image or video to reduce its size before resending.
    • Aim for under 1 MB

      Keeping the file size under 1 MB increases the chances of successful transmission across different carrier networks.
  2. Network Connection Issues

    • Network connectivity issues

      MMS requires a stable mobile data connection to send or receive multimedia files, unlike SMS, which works on weaker network signals.
    • Check signal strength

      Ensure that you have at least two or more signal bars to support MMS transmission.
    • Move to a better location

      If signal strength is low, try relocating to an area with stronger reception to improve MMS functionality.
    • Use Wi-Fi

      Unlike SMS which does not require Wi-Fi, some carriers allow MMS to be sent over Wi-Fi, so try connecting to a Wi-Fi network if mobile data is weak.
  3. Mobile Data Settings


    • Mobile data requirement

      MMS needs mobile data to send or receive messages, even if you're connected to Wi-Fi.
    • Check mobile data settings

      Go to Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Networks > Mobile Data and ensure the toggle is enabled.
    • Disable data-saving mode

      Ensure data-saving mode is not activated, as it might limit the data needed for MMS transmission.
    • Toggle mobile data

      If everything seems fine, try toggling mobile data off and then back on to resolve potential issues.
  4. Restarting Your Device

    • Restarting as a fix

      Restarting the phone is a simple but effective method to resolve many issues, including MMS problems.
    • Clear minor glitches

      Restarting refreshes the system and clears any minor glitches affecting MMS functionality.
    • Steps to restart

      Hold the Power button until the power menu appears.
    • Select Restart

      Choose the Restart option and once the device powers back on, check if the MMS issue has been resolved.
  5. Auto-Download MMS Settings

    • Auto-download feature

      MMS auto-download in Android’s native messaging app can cause issues if not configured correctly, affecting message reception.
    • Automatic vs. manual download

      When enabled, MMS messages are downloaded automatically. If disabled, users must manually download each message.
    • Check Settings

      Open the Messages app, tap the three-dot menu and go to Settings.
    • Adjust auto-download

      Navigate to Advanced > Auto-download MMS. If it's off, enable it and if on, try disabling it to see if manual downloads help.
  6. Clearing Cache and Data in the Messaging App

    • Cache overload issue

      Excessive cached data in the Messages app can prevent the receipt of new messages, including MMS.
    • Clear cache

      Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Storage, then tap ‘Clear cache’ to resolve the issue.
    • Clear data if needed

      If clearing the cache doesn’t work, try ‘Clear data’, but be aware that this will delete all your messages.
    • Check for resolution

      After clearing the cache or data, check if the MMS issue is resolved.
  7. Carrier-Specific Issues

    • Carrier restrictions

      MMS issues may stem from carrier-specific limits or rules, such as restrictions on prepaid plans or international travel.
    • Contact customer service

      Reach out to your carrier’s customer service to check for any issues or restrictions on their end.
  8. Outdated Software

    • Software bugs

      Bugs in the Messages app or the phone’s operating system can affect MMS functionality.
    • Check OS updates

      Go to Settings > System > System updates to check for and install updates to your phone’s operating system.
    • Update Messages app

      Visit the Google Play Store to check for and install updates for the Messages app.
    • Apply updates regularly

      Keeping both the app and OS updated helps fix bugs and resolve MMS issues.
  9. Third-Party Apps and Battery Optimization

    • Interference from third-party apps

      Some apps, especially those that optimize performance or battery, may block background data needed for MMS.
    • Boot into Safe Mode

      Restart your phone in Safe Mode to see if MMS works and if it does, a third-party app is likely causing the issue.
    • Disable or uninstall apps

      If Safe Mode reveals the problem, disable or uninstall recently added apps to identify the culprit.
    • Adjust battery optimization

      Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Battery and select Don't optimize to improve MMS performance by preventing restrictions on mobile data access.
  10. SIM Card Issues

    • SIM card problems

      Sometimes, MMS issues can be caused by problems with your SIM card, such as improper placement or damage.
    • Reinsert SIM card

      Remove and reinsert your SIM card to ensure it is properly seated in your phone.
    • Check for damage

      Inspect the SIM card for any visible signs of damage and replace it if necessary.
    • Test with another SIM

      If possible, test with a different SIM card to determine if the issue is related to your current SIM card.

MMS for Businesses and Modern Communication Needs

  1. Powerful engagement tool

    MMS allows businesses to send multimedia promotional content, announcements and transactional messages.
  1. Considerations for MMS

    Be aware of MMS’s dependency on carrier support, file size limits and potential additional costs.
  1. AI-driven CPaaS alternatives

    AI-driven CPaaS solutions offer better communication and scalability, integrating features such as SMS APIs for authentication and push notifications for greater flexibility and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion

MMS messaging, despite being an older technology, remains an important method of sending multimedia content.

However, its functionality depends on several factors such as carrier limits, device settings, and network connectivity. For most users, the common fixes involve checking attachment sizes, ensuring mobile data is on and clearing cache or restarting the device. 

As businesses continue to leverage text-based communications for user authentication methods, they must also evaluate the limitations of MMS and consider more modern, AI-powered communication platforms to deliver multimedia-rich content efficiently.

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