Troubleshooting iPhone Images Send-Receive

Overview

There are several reasons an iPhone might fail to send or receive picture messages:

• Errors associated with the Messages app or network settings.
• Network-related issues on either Apple's end or the carrier's.
• Inadequate storage space for storing new images.
• Software-related glitches in iOS or the Apple ID.

Whether the customer can't send a photo in iMessage or receive images in MMS format, one of the fixes below should resolve it. Work through them in order.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Make Sure iMessage Is Enabled
   The Messages app sends two types of messages: SMS/MMS and iMessage. iMessage lets you send text, photos, and videos to other Apple devices via cellular data or Wi-Fi. The iPhone cannot receive or send pictures if iMessage isn't turned on. Go to Settings > Messages and toggle on iMessage. Also tap Send & Receive and select the number to use in Messages.

   

2. Enable MMS For Messages
   Images can still be sent to non-Apple users via MMS, which uses the same technology as SMS. An active cellular service plan is required.
   1. Go to Settings > Messages.
   2. Turn on MMS Messaging.
   If this option isn't showing, or has disappeared after previously being available, the carrier may not support it. Try:
   1. Remove the SIM card and reinsert it.
   2. Check whether an MMS message has been received recently.
   3. Ask the carrier to send the correct MMS message settings.
3. Check Network Connection
   iMessage needs a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection to send media files. A poor or unstable connection can prevent files from sending. Try disabling cellular data, restarting the iPhone, then re-enabling cellular data. Wi-Fi or toggling Airplane Mode on/off can also help stabilise the connection.
4. Check If the Recipient Has iMessage
   If iMessage is confirmed active and working, check whether the recipient has iMessage. It only works between Apple devices, so if messages are going through as green bubbles, the recipient is likely a non-Apple user; use SMS/MMS or another messaging app instead.
5. Try Sending It to a Different Contact
   To check if the issue is limited to one contact rather than iMessage itself, send an image to another Apple user. If that works, the problem is with the original contact, possibly because:
   • iMessage is turned off on their device.
   • iMessage is temporarily unavailable on their device.
   • The contact number saved is incorrect.
   • The contact has changed their number.
   • They are using a different device for that number.
6. Check the File Size
   Check the file size by going to Photos, selecting the image, and swiping up to see the metadata. The maximum file size for iMessage attachments is 100MB. If the file is too large, reduce it first, or enable automatic lower-quality sending:
   1. Go to Settings > Messages.
   2. Scroll down and toggle on Low Quality Image Mode.

   

7. Check iPhone Storage
   Full iPhone storage will prevent pictures from being received. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to check.

   

8. Restart Messages App
   Force quitting the app can fix glitches that prevent sending or receiving pictures. Swipe up from the home screen to open the App Switcher, find the Messages card, swipe up to force quit it, wait a few seconds, then relaunch.

   

9. Clear Your iMessage Cache on iPhone
   Clearing the iMessage cache can sometimes solve the problem:
   1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Messages.
   2. Here you'll see what's taking up space in the Messages app.
   3. Delete large attachments manually, or enable Auto Delete Old Conversations to remove messages and attachments over a year old.
10. Check iMessage's System Status
    It may be a server issue on Apple's end. Check Apple's System Status page to see if iMessage's servers are currently operating normally.
11. Disable Wi-Fi Assist
    Wi-Fi Assist automatically switches to cellular data when it detects a poor Wi-Fi connection, which can be insufficient for sending pictures over iMessage, leading to a "Not Delivered" error. Go to Settings > Cellular and toggle off Wi-Fi Assist.

    

12. Sign Out of Your Apple ID
    Signing out and back in can reset a connection error. Open Settings, tap your name, scroll down and tap Sign Out, then enter the password. After a few minutes, sign back in and check whether pictures send correctly.

    

13. Install Carrier Updates
    Carriers release occasional updates that affect cellular usage. Go to Settings > General > About. If an update is available, a popup will prompt it; otherwise settings are already up to date.
14. Update iOS
    An outdated iOS can cause issues, especially when messaging other Apple devices on a newer version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Update Now if available.

    

15. Reset Network Settings
    If the issue started suddenly, a cellular settings glitch may be to blame. Note: this resets all Wi-Fi networks and passwords, plus VPN, APN, and cellular settings, so save Wi-Fi passwords first.
    1. Go to Settings > General.
    2. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone, then select Reset.
    3. Tap Reset Network Settings.
    4. Enter the passcode to confirm, then tap Reset Network Settings again.