How to Fix “Failed to Download Attachment from Multimedia Message” Error?

You may encounter the failed to download attachment message due to a corrupt cache/data of the MMS service or a corrupted cache partition. Furthermore, incompatible messaging applications or invalid APN settings can also cause the error message.

The affected user sees the error when attempting to download an MMS attachment. Some users have reported the issue occurs only in group chats. The error message may also pop up when the user unlocks their phone (sometimes on the lock screen) or upon launching the messaging app.

This problem can be tricky as its cause might be related to the service provider or your phone.

Before you begin troubleshooting the process of downloading a multimedia message, make sure there is no file size limit set in the MMS settings. Also, verify if another SIM works correctly with your phone. If so, the issue is with the service provider; if not, then it lies with your phone. Additionally, check for any network outages in your area.

Keep in mind that a non-carrier phone may fail to download the MMS message, even with Wi-Fi calling enabled. Moreover, if you receive the error message without any pending MMS, try toggling the message notifications on or off in the phone settings.

Another important check is to make sure that you have a data plan activated for your connection. If you have previously used iMessage, consider deregistering your number from iMessage (this can be a last resort). Lastly, restart your device or toggle the Airplane Mode on and off.

1. Change the Network / Network Mode

This happens because your phone needs to use mobile data to download MMS messages, and being on the wrong network mode might prevent your phone from connecting to the mobile data network effectively. By toggling between Automatic, LTE, or other network settings, you help your device find the sweet spot in connectivity that allows for smooth MMS transactions.

This step re-establishes a solid connection with your carrier’s network, ensuring that data can flow and MMS messages can be downloaded.

1. Unlock your phone and slide down the notification panel from the top of the screen.
2. Tap on the Wi-Fi icon to switch it off.
3. Next, tap on the Mobile data icon to enable it.

   

4. Attempt to download the message again and see if the error has been resolved.
5. If not, go to your phone’s Settings and tap on More.

   

6. Navigate to Mobile Network.

   

7. Tap on Preferred Network Mode.

   

8. Experiment with different network modes, such as Automatic or LTE, and check if the MMS problem is solved.

   

2. Enable / Disable Auto-Retrieve MMS Setting

The auto-retrieve feature, when activated, automatically downloads multimedia messages as they arrive. While convenient, it can sometimes run into glitches or bugs that prevent successful downloads.

By toggling this setting off and on, you’re essentially giving the messaging service a chance to reset any temporary issue that’s affecting its ability to process incoming MMS data. This quick refresh can sometimes be all that’s needed to clear up any errors and get your MMS downloads back on track.

1. Open the Messaging app and tap on Menu.
2. Select Settings.

   

3. Toggle the Auto Retrieve option to either enable or disable it, then restart your phone.

   

4. After the reboot, check if you can download the MMS message without issues.

3. Disable the Package Disabler

On Android devices, a Package Disabler is often used to turn off unnecessary or unwanted apps (often referred to as bloatware). Sometimes, though, it may mistakenly block essential services, like those related to the MMS functionality.

If key services are accidentally disabled, this can prevent MMS messages from being downloaded correctly. By making sure the Package Disabler is deactivated, you re-enable all services, including the vital ones for MMS, potentially resolving any downloading issues tied to service restrictions.

1. Tap on the Package Disabler widget. Its color should change from red to blue, indicating it has been disabled.

   

2. Now, verify if the MMS can be downloaded successfully.

4. Enable Download Booster

Download Booster is a feature primarily available on Samsung devices that combines Wi-Fi and mobile data connections to accelerate downloads of large files. Activating this feature can avoid issues rooted in network connectivity. By doing so, the increased bandwidth might enable successful downloading of stubborn MMS messages that were previously failing under weaker network conditions.

1. Activate both Wi-Fi and mobile data.
2. Open your phone’s Settings and tap on Connections.

   

3. Select More Connection Settings.

   

4. Tap on Download Booster and enable it.
5. Restart your device.

   

6. After restarting, attempt to download the MMS message again and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Clear Cache and Data for MMS Service

The MMS service relies on a cache to function efficiently. If the cache/data is corrupted, clearing it may resolve the issue. By going through the settings and wiping the cache and data specifically for the MMS service, you’re basically giving it a fresh start. This process removes temporary files and saved snippets that can interfere with the service’s operations, potentially resolving any issues that were causing download failures.

1. Navigate to Settings on your phone and select Apps.
2. Tap on the More button (usually located at the top right or bottom of the screen) and then select Show System.

   

3. Locate and select the MmsService app and then tap on Storage.

   

4. Tap on Clear Cache and Clear Data, and confirm the actions in the dialogue box that appears.

   

5. Restart your phone.
6. Upon reboot, attempt to download the message to see if the issue has been resolved.

6. Clear the Cache Partition

Over time, this data can become corrupt, leading to system glitches and errors, including trouble with MMS downloads. By wiping the cache partition, you effectively clear these temporary files without affecting your personal data, allowing your device to rebuild a fresh cache from scratch. This fresh start can often resolve persistent issues, restoring the phone’s ability to download and process MMS messages correctly.

1. Clear the cache partition.
2. Restart your smartphone and check if the MMS error has been resolved.

7. Disable IPV6 Protocol

IPv6 is the latest Internet Protocol version, designed to replace IPv4 due to its larger address space. However, not all network infrastructures are fully optimized to handle IPv6, and not all services support it smoothly. By disabling IPv6 on your router, you can make sure that your devices use the more universally compatible IPv4.

This can sometimes resolve conflicts or connectivity issues, such as problems with downloading MMS, as it forces the device to use a protocol that the network and services are more likely to support effectively.

1. Disable the IPV6 protocol on your router. This can usually be done via the router’s settings, accessed using the IP address found on the router.
2. After disabling IPV6, see if you’re able to download MMS messages.

9. Change Messaging Application

The MMS issue might come from the messaging app you are using. Depending on the case, either the default messaging app or a third-party app could be the reason. For T-Mobile users, you might want to try the T-Mobile Digits app.

If you currently use the stock messaging app, consider installing a different one like Messages by Google, Hangouts, Textra, and then change the default messaging app to the new one.

If you’re using a third-party app, switch to the default messaging app on your phone.

1. To set a default messaging app, enter the Settings on your device and go to Application Manager.
2. Tap on the More button and then select Configure Apps.

   

3. Select the SMS App option.

   

4. From the apps list, choose the messaging app you wish to set as the default.

   

5. After setting a new default SMS app, verify if the MMS messaging error has been resolved.

9. Reinstall / Reset the Carrier or APN Settings

The APN settings act as a bridge between your phone and the mobile network, allowing services like MMS to function properly. Should these settings be incorrect or have been messed around with, messages might not download as intended.

By resetting them to the default values provided by your carrier, you eliminate any configuration errors that might have been causing the MMS downloading issues, thus restoring the phone’s ability to successfully receive multimedia messages.

Remember, it’s important to have the correct APN details at hand, which your carrier can supply, to make sure everything is configured accurately post-reset.

1. Open your phone’s Settings and tap on More.

   

2. Next, tap on Mobile Network and then on Access Point Names.

   

3. Press the Menu button and then select Reset to Default.

   

4. If the problem persists, return to the Access Point Names settings as described above and delete any unnecessary APNs.
5. Proceed to add a new APN (contact your carrier for the necessary settings). Alternatively, if you have saved MMS settings messages, use those to configure the APNs.
6. After resetting APNs to their default settings, verify if the MMS issue is resolved.

10. Update Profile and PRL

A corrupt data profile or Preferred Roaming List (PRL) on your device can prevent MMS messages from downloading. By updating the Profile, your phone re-establishes a fresh connection with your cellular service provider’s network, which can clear up any data corruptions or outdated settings that might be blocking the MMS service.

The PRL update makes sure your device is set to roam on the most current and appropriate network bands or towers available, which might be necessary for optimal reception and MMS functionality. Together, these updates can help restore smooth network services, including the successful download of MMS messages.

1. Go to your phone’s Settings and tap on About phone.
2. Select System updates, then Update Profile.

   

3. Next, tap on Update PRL and then restart your phone.

   

4. After the restart, check if the MMS issue has been resolved.

If the problem persists, consider reporting your phone as lost via the carrier’s self-service portal. Wait about 15 minutes, then report the phone as found. While this has helped numerous users, be cautious as it may involve complex procedures with certain carriers, and your phone could potentially get locked. Always consult with your Carrier before taking this step.