7 Easy Fixes for iPhone Not Sending Pictures [2024 Update]

You’re not alone if you find it hard to send or get pictures through your iPhone’s Messages or iMessage. It’s a common problem, but there’s no need to worry. We’ve discovered some straightforward solutions to fix this issue. 

There could be various reasons why your iPhone is having trouble with iMessage or MMS picture sending. This guide will help you understand why this might be happening. 

We’ll cover basic troubleshooting steps, how to fix issues with sending pictures in text messages, solving problems in iMessage, and what to do if these tips don’t work. This information makes it easy for you to get back to sharing photos effortlessly.

Reasons why iPhone may not be sending or receiving pictures

There are a few common reasons why your iPhone might be unable to send or receive pictures. Here are some of them:

• MMS Messaging needs to be turned on: For your iPhone to send pictures in regular text messages, you must turn on MMS messaging. If it’s not on, your picture messages won’t be sent.
• Weak network connection: Not being able to send or receive pictures can be due to a weak network connection.
• Problems with the software: Sometimes, minor errors or problems in the iPhone’s operating system can stop pictures from being sent or received.
• Difference between iMessage and Text Message: If the person you’re sending a picture to doesn’t use an iPhone, you might have to send the picture as a regular text message instead of using iMessage.

READ MORE: Message Failed to Send on iPhone? Try These 12 Easy Fixes! ➜

Understand text messages vs iMessages

When you send pictures from your iPhone, it’s important to know the difference between regular text messages (SMS/MMS) and iMessages. Understanding this can help you figure out how to send your messages correctly and fix any problems.

On your phone, distinguishing between iMessages and regular text messages is very simple and easy. iMessages are displayed in blue bubbles, whereas standard text messages appear in green bubbles.

SMS/MMS are the usual types of text messages that work over the cell phone network. They can be sent to any phone but might not handle picture or video messages well. On the other hand, iMessage is something only Apple devices use. It sends messages over the internet, not the cell network, and is good at sending pictures and videos.

General troubleshooting methods for iPhone not sending pictures

If your iPhone isn’t sending pictures, here are some easy steps to fix it. First, make sure your network connection is strong. If you’re having issues with your Wi-Fi, a simple trick is to turn it off and then turn it back on. Here are straightforward methods to begin solving the issue:

1. Restart your iPhone

Sometimes, just restarting your iPhone can fix problems with it. To do this: 

1. Press and hold the power button (or the home button if you have an older model) and the volume button simultaneously. 
   

   

2. Keep holding them until you see “Slide to power off” on the screen. Then, slide the button to the right to turn off your iPhone. 
   

   

3. Press the power button again after your iPhone is completely off until you see the Apple logo. This turns your iPhone back on.
   

   

READ MORE: iPhone Force Restart Not Working? Try These 9 Easy Fixes

2. Check the file size

Sometimes, a photo or video might be too big to send. The maximum file size you can send via iMessage is 100 MB. For MMS, the size limit vary with different network providers. To see the size of your file on an iPhone:

1. First, open the Photos app and choose the photo or video you’re trying to send.
   

   

2. Next, tap on the “Details” button, which you can find at the bottom. It looks like a small “i” within a circle. 
   

   

3. This will show you the size of the file.
   

   

If it’s large, you might need to make it smaller. You can do this by using a tool that makes the file size smaller (compression tool) or by taking photos or videos with a lower-quality setting. This can help solve the problem.

READ MORE: 10 Easy Ways to Send Large Files Over Email [2024 Update] ➜

3. Reset network settings

If you’re still having trouble, resetting your iPhone’s network settings might help. These settings are about how your phone connects to mobile networks and Wi-Fi. Here’s what to do:

1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app and go to the “General” section.
   

   

    
2. Look for “Transfer or Reset iPhone” and tap on it.
   

   

3. Next, select “Reset” from the choices given.
   

   

4. In the menu that appears, choose “Reset Network Settings.” This will set all the settings that deal with the network back to their original state.
   

   

5. You must enter your passcode to confirm that you want to do this.
   

   

4. Check the number you’re texting

When you’re sending a picture from your iPhone to someone, and they don’t get it, the first thing to check is if you have the right phone number. It’s easy to overlook small errors, like typing a wrong number. 

Even one wrong digit can stop your message from reaching the right person. Double-check the phone number of the person you’re sending the message to. This helps make sure you have the correct details. If the number is right, the person may have blocked your number.

5. Update your iPhone

Keeping your iPhone up to date is important. Apple often releases updates that add new features, make your phone run better, and fix problems. If your iPhone’s software is old, it could be why you can’t send a picture message. 

The old version might have some bugs. Updating your iPhone to the newest version of iOS can solve this issue. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the “Settings” on your iPhone and tap on “General.”
   

   

2. Next, select “Software Update.”
   

   

3. In this section, you’ll see your device’s most recent iOS version. If there’s an update available, you’ll see a button that says “Download and Install.” Tap on it and wait for your phone to update.
   

   

After your iPhone updates, open the Messages app and try sending the picture again.

READ MORE: iPhone 15 Pro’s Performance & Battery Improved After iOS 17.0.3 Update ➜

6. Sign out of Apple ID and back in

Signing out of your Apple ID and then signing back in might help. This can refresh your account settings and solve the issue. Here’s how to do it in a few simple steps:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone, and at the top of the settings menu, you’ll see your name with your picture set for Apple ID. Tap on it.
   

   

2. Scroll down the page here to find the option to “Sign Out.” Tap on it to log out of your Apple ID.
   

   

Important: If you cannot sign out due to the “Sign out not available due to restrictions” error, your screen time settings are not allowing you to sign out. Learn how to get rid of this issue ➜.

3. Ensure to tap toggles to turn them on so that your important things get backed up. Now tap “Sign Out” at the top right to confirm signing out. You may be asked to provide your passcode.
   

   

Once you have signed out, sign back in with your Apple ID.

7. Disable Wi-Fi Assist

Wi-Fi Assist is a feature that can sometimes create issues, especially when you’re sending large files. This automatically switches to cellular data when it detects a poor Wi-Fi connection. But if your mobile data isn’t good enough, this could cause your picture messages not to be sent properly.

Here’s how to turn it off:

1. First, go to the “Settings” on your iPhone. Then select “Mobile/Cellular Service.”
   

   

2. Scroll down until you see “Wi-Fi Assist.” There will be a toggle switch next to it. Turn this switch off.
   

   

Doing this means your phone won’t automatically switch to cellular data when the Wi-Fi is poor. Try sending your picture message again after you’ve turned off Wi-Fi Assist.

Fix the iPhone not sending pictures via text messages

Here, we will share some helpful steps to solve the problem of your iPhone not sending photos if you are using text messaging. Let’s get into the solutions to this issue.

1. Be sure MMS is turned on

If MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) isn’t turned on, your iPhone might not send picture messages. MMS is needed to send images in text messages. Here’s how to check and turn it on if needed:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone. Scroll down in the menu until you find “Messages.”
   

   

2. Inside “Messages,” look for “MMS Messaging” and see if it is enabled (the switch should be green).
   

   

Turning on MMS Messaging is key to ensuring your iPhone can send picture messages.

READ MORE: What is MMS.exe in Acronis Backup? Should you Remove it? ➜

2. Make sure Carrier allows MMS service

If you’ve turned on MMS but still can’t send picture messages from your iPhone, the next step is to check if your phone carrier allows MMS service. Sometimes, the problem might be with the carrier’s service settings. 

To find out, you need to contact your phone service provider and ask them directly if they support MMS on your iPhone. They can also help you understand if any specific settings or plans are required for using MMS.

3. Check cellular network

A poor internet can often be why you’re having trouble sending picture messages. This is a common issue in places like underground rooms, on a subway, or in areas with air-conditioned buildings.

To check your network:

1. Open your iPhone’s “Settings” app, then tap “Mobile Services.”
   

   

2. Make sure that “Mobile Data” is turned on.
   

   

Fix the iPhone not sending pictures in iMessage

When you’re using iMessage, if you notice that your messages with pictures (which appear in blue bubbles) aren’t being delivered, or if they switch to blue but don’t send, there are some steps you can take to fix this. Let’s go through these solutions so you can send pictures through iMessage without issues.

1. Make sure iMessage is enabled

To send pictures using iMessage, you must ensure the iMessage service is active on your iPhone. Here’s how to check and turn it on:

1. First, go to your iPhone’s “Settings” and then tap on “Messages.”
   

   

2. Look for the “iMessage” option and turn it on. Wait a bit for it to activate (turn green).
   

   

Tip: If iMessage is already on but your messages still aren’t getting through, try turning iMessage off and then restart your iPhone. After turning your iPhone back on, turn iMessage on again. This can sometimes fix the issue.

READ MORE: How to Enable iMessage on Any iPhone in 4 Easy Steps [2024] ➜

2. Check system status

Sometimes, the problem with iMessage or other Apple services might not be something you can solve. It could be due to issues with Apple’s systems themselves. If you think this is why your iMessages aren’t being sent, a good step is to check Apple’s System Status webpage. 

This page will tell you if Apple is experiencing any known problems with its services. If there is a problem on Apple’s side, the best you can do is wait until they fix it.

3. Ensure that the other person has enabled iMessage

When sending pictures through iMessage, the person you’re sending them to must also have iMessage enabled on their device. They won’t receive your pictures if they haven’t turned on iMessage. 

Make sure iMessage is working on their iPhone. A good way to check if the problem is with your phone is to try sending the photos to someone else who uses iMessage. If they get your photos without issues, your phone is likely fine.

What do you do if you’re still having trouble?

If you’ve tried all the basic steps to fix the picture messaging problems on your iPhone and nothing’s working, it’s normal to feel frustrated. But don’t worry; there are still more things you can try that might help solve the issue. Let’s look at other options to get your picture messaging working again.

READ MORE: How to Fix iPhone’s Camera Not Working? [Top 10 Solutions] ➜

↪ Explore alternative messaging apps

If you’re still having trouble with iMessage or the Messages app on your iPhone, think about using other messaging apps. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Signal are good for sending pictures. 

They work over an internet connection, which can help you avoid the problems you might face with regular SMS or MMS messages. These apps can be a great alternative and might solve your issue with sending pictures.

↪ Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store

If you’ve done everything possible to fix the issue but still have problems, asking for expert help is a good idea. You can contact Apple Support or go to an Apple Store. They can offer more specific help for your situation. 

The technicians at Apple can check your iPhone with special tests to see if there’s a problem with the hardware. This way, you can discover exactly what’s wrong and get the right solution.

READ MORE: How to Contact Snapchat Support in 2024 [4 Different Ways] ➜

Final Thoughts

If you’re experiencing the issue of your iPhone not sending pictures, remember that you can take several practical and simple steps to solve this problem. You can start by enabling MMS and iMessage services, checking your network settings, and even considering alternative messaging apps. 

These solutions are provided to cover various possible issues. If all else fails, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for professional assistance. Each step we’ve discussed is straightforward and aims to address different aspects of the problem, making it easier to get back to sharing your favorite moments seamlessly.