Methods for Resolving iMessage's Inability to Send Photos and Videos

iMessage is a very capable and diverse texting programme available on the iPhone, iPad, and Mac. You may use iMessage to exchange text messages, images, videos, voice notes, stickers, and GIFs, among other things. However, occasionally, issues may emerge that cause iMessage to operate improperly and certain functionalities to cease to function.

One of the most frequently reported issues is the inability to send images and movies using iMessage. If you're having the same problem, fear not; we've compiled a list of the top six solutions to resolve the iMessage not sending photos and videos issue.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN IMESSAGE AND AN SMS MESSAGE?

Let us begin by distinguishing between iMessage and standard SMS texts. iMessage is included in the Messages app, as are SMS texts sent to your phone number.

An SMS message is sent using your phone number and is paid to the carrier's or mobile service provider's plan. Meanwhile, iMessage transfers messages over a data connection using your Apple ID or a phone number associated with your Apple ID (mobile and Wi-Fi). The simplest method to tell them apart is to examine the message bubble colours. SMS texts are denoted by green bubbles, whereas iMessages are denoted by blue bubbles.

Another significant distinction is the ability to transmit photographs and movies using iMessage. However, if you attempt the same thing utilising the facilities of your network provider, it will result in an MMS.

As a result, if you attempt to transfer photographs or videos over your cell operator's service, this may not be possible. However, if the issue is caused by iMessage, you'll need to go deeper.

Open the chat room where the issue is occurring and observe the colours of your text message bubbles. If the bubbles are blue, you are experiencing difficulties sending photographs and videos using iMessage. If the bubbles are green, it indicates that you are experiencing problems with your text messaging plan.

Now that we've characterised the issue precisely, let's move on to our troubleshooting guide.

1. MAKE SURE IMESSAGE IS ENABLED

You can start by verifying whether your iMessage is enabled or not.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on Messages.

Step 2: Ensure that the toggle next to iMessage is enabled. If it is already enabled, turn it off and turn it back on.

2. ENABLE MMS MESSAGING

If you are using normal messages to send photos and videos, you’ll need to ensure that MMS messaging is enabled on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Messages.

Step 2: Enable the toggle next to the MMS Messaging option.

3. CHECK CELLULAR AND WI-FI NETWORK

Since iMessage uses data, you need to make sure that your phone has working data.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Make sure that it is turned on and connected to a working Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Similarly, to ensure that your phone has access to data on the go, tap on Mobile Data.

Step 4: Here, enable the Mobile Data.

Once these procedures are complete, launch Safari and attempt to open any webpage. If the webpage loads, this indicates that your data is functioning properly. If your phone continues to have data connectivity issues, please refer to our instructions on resolving Wi-Fi connectivity issues on iPhone.

4. SIGN OUT AND SIGN BACK INTO IMESSAGE

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Messages.

Step 2: Tap on ‘Send & Receive’.

Step 3: Here, tap on your email and number to deselect them.

Step 4: You will see a splash screen that asks your permission. Tap on Remove to continue.

Step 5: Now, tap on your number and email again to enable iMessage. Tap OK on the confirmation prompt.

5. RESET NETWORK SETTINGS

Step 1: Launch the Settings app and tap on General.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone.’

Step 3: Here, select the Reset option.

Step 4: Tap on ‘Reset Network Settings.’

Step 5: To begin the network reset process, enter your phone's passcode.

Once your iPhone's network settings are reset, it will most likely resolve any network-related issues. You will need to rejoin to Wi-Fi after resetting the network settings, as resetting the network settings deletes any Wi-Fi login information.

6. CONTACT YOUR NETWORK PROVIDER OR APPLE SUPPORT

If none of the preceding methods resolves your issue, you must contact Apple Support or your network provider. If the problem pertains to standard communications, you should contact your network provider. If, however, you are unable to transmit photographs or videos using iMessage, you should contact Apple Support.

FIX IMESSAGE NOT SENDING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS ISSUE

The remedies outlined above should assist in resolving the iMessage image and video sending problem. If the photographs are blurry, refer to our article on how to correct blurry iMessage photos.