11 Steps to Fix iPhone Not Sending or Receiving Pictures

If your iPhone isn’t sending or receiving pictures, you’re not alone.

With iOS 18, iPhone users now have RCS (Rich Communication Services) for faster, high-quality messaging, though it’s not completely stable yet.

If you haven’t updated yet, it’s worth a try.

For IOS 18 having RCS enabled follow this for troubleshooting: RCS Not Working Between iPhone and Android? Here’s Why

However, if you’re using traditional SMS or MMS to text Android users, issues are more common due to their limitations with media files.

For iPhone-to-iPhone messages, the problem is often simpler and related to your network or storage.

In this detailed troubleshooting guide, I will walk you through the solution step by step.

Also, the fixes are arranged from most common and easiest to most complex, So you can resolve the issue quickly and efficiently.

Just follow the steps in the order provided to save time and get your iPhone back to sending and receiving pictures.

1) Check System Status

First, check the iMessage server as it may be down at the moment, and there is nothing wrong on your end. To check if this is the case, verify the system status for iMessage.

You can do this by visiting the Apple official system status page. If iMessage is displaying a green dot, it indicates that the server is operational.

2) Close All Your Apps

Sometimes, apps running in the background can cause minor issues on your iPhone, including preventing pictures from being sent. Here’s how to close them:

• For iPhone X or newer: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold until the app switcher appears. Then, swipe up on all apps to close them.
• For iPhone 8 or older: Double-tap the Home button and swipe up on the apps to close them.

Once all your apps are closed, try sending your picture again.

3) Check Your Internet Connection

Photos sent through iMessage use Wi-Fi or cellular data, so a poor connection could be the culprit. To troubleshoot:

If you’re on cellular data: Connect to a Wi-Fi network and try sending the picture again. This can help determine if the issue lies with your internet connection.

If you’re on Wi-Fi: Swipe down from the upper-right corner to open Control Center and temporarily disconnect from Wi-Fi. This will put your iPhone on cellular data. Try sending the picture again.

4) Turn ON/OFF Airplane Mode

Open Control Center: Swipe down from the upper-right corner.

Turn On Airplane Mode: Tap the airplane icon and wait 10-15 seconds.

Turn Off Airplane Mode: Tap the icon again to reconnect.

This simple reset can often fix connectivity issues affecting picture sending.

5) Update iOS (If Available)

Outdated iOS software can sometimes cause bugs that affect sending and receiving pictures. To check for updates:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
• If an update is available, install it.

6) Force Restart iPhone

Try performing a force restart it often resolves temporary glitches affecting your device. Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and quickly release the volume up button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume down button.
3. Press and hold the side button.
4. Release the side button when the Apple logo appears.

This simple step might resolve the issue and allow you to send pictures without any problems.

7) Troubleshooting iMessage Issues

Check if iMessage is properly configured and your connection is stable.

Message not showing as delivered?: It’s possible the recipient is offline or switched to an Android device. Long press on the photo and select “Send as Text Message.”

Check iMessage Settings: Go to Settings > Messages and ensure that iMessage is turned on.

If it’s turned on, turn it off for a minute, then turn it back on and check again.

8) MMS Problems

If you are sending pic to Android users, iPhones use MMS, which is different from iMessage. Here’s how to fix MMS issues:

You can find the MMS settings by going to iPhone Settings > Messages > scroll down and you will see the MMS message option make sure that MMS Messaging is enabled.

Note: If the MMS option isn’t available, you might need to contact your carrier to set it up. They may provide instructions to configure the MMS settings in the Cellular Data Network section of your settings.

Info: If group messaging isn’t enabled, it’s because MMS isn’t turned on. so call your carrier to fix it

Toggle MMS off and back on Turning it off and back on can refresh the settings and solve the problem.

Also, if MMS is turned on, make sure “Send as SMS” is also enabled—this setting is located above the MMS settings. Carriers may have file size limits, so if you’re trying to send a large file, you have two options:

Use Compression Apps: Reduce the file size with a compression app before sending.

Enable Low-Quality Image Mode: Go to Settings > Messages > scroll to the bottom and turn on “Low-Quality Image Mode.”

9) Check for Carrier Settings Updates

Sometimes, carrier settings updates can impact how pictures are sent and received. To check:

1) Go to Settings > General > About.

2) Wait for about 10-15 seconds. If a carrier settings update is available, you’ll see an option to update. If nothing appears, your carrier settings are up to date.

10) Disable VPN

VPNs can interfere with your phone’s carrier settings so temporarily disable it for troubleshooting

Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management.

If you have a VPN enabled, disable it and try sending your picture again.

11) Reset Network Settings

If the VPN fix didn’t help, resetting your network settings might do the trick. Just a heads-up: this will erase your saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.

Note: Resetting your network settings will delete all of your network information. This includes Wi-Fi passwords and information about your VPNs.

Go to Settings and tap General. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Tap Reset. Choose Reset Network Settings and enter your passcode.

If you’ve tried all the steps and the issue persists, I understand how frustrating it can be.

At this point, you’ve done all you can on your end. Now, it’s time to contact your carrier, as they might need to refresh your network settings.

If that doesn’t resolve the issue, reach out to Apple Support or visit a Genius Bar for further assistance—there could be a deeper problem at play.

Wrapping Up:

I hope this detailed troubleshooting guide helps you resolve the issue of pictures and messages not sending from your iPhone.

It covers all the possible solutions. If the problem persists, the best approach would be to contact your carrier or visit the Apple Genius Bar for further assistance.