It's a common snag on the Fairphone 5. You tap send on a photo, and it just sits there with a spinning icon or an error. Since you're running Android 14, the fixes are a bit different than on an iPhone, but they're usually straightforward.
Let's start with the quickest one. If you're using mobile data, open your quick settings panel by swiping down from the top of the screen twice. Make sure the mobile data icon is lit up. If you're on Wi-Fi, do the same check for that icon.
If that doesn't get things moving, a simple restart often clears up temporary glitches. Just press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds until the phone reboots. With the modular design, you could also pop the back cover off and remove the battery for a moment, but the power button method is easier.
Check Your App's Permissions
Android 14 can be strict about permissions. The app you're using to send photos, whether it's Google Messages, Signal, or WhatsApp, needs permission to access your media. Go to Settings > Apps, select your messaging app, and tap Permissions.
Ensure that Photos and Videos (or similar) is set to "Allow" and not "Ask every time" or "Don't allow." I've seen this block sending more often than you'd think, especially after a major OS update.
Verify Your Mobile Data and MMS Settings
If you're trying to send a picture via traditional text (MMS), it requires a mobile data connection, even if you're on Wi-Fi. First, confirm your mobile data is on in Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network.
Next, you need the correct Access Point Name (APN) settings from your carrier. These tell your phone how to send MMS. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Mobile network > Advanced > Access Point Names.
If the list is empty or you're unsure, you'll need to get the correct APN details from your mobile carrier's website. Entering them correctly here is crucial for picture messages to work.
Try a Different Messaging App
The Fairphone 5 comes with a fairly stock version of Android. Sometimes the default messaging app can have a hiccup. As a test, download Google Messages from the Play Store and set it as your default.
Try sending the photo through that app. If it works, the issue is with your previous app. You can stick with the new one or try clearing the cache and data for the old app in its settings.
Clear the App's Cache and Data
This is a good next step if a specific app is failing. Go to Settings > Apps, select the problematic app, and tap Storage & cache. Tap "Clear cache" first. This won't delete your messages.
If the problem persists, you can tap "Clear storage" or "Clear data." Warning: this will reset the app to its default state and may delete your message history within that app, so be sure you have anything important backed up.
Check for System and App Updates
One of the great things about the Fairphone 5 is the promise of long-term updates. A bug in the OS or your messaging app could be the culprit. Go to Settings > System > System update to check for Android updates.
Then, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, and go to Manage apps & device > Updates available. Update all your apps, especially your messaging apps. This often resolves compatibility issues.
Review Data Saver and Background Data Restrictions
Data Saver is a feature that restricts background data usage, which can sometimes block messages from sending. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Data Saver. Make sure it's turned off.
You can also check per-app settings. Go to the app's info page in Settings, tap Mobile data & Wi-Fi, and ensure "Background data" is allowed. This lets the app work even when it's not open on your screen.
Reset Your Network Settings
This will wipe all your saved Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and mobile network settings back to default. It's a solid fix for persistent connection issues. Go to Settings > System > Reset options.
Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth. Confirm the action. After the phone reboots, you'll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi and re-pair Bluetooth devices, but it often clears up stubborn MMS or data problems.
Check the File Size and Format
Most carriers have a size limit for MMS, usually around 1MB. If your photo is a huge, high-resolution file, it may fail to send. Try using your gallery app to edit the photo and reduce its size or resolution before sending.
Alternatively, use a different method like email, Google Photos sharing, or a file-sharing service like Dropbox for very large images. This bypasses the carrier restrictions entirely.
Test Your SIM Card
A faulty or poorly seated SIM card can cause data issues. Power off your Fairphone 5 completely. Use the SIM eject tool to open the tray and remove the SIM card.
Gently clean the gold contacts on the SIM with a dry cloth, reinsert it firmly, and power the phone back on. If you have access to another phone, you could also test the SIM card in it to see if the problem follows the card.