When your OnePlus Open can't download MMS messages, it cuts you off from group chats, photos, and videos friends are trying to share. This is usually a quick fix related to your network or a setting that got switched off.
Let's get those pictures and videos downloading again. I'd start with the network check, as it's the most common culprit on the Open.
Check Your Mobile Data and Signal
MMS doesn't use Wi-Fi to download, it requires an active mobile data connection. First, swipe down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel and make sure mobile data is turned on. The icon looks like two arrows pointing opposite directions.
Next, glance at your signal bars. If you have one bar or an "X," you might be in a weak coverage area. Try moving to a different room or near a window. Sometimes, just toggling Airplane mode on for 10 seconds and then off again can force the phone to reconnect to the strongest available signal.
Restart Your OnePlus Open
A simple restart clears out temporary glitches that can hang up the messaging service. Just press and hold the power button until the power menu appears, then tap "Restart." If the screen is unresponsive, you can force a restart by holding the power button down for about 10 seconds until you feel it vibrate and see the OnePlus logo.
Enable MMS Auto-Retrieve
Your phone might be set to ask for permission before downloading MMS to save data, which can cause delays or failures. Open the Messages app, tap the three-dot menu in the top right, and go to Settings > Multimedia messages.
Here, make sure "Auto-download MMS" is toggled on. If you travel often, also check the "Auto-download MMS when roaming" option below it, but be mindful of potential data charges.
Verify Your APN Settings
Incorrect Access Point Name (APN) settings are a frequent cause of MMS issues. These settings tell your phone how to connect to your carrier's multimedia service. The good news is they're usually pre-configured, but they can sometimes get corrupted.
Go to Settings > Mobile network > select your SIM > Access Point Names. You should see a list, with one selected (indicated by a filled circle). Do not create a new one unless instructed. Instead, tap the three-dot menu and select "Reset to default." This often fixes the problem. If it doesn't, you'll need to get the correct APN details directly from your carrier's website or customer support.
Clear the Messages App Cache
The cache stores temporary data to help apps load faster, but it can become corrupted. Clearing it won't delete your texts. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages.
Tap Storage usage and then hit "Clear cache." After doing this, force close the Messages app by swiping it away from your recent apps view, then open it again and try downloading the stuck MMS.
Check for a Software Update
Outdated system software can have bugs that affect messaging. OnePlus regularly releases updates for OxygenOS that include fixes. To check, go to Settings > About device > tap on "OxygenOS version" at the top.
If an update is available, tap "Download and install." I'd recommend doing this over Wi-Fi and while your phone is charging, as the 67W SUPERVOOC charger will make it very quick.
Reset Your Network Settings
This is a more thorough step that resets all Wi-Fi, mobile data, and Bluetooth connections back to factory defaults. You'll have to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and re-pair Bluetooth devices afterward. Go to Settings > Additional settings > Back up and reset.
Tap "Reset phone" and then choose "Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth." Confirm your PIN if prompted. This process takes about 30 seconds and often resolves persistent network-related download issues.
Try a Different Messaging App
This can help you figure out if the problem is with the default OnePlus Messages app or with the system itself. Download a popular alternative like Google Messages from the Play Store, set it as your default, and see if MMS downloads work there.
If they do, the issue is likely with your original app's data. You could then go back to the Messages app in your Settings and choose "Clear data" (warning: this will erase your text history in that app) or just stick with the new app.
Ensure You Have Enough Storage
Your OnePlus Open might refuse to download large MMS files if it's critically low on space. Open Settings > About device > Storage to see how much free space you have.
If you're below 1GB, consider offloading some photos to Google Photos or deleting unused apps. Multimedia messages need a little temporary space to download and save.
Contact Your Mobile Carrier
If you've worked through all these steps and MMS still won't download, the problem might be on your carrier's end. They can check if there's an outage in your area, reprovision your line for multimedia services, or verify that your plan includes MMS.
It's also worth asking them to resend the configuration settings to your phone, which can sometimes push through the correct APN details automatically.
