Why Won't My iPhone Send Pictures? 17 Ways To Fix It

It can be frustrating when your iPhone won't send pictures. You might see a "Not Delivered" message, or the picture gets stuck halfway through sending. This guide covers the most effective solutions to get your photos sending again.

Common Reasons Your iPhone Won't Send Pictures

The issue could be with your phone or the receiving device. If the other person doesn't have iMessage enabled, your pictures won't go through as blue messages. In that case, try sending as a text message instead.

If someone has switched from iPhone to Android but kept the same phone number, ask them to disconnect their number from iMessage or sign out of their Apple account.

Solutions to Fix iPhone Picture Sending Issues

1. Check Cellular Data Settings

If you're using mobile data to send messages, make sure cellular data is enabled:

Go to Settings > Cellular
Ensure the toggle next to "Cellular Data" is green

2. Switch to 4G or LTE

Using 4G or LTE can provide faster internet speeds, which helps prevent pictures from getting stuck:

Open Settings > Cellular
Select Cellular Data Options
Tap Voice & Data
Choose 4G or LTE

3. Verify Your Internet Connection

If using WiFi:

Check if the WiFi icon appears in your status bar
If not connected, turn WiFi on and reconnect
Restart your router if needed by turning it off, waiting a minute, then turning it back on

If using cellular data:

Ensure you have adequate signal strength
Try moving to a location with better reception

4. Check Date & Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings can cause message delivery issues:

Go to Settings > General > Date & Time
Enable "Set Automatically" or set manually if needed

5. Enable MMS Messaging

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) is required for sending pictures via text message:

Go to Settings > Apps > Messages
Make sure "MMS Messaging" is enabled
If you don't see MMS options, enable "Send as SMS"

iOS iPhone Settings > Messages > Send as SMS.png

6. Verify iMessage is Active

If messages appear green instead of blue, iMessage may be disabled:

Go to Settings > Apps > Messages
Tap "iMessage" to turn it off, then back on
This refreshes the iMessage connection

7. Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart can resolve many temporary software glitches:

Press and hold the side button and either volume button
Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn back on

8. Change Voice & Data Settings

Switching between network types can resolve connectivity issues:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Voice & Data
Switch between 4G and 3G (or vice versa)
Return to home screen and check if cellular service improves

9. Force Quit Messages App

Close and reopen the Messages app to clear any temporary issues:

Swipe up from the bottom and pause in the middle (or double-click home button on older iPhones)
Swipe up on the Messages app to close it
Reopen Messages and try sending again

10. Update Carrier Settings

Carrier updates can improve network connectivity:

Connect to the internet
Go to Settings > General > About
If a carrier update is available, you'll see a prompt

11. Sign Out and Back Into Apple ID

Refreshing your Apple ID connection can resolve iMessage issues:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] at the top
Scroll down and tap "Sign Out"
Restart your iPhone, then sign back in

iphone-technobezz.com_account_icloud.jpg

12. Toggle iMessage Send & Receive

Choose which addresses can send and receive iMessages:

Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive
Under "You can receive iMessages to and reply from"
Select your phone number, email address, or both

13. Enable Data Roaming When Traveling

If you're traveling internationally, data roaming must be enabled:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options
Toggle "Data Roaming" on
Be aware this may incur additional charges

14. Disable Low Data Mode

Low Data Mode restricts background data usage and can prevent picture sending:

Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options
Turn off "Low Data Mode"
This allows full data usage for messaging

15. Update iOS Software

Keeping your iPhone updated ensures you have the latest bug fixes:

Connect to WiFi and ensure your device is charged
Go to Settings > General > Software Update
Download and install any available updates

16. Reset Network Settings

This resets all network settings to factory defaults:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
Click to expand
Tap "Reset Network Settings"
Click to expand
Enter your passcode and confirm
Note: This erases saved WiFi passwords

17. Reset All Settings

If nothing else works, reset all settings as a last resort:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
Select "Reset All Settings"
Enter your passcode and confirm
This won't delete your data, but will reset all preferences

Start with the simpler solutions like checking your internet connection and restarting your iPhone. If those don't work, move through the more advanced troubleshooting steps until your pictures start sending successfully.