How To Fix A Galaxy S24 Ultra That Can’t Send MMS / Picture Messages

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is a powerful multimedia device, but sometimes you might encounter issues sending MMS or picture messages. This can be frustrating, especially when you want to share those special moments with friends and family. Here’s a guide to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

Image by: Leie Gabrielle Hisona

Why Can’t My Galaxy S24 Ultra Send MMS / Picture Messages?

• Weak Cellular Signal: MMS requires a stronger signal than regular texts.
• Mobile Data Disabled: MMS relies on mobile data to send and receive.
• Incorrect MMS Settings: Misconfigured settings can hinder your ability to send MMS.
• Software Glitch: Temporary software bugs may cause issues with messaging functionality.
• Outdated Messaging App: Using an old version of the messaging app could lead to problems.
• APN Settings: Incorrect APN (Access Point Name) settings prevent proper connection to your carrier’s network.
• Account Restrictions: Your carrier may have restrictions that affect your ability to send MMS.

1. Check for strong signal

MMS requires a stable data connection, which is often compromised by a weak cellular signal.

This step ensures you have sufficient network strength for sending multimedia content.

1. Look for the signal bars icon at the top of your phone’s screen.
2. Ideally, you should have at least 3–4 bars of signal.
3. If the signal is weak, try relocating to an area with better reception (near a window or outside).

2. Enable mobile data

MMS (picture messages) require an active mobile data connection to transmit the image or video content.

This enables data transfer over your cellular network, allowing the MMS to be sent and received.

1. Go to your device’s “Settings” app.
2. Tap on “Connections” (or a similar option like “Network & Internet”).
3. Locate “Mobile Data” or “Cellular Data”.
4. Toggle the switch to the “On” position.

3. Check MMS settings in messages

Incorrect MMS settings can prevent your phone from establishing the proper connection with your carrier’s network to send and receive picture messages.

Checking these settings ensures that your phone is configured correctly for MMS functionality.

1. Open your default messaging app.
2. Access your messaging app’s settings (often found via a three-dot menu or gear icon).
3. Locate the MMS settings section (the exact location may vary slightly depending on your app).
4. Verify that MMS messaging is enabled and the settings match those provided by your carrier.

4. Toggle airplane mode

Toggling airplane mode forces your phone to disconnect from all cellular networks and then reconnect, potentially resolving temporary glitches that might be interfering with MMS functionality.

1. Access your device’s quick settings panel (usually by swiping down from the top of the screen).
2. Locate the airplane mode icon (it looks like an airplane).
3. Tap the icon to turn airplane mode on.
4. Wait for approximately 10–15 seconds.
5. Tap the airplane mode icon again to turn it off.

5. Restart your device

Restarting your device clears temporary software glitches and refreshes the system, potentially resolving issues related to MMS functionality.

1. Press and hold the power button and the volume down button simultaneously.
2. Tap on the “Restart” option that appears.
3. Wait for your device to turn off and then back on.

6. Clear messaging app cache

Over time, a messaging app’s cache can accumulate corrupted or outdated files that interfere with its functionality, including MMS sending. Clearing the cache removes these problematic files allowing the app to function properly.

1. Go to Settings on your Galaxy S23 Ultra.
2. Tap on “Apps”.
3. Find your messaging app in the list and tap on it.
4. Select “Storage”.
5. Tap the “Clear Cache” button.

7. Reset mobile network settings

Resetting mobile network settings clears potentially corrupted or incorrect configurations that might interfere with MMS functionality.

This restores network settings to their defaults, often resolving connectivity issues related to cellular data and messaging services.

1. Go to your device’s Settings app.
2. Locate the “General Management” section.
3. Find the “Reset” menu.
4. Select “Reset Mobile Network Settings” (note: this will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords).
5. Confirm the reset and wait for your phone to reboot.

8. Verify correct APN settings

The APN (Access Point Name) acts like a gateway between your carrier’s cellular network and your phone, ensuring your device has the correct information to connect for data services like MMS.

Correct APN settings establish the necessary connection pathway for your phone to communicate with your carrier’s network, enabling MMS sending and receiving.

1. Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names.
2. Check if the existing APN matches your carrier’s correct settings (you can find these on your carrier’s website or by contacting them).
3. If incorrect, you may need to create a new APN or edit the existing one.
4. Input the correct APN details provided by your carrier (this usually includes the name, APN, MMSC, and other settings).
5. Save the new or updated APN settings.

9. Check account status with carrier

Your carrier can identify potential account restrictions, billing issues, or service limitations that might be blocking your ability to send MMS.

This helps rule out carrier-side problems and potentially provide a fix specific to your account.

1. Locate your carrier’s customer support phone number (usually found on their website or your bill).
2. Call the number and follow the prompts to speak with a representative.
3. Explain that you’re having trouble sending MMS on your Galaxy S24 Ultra.
4. Provide your account information for them to check your account status.

10. Factory reset

Factory reset is a last resort when all other troubleshooting options fail because it wipes your device clean and restores it to its original software state, potentially resolving deep-rooted software issues that might be causing the MMS problem.

1. Back up all important data, as this process will erase everything on your phone.
2. Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset.
3. Review the information and tap “Reset” to confirm.
4. Your device will restart and begin the factory reset process.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting MMS issues on your Galaxy S24 Ultra should be fairly straightforward. By trying these steps, you should be able to send those picture messages in no time.

If the problem persists, your carrier’s technical support can provide further assistance.