Fix iMessage Photos or Videos Not Sending

If your iMessage photos or videos are stuck on “Not Delivered” or fail to send, the fix usually involves checking your internet connection, adjusting MMS settings, or reducing the file size. This article walks you through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions so you can get your media moving again.

Why iMessage Media Fails to Send

iMessage uses your data connection (Wi-Fi or cellular) to send photos and videos. When it fails, the problem is almost always one of these: a weak or unstable network, iMessage itself is temporarily down, the file is too large, or your device has a software glitch. Less common causes include incorrect date/time settings, a full storage, or a carrier-level block on MMS (which iMessage falls back to when sending to non-Apple devices).

Quick Fixes to Try First

1. Toggle iMessage off and on: Go to Settings > Messages, turn off iMessage, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on. This re-registers your phone with Apple’s servers.
2. Check your network: Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Try sending a simple text first. If texts send but photos don’t, the issue is likely file size or MMS.
3. Restart your iPhone: A simple reboot clears many temporary glitches.
4. Force quit the Messages app: Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click the Home button) and swipe the Messages app away.

Check Apple’s System Status

Sometimes the problem isn’t on your end. Apple’s iMessage servers can experience outages. Before you start changing settings, visit Apple’s System Status page and look for a green dot next to iMessage. If it’s yellow or red, wait a few hours and try again—there’s nothing you can do but wait.

Adjust MMS Settings for Non-Apple Recipients

When you send a photo to an Android user, iMessage automatically falls back to MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). If your MMS settings are off, the send fails. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and make sure MMS Messaging is toggled on. Also, ensure your cellular data is enabled, because MMS usually requires a cellular connection even if you’re on Wi-Fi. If you’re traveling internationally, your carrier may block MMS—contact them to enable it.

Reduce File Size for Large Videos

iMessage has a file size limit for attachments (around 100 MB, but carriers often impose lower limits for MMS, typically 1-3 MB). If your video is too big, it will fail. To fix this, you can:

• Use the “Low Quality” image mode: Settings > Messages and toggle on Low Quality Image Mode. This compresses photos before sending.
• Trim the video in the Photos app before sending.
• Use a third-party file compressor or share a link via iCloud instead.

Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, resetting your network settings can clear out corrupted Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data configurations. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, so you’ll need to reconnect to networks afterward. It won’t delete your photos or messages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my photos send as green bubbles instead of blue?

Green bubbles mean the message was sent as SMS/MMS, not iMessage. This happens when the recipient is not on an Apple device, or when iMessage is unavailable (e.g., no internet). If you’re trying to send to another iPhone and it’s green, check your internet connection and make sure iMessage is enabled on both ends.

Can I send a video over iMessage if it’s too large?

Yes, but you may need to compress it. iMessage will try to compress automatically, but if it still fails, use the Low Quality Image Mode or trim the video. Alternatively, share the video via iCloud Link from the Photos app—this sends a link instead of the file.

Why does my iMessage say “Not Delivered” but the text sends?

This usually indicates a network issue that affects data but not SMS. Check your cellular data and Wi-Fi. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try turning it off and using cellular data, or vice versa. Also, ensure your date and time are set to “Set Automatically” in Settings > General &em; Date & Time—incorrect settings can break iMessage.

Does turning off iMessage affect my photos?

No, turning off iMessage only stops the iMessage service. Your photos remain in your Photos app and Messages history. You can turn it back on anytime.

Why do photos send blurry?

Photos may appear blurry if the recipient is on an Android device (MMS compresses heavily) or if you have Low Quality Image Mode enabled. If you’re sending to another iPhone and it’s blurry, try disabling Low Quality Image Mode and ensure you have a strong connection.

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