iOS 16 iMessage not able to send to groups with an android user in them

Ever since updating to iOS 16, I am no longer able to text groups that have an android user in them. 10 iPhones in the group = no problem. 9 iPhones and 1 android = Message Failed to Send.


I also cannot send photos to android users individually, though I can SMS text them. I just cannot MMS text them. No settings have been changed, and I have looked in the settings and see nothing that is interfering in this. I've tried resetting a fourth time just now, and still the same issue persists. Am I alone in this? It never used to happen before. I'm in several group texts that I cannot communicate in, though I can receive their texts. I just cannot send.

iPhone 11 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 10, 2022 1:47 PM

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Still no luck here. Though I had it fixed after walking Verizon through the steps in this discussion last week. Got one group text to send and then went back to the same problem. Tried calling Verizon again this morning and was told they are aware of the issue but my only option was to wait for apple to send out a software update that will fix it.

Posted on Dec 23, 2022 7:38 AM

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212 replies

Jan 12, 2023 1:43 PM in response to JHumpBadAxe

JHumpBadAxe wrote:

I also believe this to be an Apple or Apple/Verizon issue. I had no issues with this until I switched my phone out Tuesday and now have the IOS 16.2 on a new 5G SE and I cannot send or receive in a group message that includes any green bubble phone. I've done ALL the things and nothing worked. Half my work peeps have Androids.

Have you contacted Verizon? They have been able to resolve it for most people.

Jan 13, 2023 12:57 PM in response to MKDim

I got the explanation from a great Verizon tech support rep. It is 100% an iOS 16 problem that is effecting iPhone 13's and 14's, and it is also happening to T-Mobile customers. But it has to be fixed by your carrier. There are 2 separate problems. One is not being able to text android phones at all - no sending or receiving. The other is not being able to text a group if a user is any user in the group is on an android phone. The fixes are different. I got one issue one week fixed, only to encounter the 2nd issue the following week. Anyway, you have to be specific when talking to the tech rep. They are now very well aware of this problem and the fix involves removing/resetting your messaging. You have to also turn your phone off and back on after the reset. I have had no issues after both of these fixes. But he was very specific in telling me they were different issues, so be specific when asking for the reset.

Jan 14, 2023 9:40 AM in response to asparaguslightning

After reading this full thread, I too was convinced this was an Apple iOS issue... however, after trying EVERYTHING, I logged into my Verizon account and navigated to the following Account --> Mobile --> My Plan --> Blocks --> Block Services --> Messaging --> Block Picture and Video Messaging


Block Picture and Video Messaging was not toggled on, in my case, but I toggled it on and then off, and this appears to have fixed my issue.


Sharing in the hope it helps others.

Jan 14, 2023 3:10 PM in response to asparaguslightning

I had similar problem, but it was working for other iPhone users in the thread. If you are using a VPN, try shutting the VPN off on all devices, then turning it back on on all devices. I had to shut off my VPN on both my ipad and iPhone, not just one, then turn the VPN back on. Works fine after. Took 2 hours and a patient friend to figure it out.

Jan 22, 2023 12:45 PM in response to TheDude1776

TheDude1776 wrote:

This is one of those things that’s going to push me back to android… I hate how they don’t want to fix this…. I’m not going to download apps to just send a photo my next purchase will not be apple…

Who do you think “THEY” is? Actually, it is Verizon, not Apple!


When you activate an iPhone 14 on Verizon their automated system does not set up MMS correctly. To fix it you need to call Verizon tech support (611 on your phone), tell the nice representative who answers that you need to speak to a senior tech to fix a problem with the provisioning of MMS on your account. This is a universal problem with the iPhone 14 provisioning by Verizon, so the tech should know how to fix it. And hopefully the 1st tier reps will eventually learn also.


Alternative:


User Laner84 has posted a do-it-yourself solution that works for most people →Just got iPhone 14 — can’t text android phones in group texts

iOS 16 iMessage not able to send to groups with an android user in them

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