Out of the blue, my XS Max won’t send messages in group texts that include Android phones. I also can’t send pics of any kind to Android phones. This is an ongoing problem that has been discussed a LOT with NO help from Apple.
My wife’s iPhone doesn’t have an issue, so it’s the latest iOS update that broke this functionality AGAIN.
Hey Apple, FIX THIS.
iPhone XS Max, iOS 16
Hi there TonyN1983,
We're happy to provide some information about how group messages work on your iPhone when you're messaging devices that aren't made by Apple.
If you send a group message to people who aren't using iMessage, then the message is sent as an MMS or SMS message.
Group SMS
These messages also appear in green text bubbles and go through your carrier. Group SMS messages don’t support multimedia attachments, like photos or videos. All responses in a group SMS are sent as individual text messages and the recipients can’t see the other responses from the group.
You'll find this and more information in this support article: Send a group text message on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
With that said, if you can't send messages in a group to people who aren't using iMessage, then there may be an issue with your cellular data. Also, if you can't send photos of any kind in Messages, there is an issue with MMS messaging, which is managed by your wireless carrier. You'll want to be sure MMS and SMS are both turned on in Settings > Messages. Learn more about the difference here: What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? - Apple Support
Take care.
Hi there TonyN1983,
We're happy to provide some information about how group messages work on your iPhone when you're messaging devices that aren't made by Apple.
If you send a group message to people who aren't using iMessage, then the message is sent as an MMS or SMS message.
Group SMS
These messages also appear in green text bubbles and go through your carrier. Group SMS messages don’t support multimedia attachments, like photos or videos. All responses in a group SMS are sent as individual text messages and the recipients can’t see the other responses from the group.
You'll find this and more information in this support article: Send a group text message on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
With that said, if you can't send messages in a group to people who aren't using iMessage, then there may be an issue with your cellular data. Also, if you can't send photos of any kind in Messages, there is an issue with MMS messaging, which is managed by your wireless carrier. You'll want to be sure MMS and SMS are both turned on in Settings > Messages. Learn more about the difference here: What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? - Apple Support
Take care.
Hello TonyN1983,
It sounds like you've been through most steps. We'd make sure you've also covered the following related steps for sending and receiving messages on your iPhone: If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support
If you have issues with a group message
If you’re in a group message and stop receiving messages, check to see if you left the conversation. Open Messages and tap the group message. If you see a message that says you left the conversation, then either you left the conversation or you were removed from the group message. You can rejoin a group message only if someone in the group adds you.
To start a new group message:
1. Open Messages and tap the Compose button.
2. Enter the phone numbers or email addresses of your contacts.
3. Type your message, then tap the Send button.
If you have other issues with a group message, you might need to delete the conversation and start a new one. To delete a group message:
1. Open Messages and find the conversation that you want to delete.
2. Swipe left over the conversation.
3. Tap Delete.
In iOS 16, iPadOS 16.1, and later, you can recover a message if you deleted it within the last 30 to 40 days.
If you still need help
- Try to restart your iPhone or iPad.
- Check your network connection. To send a message as iMessage or MMS, you need a cellular data or Wi-Fi connection. To send an SMS message, you need cellular network connection. If you turn on Wi-Fi Calling, you can send SMS messages over Wi-Fi.
- Check with your carrier to see if the type of message you’re trying to send, like MMS or SMS, is supported.
- If you’re trying to send group MMS messages on an iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and turn on MMS Messaging. If you don't see an option to turn on MMS Messaging or Group Messaging on your iPhone, then your carrier might not support this feature.
- Make sure that your device has enough space to receive images and videos.
- Make sure that you entered the correct phone number or email address for the contact.
Learn what to do if you see a Waiting for Activation alert
Contact Apple Support if you still can't send or receive messages
Contact your carrier if you still can't receive SMS messages
Deactivate iMessage if you switched to a non-Apple phone and have issues with messaging
Should you continue to have this issue, then it would be best to contact Apple Support
They'll need to take it from here.
Wishing you well, take care.
Nope. Not the issue at all. I’ve turned off MMS, data, Wi-Fi, turn them back on, turned off iMessages, turned them back on, rebooted and tried various combinations of these.
Now, listen: it’s an issue with sending anything other than a plain text and ONLY to non iPhone users. If there’s a group text and there’s even ONE android phone, I can’t reply at all. If I try to send a picture or screenshot (anything other than just typing words) to an android user, it doesn’t work. This is a KNOWN issue, look at your own message boards and you’ll see.
The latest iOS update broke this functionality AGAIN. My wife’s iPhone has NOT updated and she DOESN’T have this issue.
TonyN1983,
As you've attempted the steps and the issue continues, reach out to Apple Support directly to further assist.
Contact - Official Apple Support
Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support
Best.
Supremely unhelpful. One more time: IT’S ONLY AN ISSUE BETWEEN IPHONES AND ANDROIDS. I can group text/send pics/videos to iPhones all day long. I can NOT GROUP TEXT OR SEND PICS/VIDEOS to ANDROIDS.
Look at these message boards! It’s an ongoing problem that Apple pretends (every time it’s brought up) that they have no knowledge of.
My wife’s iPhone hasn’t updated and DOES NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE. My completely up to date iOS phone DOES HAVE THIS ISSUE.
There. Have I clarified it?
iPhone issues with Android phones
