I suddenly find that I can’t send files to an Android user via MMS, but I can send images and receive both files and images from MMS users. I'm running iOS 16.7.
That doesn’t make any sense. Anybody know what’s going on and how to fix it?
iPhone SE (2nd generation)
Hi fox256,
With regard to messages using your iPhone, the possible options are:
1) Text, video or images sent to other Apple devices. These messages deliver via your data connection through the Apple iMessage service when enabled and configured. Should there be a failure to deliver over the iMessage service, these will default to SMS or MMS. These message bubbles appear in blue on your device.
2) A Text-only message to a single non-Apple device under a character limit threshold (usually 160 characters) deliver via your cellular connection through your cellular carrier network as SMS to the cellular carrier network of the recipient for delivery. These message bubbles appear in green on your device.
3) Messages containing video, images, multiple recipients and some text only messages which exceed the SMS threshold to non-Apple devices (or group messages containing at least 1 non-Apple device) deliver via your cellular connection through your cellular carrier network as MMS to the cellular carrier network(s) of the recipient(s) for delivery. These message bubbles appear in green on your device.
Based on the information you provided, these messages would be transmitted as MMS and rely upon the cellular carriers for both you and the recipient for transmission. Any blocks, restrictions or feature mis-matches in those connections may cause a failure for the delivery or receipt of said messages. Your carrier and/or the carrier of the other individual will need to investigate the failure of these messages to transmit through their services to find and resolve the matter.
This information is covered in What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? You can also use the details from If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad to verify your device settings are correctly configured before contacting your carrier to continue. You may need to verify with them that they support the transmission of pdf files over MMS as you indicate that is the only concern you've encountered.
Regards.
Hi fox256,
With regard to messages using your iPhone, the possible options are:
1) Text, video or images sent to other Apple devices. These messages deliver via your data connection through the Apple iMessage service when enabled and configured. Should there be a failure to deliver over the iMessage service, these will default to SMS or MMS. These message bubbles appear in blue on your device.
2) A Text-only message to a single non-Apple device under a character limit threshold (usually 160 characters) deliver via your cellular connection through your cellular carrier network as SMS to the cellular carrier network of the recipient for delivery. These message bubbles appear in green on your device.
3) Messages containing video, images, multiple recipients and some text only messages which exceed the SMS threshold to non-Apple devices (or group messages containing at least 1 non-Apple device) deliver via your cellular connection through your cellular carrier network as MMS to the cellular carrier network(s) of the recipient(s) for delivery. These message bubbles appear in green on your device.
Based on the information you provided, these messages would be transmitted as MMS and rely upon the cellular carriers for both you and the recipient for transmission. Any blocks, restrictions or feature mis-matches in those connections may cause a failure for the delivery or receipt of said messages. Your carrier and/or the carrier of the other individual will need to investigate the failure of these messages to transmit through their services to find and resolve the matter.
This information is covered in What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? You can also use the details from If you can't send or receive messages on your iPhone or iPad to verify your device settings are correctly configured before contacting your carrier to continue. You may need to verify with them that they support the transmission of pdf files over MMS as you indicate that is the only concern you've encountered.
Regards.
Hi there fox256,
SMS and MMS messages are managed by your wireless carrier, so you'll want to reach out to them for more help with why you can't receive messages as expected. Learn more here: What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? - Apple Support
Take care.
You misunderstood the question. I can't send text-type files (PDF) via MMS, while I have no problem sending images or receiving MMS messages of all types.
This isn't the wireless carrier; nothing has changed in their settings since I set up this phone long ago. This is a recent occurrence, after installing iOS 16.x.
Again, I know the differences between iMessages, SMS, and MMS messages. But your reply doesn't address the issue: I can't send any text files (such as PDF) to anyone, but I can send images to both myself and others, and receive MMS messages of any type from others.
As I said, no settings have changed; this is a sudden occurrence since installing iOS 16.x.
Can't send a file via MMS, but have no problem receiving images or files via MMS
