There are a few common reasons why photos may not be sending properly when you try to attach and send them through messaging apps. The most likely culprits include having limited data or storage space on your device, issues with the messaging app itself, problems with your internet connection, or your photos being too large to send. Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and resolve the problem.
Check Your Data and Storage
One of the first things to look at is whether your device has enough available data and storage space to successfully send photos through messaging.
Data
Most messaging apps rely on an internet data connection to send and receive messages. If you have a limited data plan and have exceeded your monthly allotment, the messaging app may have trouble completing the photo transfer. Try checking your data usage under your device settings or carrier account portal to see if you need to upgrade your plan or wait until your data resets for the next billing cycle.
Storage
Similarly, the messaging app needs available storage space on your device to process and transfer photo attachments. Open your phone’s settings to view how much free internal storage you have left. If it’s lower than about 500MB, the lack of free space could prevent sending photos. You may need to transfer photos and files onto a computer or cloud storage to open up more space.
| Storage Space | Troubleshooting Tips |
|---|---|
| Less than 500MB free | Transfer photos/files to free up space |
| 500MB to 1GB free | May need to delete some apps/media |
| More than 1GB free | Storage unlikely to be the issue |
Check for App Issues
If data and storage don’t appear to be the problem, the next step is to look for any known issues with the messaging app itself.
Update the App
Make sure you’re running the latest version of the app. Open your device’s app store, search for the messaging app, and check if there are any available updates to install. Updated apps frequently fix bugs and improve performance.
Reinstall the App
If the app is already up to date, try uninstalling and reinstalling it. This can clear out any corrupted files or cached data that may be disrupting the photo sending feature. Make sure to back up your conversations first.
Check Service Status
Search online to see if there are any reported widespread outages for the messaging service. Sites like Downdetector track real-time status of popular apps and networks. If there is an ongoing outage, you’ll have to wait for developers to resolve it.
Verify Internet Connectivity
Photos require a stable internet connection to send properly through messaging apps. Try the following connectivity troubleshooting steps:
Restart Your Device
Restart your smartphone or tablet – this resets network connections and services and can resolve temporary glitches.
Check WiFi and Mobile Data
Make sure you have an active internet connection by turning WiFi on or enabling mobile data. Try switching between WiFi and mobile data if needed.
Test the Connection
Run an internet speed test through a site like Speedtest.net to verify you have a consistent connection. Switch networks or contact your carrier if speeds are inconsistent.
Reset Network Settings
On an iPhone, resetting network settings restores default configurations which can fix connectivity problems. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Check Photo File Size and Type
The file size and format of the photos you’re trying to send can also cause issues.
Size
Most messaging apps have limits on the maximum file size of photos they can transfer. For example, WhatsApp’s limit is 16MB per photo. Check the image sizes – if they exceed the app’s limit, try compressing or resizing to a smaller resolution.
Format
Apps may have issues with certain image formats. JPEG is the most compatible format. Avoid sending HEIC photos from iPhones or RAW files from DSLR cameras. Use an editing app to export the photo to JPEG first before sending.
| Photo Type | Maximum Size |
|---|---|
| JPEG/JPG | 16MB (WhatsApp) |
| PNG | 5MB (Facebook Messenger) |
| HEIC (iPhone) | Export to JPEG first |
Use Photo Compression Apps
If you need to send photos that exceed file size restrictions or change formats, use a compression tool. Apps like Image Size Reducer (Android) or Compress Photos (iOS) let you shrink images to send smaller versions through messaging. They typically allow compression while preserving image quality.
Android File Size Reducer App
On Android, open the photo in the app and use the slider to compress to under 16MB. Tap the share icon and select the messaging app to send the compressed photo.
iOS Compress Photos App
On an iPhone, open the photo in the app, set the compression percentage, and tap Compress. Then access the photo from your camera roll and attach it to your message as usual to send.
Use Photo Sharing Platforms
For very large photos, an alternative is to upload them to a photo sharing platform and send the link through messaging instead of the full photo file. Popular platforms like Google Photos and iCloud offer free storage for high resolution photos.
Google Photos Sharing
Upload your photo collections to Google Photos, then tap the share button for any individual photo. Choose “Get link” and set the link to not expire. Paste this shareable link into your messaging app.
iCloud Photo Sharing
Enable iCloud Photos on your iPhone, upload your photos, select images, tap the share icon, and choose Copy iCloud Link. Paste this public link to anyone in your messaging conversations.
Troubleshoot Your Device’s Camera
If your device is having issues taking photos in the first place to send through messaging, the camera itself may need troubleshooting.
Check Camera Permissions
Make sure the messaging app has permission to access your device’s camera and photos. Update the app permissions in your device settings.
Clear Camera App Cache/Data
In your device settings, find the camera app and clear out stored cache and data. Then reopen the camera to reset it.
Use a Camera Cleaning App
Specialized camera cleaning apps can help identify and fix camera issues by diagnosing hardware and software problems. Try running a camera test in the app and applying recommended fixes.
Factory Reset Device
For persistent camera problems, a factory reset of your smartphone can wipe out any corrupted files and reconfigure the camera. Backup data first and choose this option only if other troubleshooting fails.
Contact Your Carrier or Device Manufacturer
If you’ve tried all applicable troubleshooting steps and are still unable to send photos through messaging, contact your wireless carrier or your phone/tablet’s manufacturer for further support. Provide detailed information about the issue and troubleshooting already attempted. They may suggest additional advanced steps to resolve the problem.
Conclusion
Photos failing to send through messaging apps is usually due to limited data or storage, app malfunctions, connectivity issues, oversized files, or camera problems. Methodically verify that you have sufficient data and storage available, check for any known app issues, ensure your internet connection is stable, compress overly large images, or reset your device’s camera. If troubleshooting does not resolve the issue, reach out to your carrier or device maker for help identifying any underlying causes. With consistent testing and patience, you should be able to get your photo messaging working again.