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can't download multimedia embedded in text messages

Hi,

I have a problem where I can't load multimedia embedded in text messages when I'm at home. I'll get the text message, say with message size 30kb. The download button will sit there even though I've set it up to download automatically. I push the button, the blue circle spins for a while and quits. I try over and over, no luck. Then there will be an error message that says message expired or not available.

I can't confirm it only happens at home but it seems to be that way. I do have a Verizon network extender at home. Google says that these messages only come if WIFI is off and uses regular data. Maybe my 3g data is altered somehow by the fact that my 3g signal is 'boosted' by my 'home extender' icon that I see when I'm home. I can't get 4g at home (Verizon tells me just walk 300 feet down the road where they have great signal, yeah, right!!)

It is crazy to have to turn wifi off to get text messages at home and I can't believe that Multimedia messages would be blocked for the people who have network extenders.

This is the stock messaging program (icon with tan background and white conversation icon in middle with 3 horizontal lines in the white callout diagram).

Ideas?

Comments

Verizon_Support

docknibbs,

We want you to be able to load your multimedia messages. What make/model phone do you have? This will help us determine what we can try from here. Thanks.

ErinW_VZW

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Gunner80

Verizon Wireless Services have same problem with no help from store or 611 line.

docknibbs

I have the LG G3,. Erin can you help?

docknibbs

Gunner80, what do you notice and what phone is it on?

Heretic1989

It happens on my phone too. I have the lg g3. Solution please.

docknibbs

Do people who have the same problem have network extenders in their homes that may not allow this? i understand the picture MMS process requires mobile data only?

Can Verizon weigh in on this?

Snn5

Network extenders used to be a great idea but most phones now try to lock to the 4G signal and use the extender for voice only. It is definitely a possibility that the ext is contributing to the issue. The G2 and G3, even with mobile data off, still use data to download MMS. I know my G2 will download an MMS with mobile data turned off because the data is still actually enabled. Hard to explain, but data is always on unless in airplane mode. This allows MMS but doesnt allow other forms of data.

Snn5

I never had success with a network extender. I found that it wouldn't connect if VoLTE was enabled.

Heretic1989

Nope. No extender here. Unfortunately with the G3 we have to be connected to mobile network which of course is deducted from our monthly data allotment. Even with Wifi it doesn't work. The last phone we had (Inc 4g) we sent MMS left and right without needing to be connected to mobile network or Wifi.

Snn5

Hopefully there is an easy answer. MMS isn't deducted from your data allotment as it is part of the unlimited texting for those with unlimited texting. The LGs are always connected to data even with mobile data off. This is why I hope that there is an easily overlooked solution.

buttercreeme

You HAVE to connected to mobile data to send/receive pictures etc. in text message. Wi-Fi will not work. Discovered that the hard way unless you subscribe to the plan that allows that to work via Wi-Fi instead of data. either way it costs..to subscribe or use your data.

docknibbs

But I do have data active at home, and WIFI, I get data through a network extender, is the extender blocking access to regular mobile data since it is doing it through wifi or something? Can I unblock this somehow so I can get mY MMS messages at home? Thanks

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Edited by: Verizon Moderator

Heretic1989

It'd be nice if it wasn't deducted from my data allotment. I check my data usage before and after sending an mms by going to my verizon mobile. And sure enough i see my data usage go up.

Snn5

I've noticed that as well, but within the next day it drops off and isn't reflected as used data on my bill.

Heretic1989

It drops off? I'll get back to you about that one.

Verizon_Support

docknibbs, of course we can help you here. You will need to enable data ON in the settings of your device to connect to our network. Please be advised that your device requires a connection to our network to send/recieve multimedia messages. Keep us posted.

LasinaH_VZW

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Verizon_Support

What a great question, docknibbs. I am not quite sure if others with Network Extender access are having the same problem. I do know that WiFi should be disabled if you are trying to view a MMS.

I wish I had more details for you. Can you try to disable to WiFi at home and have someone send a picture message to see if it does load while you are connected to the Network Extender at home?

TamaraH_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

docknibbs

Lasina, I don't think you are grasping the problem. My data is on! I have access to wifi all the time but I'm reading that MMS messages do not use wifi even if wifi is connected? Is that true? I read that it uses 3g or 4g data even if wifi is available? I have 3g but no 4g at home and I have to use a network extender just to get 3g in my house. Is the network extender somehow blocking the mms messages because it isn't true 'native' 3g but rather some way of using a wifi network to make a pretend access to 3g?

>> Personal information/e-mail reply/headers removed to comply with the Verizon Wireless Terms of Service <<

Edited by: Verizon Moderator

Heretic1989

Thank you for your honesty.

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