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Receiving blurry photos all of a sudden in May 2024

All of a sudden the photos I receive via text are blurry on my S21. The word on Reddit is it's a Verizon issue. Perhaps a Verizon/Samsung issue. It's happening across Android devices - regardless of age - on old and new phones, fancy and less fancy. What can we do?

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@Verizonsupport is there a response? This is a pervasive problem.

If you're using Verizon's Messages+ app for texts, that app is pretty much dead - Verizon is officially pulling the plug on it in about 3 weeks - but a bunch of features have been slowly getting disabled over the past few months already.

Maybe there's something going on with the network, but my Samsung phone is (former) carrier unlocked running Android 14, and my dad sent me a picture via text this past weekend and it was fine.

If verizon doesn't fix this soon or at least acknowledge it, I am going to switch carriers.

I recently started having this same problem. I'm looking for a solution. I'm the only one in my household having this issue and my phone is definitely nicer than my teenagers@verizon support it would be nice if you could offer us a decent solution.

Verizon_Support

We can provide some guidance regarding this concern with the quality of photos. What messaging app are you using? ~Peter

I am using google messages but my husband is using Textra. My son is using imessages on an iphone. The issue is not the messaging app. It is something in the network file transfer because sometimes when we resend the pictures for the 2nd or 3rd time (which should not have to happen) the pic comes in clear.

Verizon_Support

Hello, tipw5. Ensuring you receive only the best in messaging is a must. Help is here. Just to confirm, are there any pending software updates? What is the make/model of your device?

-Natasha

I saw your input on reddit too - not the issue tho! thank you for giving it a try!

I'm having the same problem. I use the messages app and have an A50.

You would solve this issue for many customers... check Reddit if you / Verizon haven't seen the pervasive communications about this! We'd love a solution. I've tried 3 messaging apps in the past few weeks... currently using google. No difference yet. That said, when pics are sent one at a time it seems to be ok - on all apps. When multiple pics are sent together, it's no good - either just to me or to a group. I'm on a Samsung 21, all updates installed, using Google messages, Verizon...

Verizon_Support

Thank you so much for the information, JacBar. Does the issue persist when your device is in Safe Mode: https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-236141/ Have you noticed if this occurs when you're connected solely to Wi-Fi vs cellular data?

~Izzy

It's happening to me on Textra, Google Messages, and Smart Message. It's so blurry because the file size is like 3.1 kb with a resolution of 90x120. This is a known thing and reddit is full of posts about it.

I just switched to Verizon messages and got the first clear pic I've seen in weeks. The advice to switch was also from Reddit. The fact that we can even text clear photos in 2024 is pathetic.

The only thing is...it's doing it in other messaging apps also including Google.

@Verizonsupport
this is a confirmed issue with Verizon starting in May 2024. This issue is being discussed around the web and it is affecting many folks. This is not a phone-specific issue, it appears to be some fundamental change to the MMS system perhaps your engineers made.

The issue arises when multiple pictures are sent in one text. Sending 1 picture in 1 text the picture looks normal. Sending any more than that in 1 text makes the pictures blurry. This appears to be caused by Verizon limiting MMS size, or automatic resize is forced on MMS, but not confirmed. This issue occurs whether the sender has an Android or iPhone. Using a OnePlus phone, but others have various phones and all are affected as well.

Other discussions about this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/1cpux4o/pictures_being_sent_to_me_via_text_are_blurry_all/

https://www.reddit.com/r/verizon/comments/1d0sxqp/receiving_blurry_pictures_on_android/

Having issues as well with photos coming from iphone. This also happens with Gifs sent to me. It's just a pixel messy square of colors. They are fine coming thru messenger. Just started happening in last month was fine before.

Verizon_Support

Oh no! One of my favorite things on my phone are my pictures and I would like to find the root cause of the issue. Please tell us a little more. Is your device software up to date? How much free memory spaces does your device have?

~Maria

Same here has been happening all week. I'm on a Samsung Galaxy S22+ 128GB, had the issue on Textra, and Verizon Messaging Plus (both apps are up to date), no software updates pending, only half of the storage used, restarted MANY times.

Same as others- the pics can come from iPhone or Andriod. When they send single pics they are clear. When they send multiple at once the photos are beyond blurry. What's odd, is that in the preview of the pic and in the thread in VZW+ the pics look clear, but when you open them they are blurry. When I save the pic and open it in my gallery, it's not only blurry it looks like there is the original pic (blurry) and a smaller version of the same pic inside of it (also blurry)- think when you look through multiple mirrors- the picture is almost repeated like that. And if I try to send one of the pics to someone from the message thread- they send blurry too.

I'm not calling in b/c that's been a total waste of time the last few times I've needed assistance with my account and I don't want to be told to factory reset. Not the workers fault, it's the steps they are given, but based on what I've read (Reddit) that doesn't seem to help.

Unprofessional garbage. Time to visit other service providers to let them know there is blood in the water. Ramp up the switch service deals. This is pure nonsense.

Same! I have an S22 Ultra. I've probably spent about 2 hours on the phone with Verizon and thought it was fixed, but it's not. It's inconsistent, whether it's a text from an android user or iPhone user, whether I'm on wifi or using data. I'm thinking about switching carriers. The pictures are only consistently clear if they're sent to me one at a time.

Verizon_Support

We want to make sure that you're able to get your pictures fixed. Does this happen with all pictures you're receiving? If you use Google Messages, does the issue continue? Apart from restarting, what troubleshooting have you tried?

~Jesse

Verizon_Support

Oh, no! Dealing with technical issues can be frustrating, especially if you are receiving blurry photos since May. Verizon is here to help.

What recent changes have you made? What messaging app are you using? Does this happen with all pictures or only certain? Does this occur with all numbers or only certain people?

~Gilbert

Verizon_Support

Happy Saturday! Being on top of your account is vital, especially if you are encountering blurry photos since May. We are here to offer the support you deserve.

Let's gather more info. What recent changes have you made? Who else is experiencing this problem? What messaging app are you using? Does this occur with all pictures? Does this happen with everyone?

~Gilbert

Verizon_Support

Hope your having a wonderful weekend! Being on top of your service is important, especially if you are encountering blurry photos since May. Verizon is here to help.

Let's gather more details. What recent changes have you made? Who else is experiencing this problem? What messaging app are you using? Does this occur with all pictures? Does this happen with everyone?

~Gilbert

I have also been having the same issues with blurry photos since May. I have made no changes to my settings other than security updates. Verizon cell coverage has also been terrible. I'm starting to look for a new carrier after being a loyal Verizon customer for over 20 years. My coworkers on Verizon are also having the same issues with photos.

Also on my phone. All photos in recieved texts blurry

S23 ultra

Messages

Since may 17th update

One pic fine

Multiples distorted

S20+, same issue since June 1. Single photos are fine, multiples are not. I've tried everything, nothing changes.

I have been with Verizon for 18 years. Going to to to ATT. My husband has ATT and he gets the same pictures from the same people they aren't blurry. Verizon isn't even acknowledging this. This is unacceptable.

CallMetheBreeze1

Both S21 phones on my Verizon plan have this issue since the mid-May Samsung update with AI features. This issue needs to be addressed asap with a vaild solution. Both of us use the Messages app that came with the phone. App updates are current.

It is vacation season and we are losing photographic memories. It's very annoying and unacceptable to have to ask friends and family to resend pictures one at a time. Are there not Verizon employees using the same phones and network that we all are?

@vzw_customer_support
this situation is completely unacceptable.

Numerous online forums are complaining about this, all of which have determined Verizon's network to be the root-cause. Something clearly changed, why hasn't it been reverted?

As a company, Verizon has failed to:
- Take ownership
- Provide a workaround
- Communicate

As a result, what started as an inconvenience has now become infuriating. Others have already stated they will be switching carriers, more will follow if Verizon doesn't address this ASAP.

VerizonUser1378973

I'm on my 4th call with Verizon. I am so annoyed and frustrated. Reset my settings, and still no solution or acknowledgment of the problem.

I started having the same problem on May 27.... This is unacceptable as I use my verizon phone for business and now I cannot see samples. Since this appears to be a #Verizon issue, I will have to switch my service provider.

Please advise.

I am adding in a note from earlier in the thread to address that this in a Verizon specific issue and has been widely discussed on various forums. (thanks @Asher3
for posting this original message)

@Verizonsupport this is a confirmed issue with Verizon starting in May 2024. This issue is being discussed around the web and it is affecting many folks. This is not a phone-specific issue, it appears to be some fundamental change to the MMS system perhaps your engineers made.

The issue arises when multiple pictures are sent in one text. Sending 1 picture in 1 text the picture looks normal. Sending any more than that in 1 text makes the pictures blurry. This appears to be caused by Verizon limiting MMS size, or automatic resize is forced on MMS, but not confirmed. This issue occurs whether the sender has an Android or iPhone. Using a OnePlus phone, but others have various phones and all are affected as well.

Other discussions about this:

https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/1cpux4o/pictures_being_sent_to_me_via_text_are_bl...

https://www.reddit.com/r/verizon/comments/1d0sxqp/receiving_blurry_pictures_on_android/

Please kindly understand NO settings on the phone end have been changed. The messaging app remains the same. This issues affects users despite the messaging app, despite the model. No pending updates exist. This happens with phones sent outside Verizon to Verizon and within Verizon.

This issues is caused by Verizon engineers changing way in which MMS message attachments are handled. All of us have troubleshooted for weeks without results. This is a brand new issue, apparent by the date of the posts. It has to do with the max size of MMS messages.

I'm submitting a Better Business Bureau request now since this is not being taken seriously. This is not a user issue.

Experiencing the same issue. @Verizonsupport Please fix! This is ridiculous!

We are all experiencing this, if we get 2 or more pics. One pic is clear, 2 or more is blurry. I have a S24, I have not made any changes to anything, it just randomly started happening a week or so ago. It doesn't matter what texting app I use. I've tried the Samsung app, Google msgs, and Textra.... They are have the same results... Blurry pics. My mom has a A15 and hers is doing it too. I pay $150 a month for our service and we both just got new phones. This is unacceptable!

Verizon customer support replying to threads asking what trouble shooting did we do is an absolute JOKE!

Clearly there is an issue with verizon and not with every single persons phone old or new, and tech support can't help, and tier 2 support can't help.

Solving the problem sounds like leaving Verizon to me.

1985_Millennial

I am having the same issue. As well as some of my photos that appear sent to me, never make it to the person I sent it to. There has been no change to how I've been using my phone. My phone is set for automatic updates as well as periodic restarts. I have gone through my storage thinking it could be a storage issue. Nope.

1985_Millennial

Same. I used Textra for years. I started having this issue thinking it was the app. So, I ended up changing over to Google Messages a while back when I got my upgraded phone. It worked more smoothly without the experiences I was having with Textra., so I continued with Google. Now, I'm facing the same issue.

Same here!!!! Come on Verizon do better

I have the SAME issue!

I have a Google Pixel and I've been having this issue since FEBRUARY 2024

I am having the same issue. Ever since the last update from Verizon. It is super annoying because I have to ask people to resend pics one at a time.

The only change that was made was installing the latest update Verizon sent out. Prior to that this wasn't an issue. There is clearly a big one that update that is causing this issue. It is a Verizon issue, not a phone issue.

Verizon_Support

We want to take a look at your concern. What messaging app is being used? ~Peter

I started having this issue around three to four weeks ago. First it seemed to be only iPhone users pictures and we checked send size verses received size. A photo sent with 13mb size was being reduce to 4kb or less and totally un-viewable because of blur. Now it is becoming a phone wide , verizon service issue with any brand phone and operating system some photos are coming in at 2kb in size, even verizon to verizon phones and service! It does not matter if a single photo or more than one. My photos sent to other cell phones seem fine right now according to other users and are being compressed to a usable view. Verizon is at fault as never had this problem for all the years Ive had cell phones!

FIX IT VERIZON or customers will vanish including me!

Verizon_Support

JacBar, thanks so much for this info and for all the effort you have done to resolve this. Please tell me, did you try putting the phone in Safe Mode to see if that made any difference?

-Natasha

Verizon_Support

Thank you for that information. When you go to settings, do you see a Chat Settings option? ~Peter

Verizon_Support

We want to take a look at this concern. Is the Chat ( RCS) option on in the settings? ~Peter

Verizon_Support

Hello, VABlkBelle. Thanks so much for this info, and we always want your services to work properly. Please tell us more. What is the make/model of your device? Any pending software updates?

-Natasha

Verizon_Support

Hello, Asher3. Help is here as you definitely deserve some answers and a resolution. Please share more details. What is the make/model of your device? Any pending software updates?

-Natasha

Verizon_Support

We're sorry to read that you are having issues with photos on your messages. Is RCS turned on and active on the Message settings? ~Peter

Verizon_Support

Hello, Jakman. Thanks so much for this info. The last thing we'd want to see is you leaving us. Help is here. Please tell us more. What is the make/model of your phone?

-Natasha

Verizon_Support

Knoxygen5, help is here as we would never want to see you leave us. Please share more details. What is the make/model of your device? Any pending software updates?

-Natasha

It's great that at least a customer support person is paying attention but........

Verizon needs to Pony up and Fix this!!

First off, all anyone did (just look at the web complaints) is continue to use their cell phones in the usual manner and then Bingo this problem started to rear it's ugly head!

Two, it's a verizon specific problem, all one has to do is read and look at all the complaints over the web and it's getting worse as time goes by it appears!

No matter the phone or messaging app used, photos, pictures, even gifs are being compressed too much after the Send button is pressed!

Just because verizon is a big company doesn't mean they don't mess things up! Customers will leave if not fixed as in this day and age this is beyond an annoyance for users!

This is an important feature/issiue as cellphone users take over 90% plus of pictures being sent and used!

Verizon_Support

We never want to see you leave us Lilybob. We are here to help. What zip code are you in? What messaging app are you using?-Joe

Verizon_Support

@Vshidalgo
wrote: Also on my phone. All photos in recieved texts blurry Vshidalgo • Reply • 2d

Thank you for reaching out to us here Vshidalgo. We understand how important it is for you to be able to receive picture messages and the images come through without issue. How long has this been occuring with your device? Does this happen with all picture messages or only from certain senders? Have you completed any troubleshooting steps with your device and is your device on the most recent software version?

-Andi

I have been experiencing this for about a week, sometimes with single photos, sometimes with multiple photos coming in. I use the Verizon Message + app and so does my husband, and we both have Galaxy S22 phones but he is not experiencingthis issue. Please provide guidance on how to fix this issue.

Verizon opened up a ticket with Engineering yesterday for me and they contacted me a short while ago and this seems to be working now. Test it with your friends. It worked with mine.

Verizon_Support

@HeyHay99
wrote: S20+, same issue since June 1. Single photos are fine, multiples are not. I've tried everything, nothing changes.

We understand how concerning it must be to receive blurry images on your device. Is this from all senders or only certain incoming messages that have multiples? Is your device on the most up to date software version? Can you share with us any additional troubleshooting steps that have been completed on your device since the issue began?

-Andi

Verizon_Support

@Predpilot85
wrote: I have been with Verizon for 18 years. Going to to to ATT. My husband has ATT and he gets the same pictures from the same people they aren't blurry. Verizon isn't even acknowledging this. This is unacceptable.

Predpilot85, I'm happy to hear you've been with us for nearly two decades. That does mean alot, and we do care about this problem, as we've been replying to get more details and learn what is going on. As part of that, so I can help out, can you give more details on what messaging app you're using, and does the image issue occur when recieving images while on Wi-Fi or when using your data?

-John

It is not our app. It is not our phones. It is the Verizon update that was done in May causing this issue. MMS is not established on the Verizon access point on my phone amd that could be the problem. I can't change it because Verizon has it blocked. It does not matter if you are on wifi or mobile data. This is a Verizon issue that needs to be fixed immediately. I have been with Verizon for 26 years and issues like this where customer support makes you go through all of these crazy steps knowing they are the problem not us is ridiculous. Step up and fix the problem.

Verizon_Support

Oh, no! Dealing with service issues can be overwhelming, especially when you are encountering blurry photo issues. Verizon is here to help.

Let's gather more data. What recent changes have you made? Who else is experiencing this problem? Aside from the blurry photos, any other issues?

~Gilbert

Verizon_Support

CallMetheBreeze1, we don't want you to miss out on your vacation pictures and we're here to help you get this resolved! We want to gather more info so we can better help you. Does this only happen when sending and receiving to Android devices? If you try using another app like Google Messages do you have the same issue?

~Jesse

Verizon_Support

Oh, no! Dealing with technical problems can be frustrating, especially if you are encountering blurry photo issues. Our goal is to offer the support you need.

Let's obtain more info. What recent changes have you made? Who else is experiencing this problem? Aside from the photos, any other issues?

~Gilbert

I opened a ticket with them yesterday too.... This must be a hot item, because they called me back twice and sent me updates via text. It appears to be working now. They did two tests with me.

Verizon_Support

Thanks for following up. Our goal is to offer the support you deserve.

If you encounter any tech issues in the future, do not hesitate to use our Troubleshooting Assistant for further support: https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/troubleshooting/.

We sent you a Private Message. Please review at your earliest convenience.

~Gilbert

Verizon_Support

Superman4, we understand your concerns and we know how important it is to have your device working as expected. Can you share additional details about your experience with us? Is this with all images from all users or only intermittent? What application are you currently using for texting? Has any troubleshooting been completed on your device? We do recommend utilizing our Troubleshooting Assistant for additional troubleshooting support: https://www.verizonwireless.com/support/troubleshooting/.

-Andi

Verizon_Support

We are very sorry for the issues you're experiencing Naypalm311. We recommend reaching out to Samsung to see if they have any estimated time for an update or a workaround.

~Ivone

Verizon_Support

We're sorry to read that you are having issues with your pictures, we'll be glad to look into this. What app are you using? Is this happening with all numbers?

~Freddy

Verizon_Support

We strive to provide reliable service and would like to help with pictures issues. To better assist, please tell us a little more. What model is your device and is the software up to date? What is the texting app you are using? Do you have problems with group or individual picture messages?

~Maria

Had this prob for a couple weeks. Finally i went in all my multymedia text messages and saved pics i wanted and deleted all the messages. I think all the giffs, memes and photos overload memory. You just need to open up space for new stuff. I have an android a50 and am getting clear pics afrer doing this.

Verizon_Support

Hello, Mmm22. Help is here as we know how important it is to have access to your pictures with no issues. Please tell us more. What is the make/model of your phone? Which messaging application are you using?

-Natasha

Had this prob for a couple weeks. Finally i went in all my multymedia text messages and saved pics i wanted and deleted all the messages. I think all the giffs, memes and photos overload memory. You just need to open up space for new stuff. I have an android a50 and am getting clear pics afrer doing this.

Verizon_Support

We're sorry to read about the issue with pictures on your text messages. We're here to help. Are the chat (RCS) settings on in your Messages app? ~Peter

I have a Samsung 23S+ phone that I've had since November 2023 with no issues.

Starting sometime in May 2024, pictures coming from people with phones are now coming in blurry.

I use the Textra messaging app

No changes have been made to my phone, service or applications.

The problem is with a majority of photos from iphones and started on May 18th, 2024.

I don't know if the pictures are coming from the actual iPhone or google photos.

It is so so frustrating! Please help!

Verizon_Support

We want you to receive your picture messages without any pixelation or blurriness, and we're here to help. What troubleshooting have you tried so far? Does this happen with every conversation and every picture?

~Jesse

I also have a50 and had same prob. Go and delete multimedia messages that have long chains of giffs memes and pics. Clean it out and it will make room for clear pics again. Just save favorite pics in messages to your gallery first.

Verizon_Support

@KEE2
wrote: I have a Samsung 23S+ phone that I've had since November 2023 with no issues. Starting sometime in May 2024, pictures coming from people with phones are now coming in blurry. I use the Textra messaging app No changes have been made to my phone, service or applications. The problem is with a majority of photos from iphones and started on May 18th, 2024. I don't kno w if the pictures are coming from the actual iPhone or google photos. It is so so frustrating! Please help!

KEE2, I'm sorry that those blurry pictures have been poping up with your messages. Naturally, we want to take a look at that and see what's going on. Now, is happening when you recieve a signle image via messaging, or with mutliple pictures? What messaging service are you using? Does it happen with any other messaging apps?

-John

Verizon_Support

We appreciate the additional details, and we do ask these questions in order to determine the root cause of the problem you are experiencing. Is this happening with all apps?

~Freddy

Verizon is aware of this. They need to fix this problem to prevent you from having to act as if you are trying to assist with this issue.

Verizon_Support

We want to help with this concern. Are the chat settings on in your Message app? ~Peter

The issue occurs in safe mode and not in safe mode.

Verizon_Support

Thank you for those additional details Asher3, we certainly want to work through your concerns. To confirm, this only occurs when multiple images are sent at one time? Can you confirm for us the texting app that each device with this issue is currently using on the device for sending/receiving picture messages?

-Andi

Oh I didn't realize that Verizon wasn't even getting a human to deal with the issue in this thread. It's a well known problem all you have to do is use your favorite search engine to find out that it's system-wide. It's not our phones unless you're blaming millions of customers? Are you

Verizon_Support

We're definitely real folks here offering support, silatserak. Picture quality is certainly important especially as phones have become the prominent way to take and share pictures. I am here to help. Does this happen with every photo that you share, or just specific pictures? How are you receiving these photos (text, email, etc.)?

-Joseph

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