Why can't I send MMS when connected to wi-fi?
hoppjosh
Enthusiast - Level 2

I am unable to send MMS when connected to wifi.  I have data on and can see that I am connected to both a wi-fi and VZW data connection; however, cannot send MMS messages.  I can receive them fine, but not send until I turn wifi off which I should not have to do just to send an MMS.  This occurs both on my wife and I's S IIIs.  Is there a setting I am overlooking a setting on our phones because I should not have to switch wifi off every time we send an MMS?

Labels (2)
1 Solution
tikibar1
Community Leader
Community Leader

This thread is in response to the issue on an S4, but should still be helpful:

There are similar threads on this forum if you want to do a search.

View solution in original post

0 Likes
Reply
24 Replies
tikibar1
Community Leader
Community Leader

This thread is in response to the issue on an S4, but should still be helpful:

There are similar threads on this forum if you want to do a search.

0 Likes
Reply
hoppjosh
Enthusiast - Level 2

I have search different threads, but none of them either worked for me or do not provide a clear answer.

0 Likes
Reply
Rogena
Enthusiast - Level 2

I am also unable to send pictures over Wifi. Samsung Galaxy S3.

0 Likes
Reply
tikibar1
Community Leader
Community Leader

Rogena wrote:

I am also unable to send pictures over Wifi. Samsung Galaxy S3.

The phone is operating as designed; MMS messages can't send/receive over wi-fi, they require a cellular connection.  They count against your text package, though, not your data plan.

0 Likes
Reply
Rogena
Enthusiast - Level 2

Got it! I had turned off mobile data trying to make sure data wasn't used while on Wifi. Should not have done that since the phone does it automatically. 😃 Thank you.

tikibar1
Community Leader
Community Leader

Yes, if you have cellular data and wi-fi both turned on and you are currently using wi-fi, the phone should switch automatically to cellular data.  But as noted in this and other threads, sometimes it doesn't automatically switch and you have to manually turn off wi-fi for the messages to send/receive.  In your case, having cellular data turned off was an issue!   I also leave cellular data turned off until needed, like when a MMS arrives.

Rogena
Enthusiast - Level 2

I turned it off when I realized both Wifi, and 4G was showing in the top bar. I was afraid it was using data at all times. I think I will do like you and turn it back on as needed. 😃

0 Likes
Reply
hoppjosh
Enthusiast - Level 2

You should not have to switch wifi off to send an mms. The phone allows me to receive an mms while connected to both wifi and 4G and can auto switch to the 4G connection for the reception of the message.  Why can it not do the same for receiving?

0 Likes
Reply
tikibar1
Community Leader
Community Leader

I don't know; it's been an issue reported on this forum for both the S3 and S4 for a while.  I've heard it may be that the wi-fi signal is stronger than the cellular signal and that may be the cause, but again, I don't know.  You're right, the phone should switch, but for whatever reason, it sometimes doesn't.

0 Likes
Reply
THEEPRINCESS777

It’s doing the same thing on my iPhone 11

0 Likes
Reply
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

THEEPRINCESS777, we never want you to have trouble sending texts while connected to Wi-Fi. Allow us to help get this resolved. Do you have the most updated software on our iPhone 11? To check, please go to Settings >> General >> About >> Software Update. When this started t happen, did you by chance do any changes to your device around the same time? (new apps? new software?) Do you have this problem when connecting to any Wi-Fi network, or just one specific Wi-Fi network?  AliciaD_VZW

0 Likes
Reply
hoppjosh
Enthusiast - Level 2

I finally spent some time and talk to a Verizon support representative about my issue via Live Chat.  The rep who I spoke with concerning my phone asked me a few questions and then asked me to turn off my device so that she could "refresh the network settings."  After turning my device back on I was able to send MMS messages without turning Wi-Fi off.  I am not sure if this is a permanent fix but it at least resolved the issue for now.

I had to wait to do this on my wife's phone until later in the day.  I went back onto the Live Chat and the woman I spoke with at that time was very rude and wanted to troubleshoot this phone after I had told her that it was the same issue as my device and that the rep I had spoke to said she had made notes on my line as to what resolved it the issue.  All she had to do was follow that information.  She persisted in troubleshooting this phone ultimately telling me I was wrong and flat out lying to me.  Instead of taking 5 minutes and simply taking the same actions on this second device, she drag me through 30 minutes of troubleshooting, but after the fourth time I told her to simply "refresh the network settings" on this phone she finally did so and it resolved the issue as well.  So if you have this issue, I wish you good luck on getting a competent rep who knows what they are doing.

SusanaM
Newbie

I'm having the exact same issue. My Wifi and mobile data are both turned on. When trying to send or receive an MMS, the 4G symbol will show up for a few seconds while trying to send the MMS, but ultimately fails each time. In order to send or receive the MMS I have to manually turn off the Wifi and re-send the message. Very irritating.

0 Likes
Reply
vzw_customer_support
Customer Service Rep

SusanaM, we want the process of sending a text messaging to be easy breezy for you. Are you using a text messaging application that you downloaded? Which device do you have? When sending picture message, you will need to be connected to our network. However, MMS messages should send with no issue on WiFi.

LasinaH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport.

0 Likes
Reply
Jessyka3044
Newbie

>> Duplicate post removed to comply with Verizon Wireless Terms of Service.  See <<

Message was edited by: Verizon Moderator

0 Likes
Reply
Rogena
Enthusiast - Level 2

After much research, and many test pictures sent, I believe my issue is because of text being included... the text included was because I had a signature set up. I turned off 'signature' and it has been working since.... hope this helps others.

0 Likes
Reply
fishgodzwife
Newbie

I was experiencing the same problem. All of a sudden, I was unable to send MMS. I turned off Wi-Fi and then was able to. However, felt I shouldn't have to use a backdoor solution to something that previously worked. I popped the back cover off, removed the battery for approx. 30 seconds, replaced battery & cover, powered back on. Voila! It now works.

0 Likes
Reply
sophiahawaii
Enthusiast - Level 1

Agree - I can't send picture messages when I'm using my internet service provider or anyone else's.  Have to shut off wifi and send via cellular network.  This is a pain, but at least it works and only counts as text message.  What bugs me is that the community of users had to figure it out.  Any of the replies by Verizon customer support were clueless.  Not a confidence builder in Verizon customer support.  As always, the best customer support is a general shout out.  Thanks to tikibar and all others for help.

ekanasty
Newbie

New Fix to sending MMS while connected to WiFi...

Verizon just released an upgrade to the Android operating system that fixes this issue(12/19/12).  Go to settings, scroll to bottom "About phone" upgrade software to Android 4.3.  This fixed the issue on my S3.

Verizon tech support was clueless when I contacted them about this.  Their solution was to download a 3rd party messaging app and always send pics using just data.  They said this issue was normal for Samsung phones.  Nice customer service.

0 Likes
Reply
droidmaniac29
Contributor - Level 1

I have a moto x and cannot send or receive mms messages while my wifi and lte is turned on, but when I turn off my wifi I can get my messages.  I don't understand why that would prevent me from receiving it?  My girlfriend has a phone on verizon that does not have a data plan and is able to send and receive mms with no issues.

0 Likes
Reply