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Picture messages not downloading

When I receive a picture message, it has a gray box that says download. When I click on it, it says Downloading, but than nothing happens. It also takes almost a day to send a picture message! I will send it and it says pending and than sends randomly the next day. Does anyone know how to fix this?

Comments

DaisyP_VZW

Good evening AndreaB_613,

I know it has to be frustrating not being able to send your picture messages successfully. Are you still experiencing this difficulty? I researched this and did not find it to be a commonly reported issue with your device. If you haven't already, please remove the battery from your device, leave it out for about 30 seconds and then reinsert the battery and try sending a picture. If you have an auto signature make sure it's disabled. If this doesn't solve your issue in order to better assist you I do have to ask you several questions: What zip code are you currently located in? Are you able to browse the web or send emails successfully? Are you able to send and receive text messages? Is this only occurring when sending or receiving from one particular contact or does it happen with everyone? Feel free to post if you are still experiencing difficulties or for immediate assistance you can visit us on Twitter @VZWSupport or call 1-800-922-0204. Thanks for being part of Verizon Wireless.

jbmidnight

I have same problem with my continium. Zip 60511. You help on the phone ran thru everything and still have problem.

trishy333

I recently purchased the Samsung Stratosphere (in the last two weeks) and when I receive a picture message IM/text, the picture does not appear. The IM bubble says downloading, the size, and when it expires. If I click the bubble the message details appear but I cannot download the picture. This is extremely frustrating, please advise.

jimmy3557

I am having the exact same problem. Any solutions???

RealMrsGarcia

Same issue with my Pantech Breakout!

JimK22

The exact same thing is happening with my new Samsung Stratosphere.

unknown

Hello everyone, since everyone has different phones, I will give some general troubleshooting. First, are you able to access Internet on your device? For 3G devices, dial *228 send, option 2. For 4G, just remove your battery and replace. Also, you can try enabling airplane mode then disabling. If still having any issues, I recommend contacting our technical support at 800-922-0204 option 3.

Yerko

I also get a pop up that says "Currently unavailable. This picture will go through when this service becomes available."

I checked my plan and I have unlimited texting, which includes pictures and videos. Not sure why I am not getting part of a service I paid for.

vanessas_vzw

Good morning and thank you for all of the Community Member's responses! All of the issues reported have helped us see how big the problem is, and has been lifted up to our product team.

This question applies to everyone having this problem, do you have the 3G data connection active and the WiFi off when you are trying to download the pictures in the MMS message? If the WiFi is on, this is where the problem can be in transmitting the picture or video. (This can be checked in the Settings.)

Thank you,

ajp6871

Just wondering why the data has to be enable with text messaging. With my old AT&T HTC Incredible I was able to send and recieve MMS messages w/o using data enable. In fact all Data connections were turned off. IE no mobile network and no Wifi??

gman_808

Vanessa,

I have tried it with wifi off and wifi on...I dont think I have tried it with the 4G on. I don't understand why that would be necessary to receive a picture message on a smart phone when it is not necessary on my trusty old dumb phone.

crzyruss

Pantech outbreak same thing with the txt picture I have to download it only when i hit the download button it doesnt do anything. Also having trouble getting a connection to 4g

confused2

I got the Stratosphere on Nov. 25, 2011 and have nothing but problems with text messaging. I have called technical support 28 times and reset my phone back to factory defaults. Still having the same problem with the downloading of messaging. New phone was sent to me received it on Jan. 5, 2012 - imagine that... same issue. I mentioned to third level support that there was a thread with others having this issue and he ignored my statement completely. His best fix was to keep the data turned on at all times and not the WIFI so the text will automatically download. Sorry but that is no FIX. My old phone had no data plan and I had no problems receiving text message. The response I got was "that phone had automatic data free of charge" and no it was not a SmartPhone. So that is where they get you, you dont need data unless you want to surf the web on your phone !! I am going back to Samsumg Rogue (antique) selling my Stratosphere and cancelling my data plan. I have contacted Samsung directly as well, they want me to call them with the issue. PS - the phone I got from Radio Shack and they offered no support and could care less, make note not to purchase through other retailers.

giantsgc

I have the same problem but NO the wi-fi is not on when this happens- not that I understand why this should matter.

how can this be fixed?

jpezz

I found out that if Mobile Data is not enabled when the picture is received, it gets stuck and CAN NOT be retrieved NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO it seems. The only fix is to have the person resend the pic with the Mobile Data already enabled. The permanent fix is to have people text you that a pic is coming (text does not require Mobile Data) so you can be sure it is on.

It is a bug as far as I am concerned and I spent a lot of time with Verizon getting absolutely nowhere until one tech support person said that there were known problems with pics and the Strat but I have no idea if that problem will be fixed.

As an aside, I would have rated the local Verizon office as a zero for their assistance and the tech support people as a 3 out of 5.

ChristinaB_VZW

Hi confused2,

Thanks to the community members for your input. So many people use their phones for pictures, and I know from my own personal experience how important this is. I would like to provide you all with some troubleshooting steps.

Please attempt the following:

Open Messaging, go to Settings. Uncheck the option for Auto-Retrieve. Go to the message thread where the questionable messages are located and attempt to download them individually. If successful, return to Messaging Settings and re-check Auto Retrieve.

Please post results.

Thanks and have a good day,

Christina B

VZW Support

Fllow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

3Intimid8er

I am having the same problem When i get an MMS text message picture is says downloading. I click on download and nothing happens. It thens may or maynot download days later. I also have a new Verizon NExus phone. What a horrible experience so far for a phone that got so much hype! I also just turned off the CDMA / LTE and switched to CDMA which is 3G. I went back to the text and now was able to download and see the picture. Looks like it can be the LTE option that is the problem.

It def is a LTE 4G problem. I went back to all my text mms and was able to download all the pictures.

3Intimid8er

Christina-Check my post....i think this is a 4G LTE problem. I can get them when i am on CDMA 3G only

jpezz

I found a workaround for my problem. You have to have Data ON to send/receive pics. I found if Data was off, you got a warning that pic couldn't be sent but got hung pics that were trying to download. Turning off auto download "fixed" my problem by allowing me to see that a pic wanted to come down, then giving me the ability to turn on Data then hit the download option on the pic.

No excuse for that. Picture should not permanently hang in "downloading" state if Data is OFF. It should restart when Data is turned ON.

jennifer1981

I also have trouble receiving pictures on my Samsung Stratosphere. It just says "downloading." I went into the settings and unchecked Auto-retrieve MMS messages. I restarted my phone and went back into my text messages and now have an actual download button instead of it saying "downloading." I pushed the button and waited a few seconds for the picture to load. I have 3G service where I am at. It shouldn't be this difficult and hopefully that fixed the problem.

cheekymamma

I got my samsung fascinate almost 1 1/2 yrs ago and did not have this problem until I updated the software and had the function to disable mobile data. After being frustrated over pending pics I've sent and not receiving many pics from others, I read this thread and have to say enabling the mobile data worked right away! A pic I had pending for the last hour automatically went through and a pic message that was "downloading" since hours ago also miraculously came through.

Just thought I'd share my success with the mobile data function. I will definitely try it in the future since leaving the mobile data activated when I am not using my browser really drains my battery! And I agree...pics should automatically come through when data is turned back ON.

Come on Verizon!! I have been your customer for a LONG time and it seems that advancing technology just seems to bring about more problems.

JasonThePirate

I too have a Samsung Stratosphere since November 2011. Had this problem off and on. Went into settings and unchecked Auto-retrieve. Now I can click Download to get my messages without issue.

jd97

Thank you Christina The auto retrieve thing fixed my wife's Strato. It was driving her nuts with the pics not downloading. I have the Droid 3 and never had the auto retrieve button on cuz I didn't know I had it. She's happy now.

GaranTee

I have the same problem. Turning on the Mobile Data worked for me. Thanks for pointing it out Jpezz.

poorolddad

I get pictures all right,although it seems to be in some sort of a video format.Video messages will not download at all. Is there a work around for my problem? This is becoming frustrating.Also, if the video doesn't download,it continues to try and uses data the entire time (per the local Verizon tech)

TominqueBo_VZW

Hello poorolddad,

The video feature is very neat and I would like to assist you. You mentioned if the video doesn't download it continues to try, so does that mean you do receive some successful video downloads? If so, do you notice any trends for the videos you don't receive? If you can not receive any at all please advise me what model phone you have and when this began so I may further assist you. Thank you.

TominqueBo

VZW Support

Sandyzag

I have a Droid Bionic.. not only are pics not downloading, but Group text messages also are not downloading. This ONLY happens when I have 4G Lte/4G service.. 3G is perfect.. Also, there is no problem when sending individual text messages no matter what service I have. Is there a way I can force it to only use 3G because this 4G stuff is for the birds.

Verizon_Support

Hi Sandyzag,

This sounds like it’s getting annoying! I would like to help.

Are you in a 4G coverage area? If not, change the Network Mode setting to “CDMA only”. http://bit.ly/yq7qn2 Let me know how this works out for you.

Thanks,

AnthonyTa_VZW

VZW Support

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

justcari29

same here

cessnachic

I have a Pantech Breakout and had the same problem w/ not being able to send or receive picture messages. I went in to "Settings", picked "Wireless & Network Settings", then picked "Data enabled" & "Data roaming", I also changed the "Network mode" to "CDMA only" === This finally fixed the problem! I hope it helps! :smileyhappy:

manik1013

I find it funny, with all the support people here in the forum, a USER came and saved the day. WHO wouldve figured that u have to use the premium data plan to download a MM message? where does it say that? why would that be? nobody knows, except the executives, who see the billions of tiny pieces of data equal money in pockets. I just started verizon service, transferred from the greedy sprint to see more underhanded practices.

i am very careful, and only turn on the mobile data when i absolutely need to and im not around wifi. HOW was i supposed to figure this out? by doing the 33 steps described by the first tech? was that a stab in the dark? How about the tech that said 'golly this seems to be happening on a number of devices...' Sir, that clearly shows a problem with the network, not a technology we've been using for over ten years on lesser phones. What really gets me is this issue is almost a year old, and still not resolved, even after another tech relayed that this issue will be moved up the list. one tech said "do you have internet on your device?' i laughed out loud. bottom line, fix the network. i want to use the data plan i paid for for youtube and browsing the internet amongst other things, NOT retrieving MM messages.

This is a slap in the face coming from a company with unlimited data. now i have to restrict my usage, and even budget basic features into it? does it not matter i have unlimited texts? regardless, i had to come online to verizon support, waste my time just for a basic feature. BTW, my issue is resolved, i had to chime and let people know this is unacceptable. this was never relayed at point of sale, and apparently the techs are as clueless as we are.

the price we pay for going with the biggest of the big companies, unfortunately. ALSO we need a tower in 60645, get on it big V.

I will say the speed on the LTE network is fast, but now u have time to focus on the customers you already have. We already know verizon is the company to go with, and after 8 years with sprint, i am looking for a new start. Thanks

Blckrose2020

I have a Samsung Fascinate and I have had it for about 2 years now. I have never had a problem with sending or receiving picture messages until recently. Nothing seems to be working and I don't know why. When I do get a MMS it has the download button but when I click it nothing seems to happen.

historylady

I'm having a similar issue with my Droid 4. The only way that I can receive a photo in a text is to turn off my phone and turn it back on. Quite frustrating! Does anyone have suggestions of a setting I can try? I'm connected via 4G. Doesn't seem right that I have to reboot my phone every time I have a picture text.

Verizon_Support

Hello Blckrose2020.

I know the importance of being able to view and send picture messages! Do you have a 3G or 4G signal on the Fascinate when this happens? Are you using the text application that came with the phone or a downloaded application? You can also run the phone in Safe Mode to test the phone: http://bit.ly/uaN4PO. Also please ensure the phone is set to Automatically Retrieve Picture messages http://bit.ly/ZBHIop while testing.

Keep us posted!

TanishaS_VZW

Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

Verizon_Support

Hey historylady!

You are right! You shouldn't have to turn your phone off and on to get a picture message! When did this all start? Is this from all contacts or just from certain ones? Are you using any sort of third party messaging application? Have you also gone into your settings in Messaging and made sure that auto-retrieve and roaming auto-retrieve are check marked? Please keep us posted on any updates!

Thanks!

MichelleG_VZW

Please follow us on Twitter @vzwsupport

historylady

I believe it started when I upgraded to ICS (late August). Happening with all contacts. I do have Lync on my phone, but this started before I installed Lync. Auto-retrieve is check-marked. There is no option for roaming auto-retrieve.

gdgalaxy3

I am having the same issue as everyone... I just got the Galaxy S3 and I can open the images when data is on but how do I do so without the mobile data on... I don't have a large data plan and need to keep it off! I tried many of the tips in this forum with no success.

This is silly! My old dumb phone worked better than this as far as picture messaging goes!

Isalon

***ATTENTION***

What worked for MY Samsung Droid Charge, TRY THIS:

1. Go to Settings, turn phone from 4G to 3G mode (That means you switch it to CDMA)

2. Go to messages, go to Settings, uncheck the auto-delivery box (or somesuch. It's basically automatically downloading.)

RESTART YOUR PHONE

Go to your message, and click download. This SHOULD fix it. It's what fixed it for mine and NOTHING ELSE WORKED.

Also, I hate Verizon. 4G is total garbage. I don't care about going 200 mph in a gorgeous car if I can't maneuver with it.

MrsSpence

I want my money back! This phone sucks! Ever since the new os was installed, downloading and uploading pics has been HORRIBLE!!! I called Verizon and their answer was to set my phone back to original settings!! That's not an answer!!!! PLEASE FIX THIS VERIZON!

Ann154

1st, you replied to a user who posted their question in 2011! They are long gone.

2nd, if you are truly an employee you need to contact the Community Manager here and get permission to post as an employee. Otherwise you need to word your posts as a customer would.

Ashaman1701

That would be wonderful! In my exuberance to help I neglected the date! How do I go about contacting the Community Manager?

Ann154

First off, you should read the Terms of Service here.

https://community.verizonwireless.com/docs/DOC-1011

Ashaman1701

Done, I took special notice of the section on moderators. I apologize if I have stepped on any toes. I examined the website and links and so far have not found a link to contact the community leader. Would that be yourself?

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