How to fix Samsung Galaxy S9 that can’t send MMS (easy steps)

A powerful phone like the Samsung Galaxy S9 should be able to perform the most basic functions like text messaging. If you got your phone from a service provider, then it must already be set to work without a hitch. But not being able to send MMS or picture messages could be a sign of a minor app or firmware related issues, or there could be some problems in the network.

In this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your Galaxy S9 that can’t send text messages with pictures. I will give you the basic troubleshooting methods or solutions that we’ve always been using to address similar issues with other phones including S9’s predecessors. If you’re one of the owners of this phone and are currently bugged by a similar issue, continue reading as this post may help you one way or another.

Before going further, if you found this post because you were trying to find a solution to your problem, then try to visit our Galaxy S9 troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed most of the commonly reported issues with the phone. We’ve already provided solutions to some of the problems reported by our readers so try to find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you and if you need further assistance, fill up our Android issues questionnaire and hit submit.

What to do if your Galaxy S9 can’t send picture messages

There are a few settings you have to check on your phone to make sure everything is in order but after checking those and your Galaxy S9 still can’t send MMS, then your service provider may have an answer for you. After all, MMS transmission depends on on your phone’s connection to your provider’s network. But here’s what I suggest you do about it…

First solution: Reboot your phone

This is only for devices that were able to send MMS but at some point stopped. A reboot is necessary as it might be a minor issue with the firmware or a glitch in the system. So, hit that power key and reboot your device and if the problem is still not fixed after this, try doing the forced reboot:

Press and hold the volume down and power keys at the same time for 10 seconds or until the phone restarts. This method simulates battery disconnect and refreshes your phone’s memory. It might be the only thing you need to do to fix this problem. So once the phone becomes active after the reboot, try sending an MMS to your own number to know if the problem is fixed. If still no, proceed to the next solution.

Second solution: Toggle mobile data off and on again

If you’ve been sending and receiving MMS for a long time already, then you already know that mobile data is required in order to transmit these kinds of messages. There are times when a glitch occurs in some core functions and in this case, it might be the mobile data function that’s affected. So, go into the Settings menu and then turn mobile data off for a few seconds and turn it back on.

After which, try composing and send an MMS to your own number to know if it goes through and if you can actually receive it. But if the problem still continues, try the next step.

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Third solution: Reset Messages app

Another possibility we have to rule out is the fact that maybe the problem is with the messaging app you’re using. In the case of the Galaxy S9, the default messaging app is called Messages so you need to clear the cache and data of this app and then try sending an MMS again.

From a Home screen, touch and swipe up or down to display all apps.
From a Home screen, navigate: Settings > Apps.
Tap App Manager.
Locate then tap Messages.
Tap Storage.
Tap CLEAR CACHE.
Tap Cached data.
Tap CLEAR.

After doing this, try to see if the problem is still happening and if it still does, I suggest that you do the reset.

Fourth solution: Backup your files and data and reset your phone

This is to eliminate all other possibilities because there are times when a firmware glitch causes issues like this. Before you reset your phone, make sure you backup your files and data as they will be deleted. After which, make sure you disable the Factory Reset Protection so that you won’t be locked out after the reset. Follow these steps…

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Cloud and accounts.
Tap Accounts.
Tap Google.
Tap on your Google ID email address if multiple accounts are setup. If you have multiple accounts setup, you will need to repeat these steps for each account.
Tap 3 dot icon.
Tap Remove account.
Tap REMOVE ACCOUNT.

Now follow these steps to reset your phone:

Back up data on the internal memory. If you have signed into a Google account on the device, you have activated Anti-theft and will need your Google credentials to finish the Master reset.
Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe data / factory reset.
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
When the master reset is complete, “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
Press the Power key to restart the device.

After the reset and the problem continues, call your service provider. If the representative cannot help you on the phone, bring the phone back to the store. It’s ready now since you’ve already wiped off all your personal files and data.

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