Google Fi MMS not working and you’re wondering why? Here’s the answer!
The MMS is mainly dependent on cellular coverage. When you’re out of single, you won’t be able to perform calls or send messages, images, and texts.
In this guide, we’re going to address each possibility and make sure to cover everything that could be causing this issue!
When the Google Fi MMS is not working, users should restart their smartphones, switch the messaging application and attempt to increase the cellular signal. In case that doesn’t help, reinserting the Google Fi SIM card should be able to help.
Let’s learn t the difference between MMS and SMS to find out why the MMS is not working:
SMS Vs MMS: Main Differences
SMS is a Short Message Service, while MMS means Multimedia Messaging Service.
Both of these services are messages sent over a cellular network and only require a wireless plan from cellular carriers.
The main difference between these two types of service is that SMS cannot exceed a message word count of 160 words.
Unlike SMS, the MMS doesn’t have a standard limit and in most cases, its size depends on the capabilities of the carrier.
In conclusion, you’re sending an MMS whenever you send a text that has a file attached, such as a picture, emoji, video, website link, and other types of media.
Let’s find out why Google Fi MMS is not working for you:
How To Fix Google Fi MMS Not Working?
To solve the problem we’re going to undertake a chronological list of solutions to help you understand the problem better and address each possibility.
We strongly suggest following the order of our solutions for the best effects at troubleshooting. Let’s jump right in!
Solution #1 Reboot Your Phone
You should begin the troubleshooting with a simple, yet, effective solution.
If the problem is related to a temporal software malfunction, restarting your smartphone should get the issue resolved in no time.
Follow these instructions to reboot most phones (both iOS and Android):
- Hold the power button on the device’s side panel.
- Once the power menu appears, slide left to turn OFF the device.
- Press the power button again to turn the device ON.
- Test if the Google Fi MMS will not work.
Note: Perform the first MMS test using the default device messaging application.
Solution #2 Switch Default Messaging App
The messaging app on your device might not be supported.
In such cases, the app may still support SMS, but the MMS function won’t work for you until the application is changed from your phone’s default options.
Here’s how you can change the default messaging app for your Android device:
- On your phone, open Settings.
- Go to “Apps”.
- Next, select “Choose default apps”.
- Go to the “SMS” app.
- Open the list with desired messaging applications.
- Select “Messages by Google”.
Note: Hangouts was previously the default messaging app for Android phones. It is no longer supported and the MMS won’t work.
Solution #3 Text a Different Contact
The problem could be with the contact that you’re messaging.
If the number is blocked or has the SIM card removed, you will get errors when you send SMS and MMS.
Test by sending an MMS on a different content from your list.
In addition, make sure that the contact is a close friend or a family member that you’re certain has an active cellular plan and also a SIM card.
This method will allow you to understand whether the problem is with a number of contacts or only one. In case the problem is persistent, proceed with the next solution!
Note: Check if the contact’s number is correctly inserted and that you have cellular coverage!
Solution #4 Reinsert Google Fi SIM Card
The problem could be with the SIM card. If the card isn’t making proper contact with your phone, neither MMS nor SMS will work.
In that regard, reinserting your Google Fi SIM card should get this problem resolved and it will enable you to send MMS.
Here’s how to reinsert the Google Fi SIM card from your phone in easy steps:
- Grab the SIM ejection tool.
- Locate the SIM card slot on the side of your phone.
- Insert the SIM card tool into the little pinhole above the compartment.
- Once the compartment clicks, take it out.
- Remove the SIM card from the slot.
- Wait for a few minutes.
- Reinsert the SIM card. Be cautious!
- Test the Google Fi MMS.
Note: In case the problem persists, test the Google Fi SIM card on another device!
Solution #5 Move Into A Coverage Zone!
If your SIM card doesn’t get a signal from a nearby cellular tower, you won’t be able to send MMS to any number in your contacts list.
You and your phone must be in a zone of coverage and have at least 2 bars of signal for smooth communication.
Here are zone and places that may prevent you from connecting with a cellular tower:
- Deep forests, camping sites, and areas surrounded by trees.
- Underground compartments, caves, and tunnels.
- In-between thick concrete walls, dry wood, and thick cement walls.
To improve your signal, move outside, and possibly increase the height of your device. This will improve the signal even further and perhaps the MMS will be sent.
Note: You can track your signal on the signal chart at the top of your phone’s screen, where 2 or 3 bars is an optimal signal for sending SMS and MMS.
Solution #6 Reset Carrier Settings
In case nothing worked so far, then we suggest resetting your phone’s carrier settings (network settings), to resolve this problem.
The carrier settings are configurations related to mobile data usage, hotspot, WiFi, and Bluetooth settings that are hosted by your device.
Here’s how to reset the carrier settings of your device in easy steps:
- Go to Settings on your phone.
- Head to Backup and Reset or General Management.
- Select “Reset Network Settings”.
- Enter your password to confirm the reset.
- Wait for your phone to complete the reset process.
- Check if the MMS problem is now fixed on your phone.
Note: Resetting the carrier settings will also refresh the Bluetooth, WiFi, and mobile data settings.
How To Fix When Google Fi MMS Not Working iPhone?
If the Google Fi MMS isn’t working just on your iPhone, there are some simple solutions you should attempt to solve the problem.
Before you proceed, make sure that you’ve applied all of the general solutions above, since they can also help on iOS as well.
If none of the fixes above helped, try this on your iPhone:
- Enable MMS at Settings > Messages and switch “MMS” to “ON”.
- Hard reset your iPhone by turning it OFF for 5 minutes.
- Check if your Google Fi subscription is active on your iPhone.
Note: It’s important to make sure that the MMS is turned on your iPhone since they are disabled by default.
How To Fix If Google Fi iPhone Not Sending Pictures?
If your iPhone with a Google Fi SIM card doesn’t send pictures, there are multiple different approaches you should undertake.
There could either be a problem with the picture itself, an issue with the cellular network, or a storage problem with your iPhone.
If Google Fi doesn’t send MMS pictures on iPhone, try the following steps:
- Restart your iPhone and wait for 3 minutes.
- Update the Google Fi application on your iPhone.
- Reinstall the Google Fi app on your iPhone.
- Reset the network settings at Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
Tip: Test if the iPhone can send pictures after applying each of these solutions.
Quick Recap:
Hence, Google Fi MMS is not working because the device is out of a coverage zone. Another possibility for the problem is when the default messaging app is outdated or unsupported.
Last but not least is the SIM card that should be recognized by the device.
Read Next: Google Fi Not Switching Networks?
Wrapping Up:
Now that we’ve learned why the Google Fi MMS not working we can solve the problem without giving it much tonight.
It’s important to remember that the single bars should be at least 2 for any sort of text, image, or call to go through.
A weaker signal than 2 bars won’t be able to send even an MMS. We hope that this post was helpful and to find more guides such as this one, check our blog!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.