Difference between iMessage and SMS

Let's start by understanding the difference between iMessage and regular SMS messages. The iMessage is part of the Messages app and you'll find the text messages that come to your number in the same app.

An SMS message uses your phone number and is billed according to the plan provided by the operator or mobile service provider. Meanwhile, iMessage uses your Apple ID or phone number linked to your Apple ID to transfer messages using a data connection (mobile and Wi-Fi). The easiest way to tell them apart is to look at the colors of the message bubbles. Text messages appear with green bubbles, while iMessages appear with blue bubbles.

Another key difference is that you can send photos and videos via iMessage. But if you try the same using your network operator services, it will turn into MMS.

So if you're trying to send photos or videos through your mobile carrier's service, it might not happen. But if the error comes from using iMessage, you will have to dig deeper.

Open the chat where you are having the problem and see the colors of your text message bubbles. If the bubbles are blue, that means you're having a problem sending photos and videos via iMessage. If the bubbles are green, it means you have a problem with your SMS plan.

Now that we have clearly defined the problem, let's move on to our troubleshooting guide.

1. Make sure iMessage is enabled

You can start by checking whether your iMessage is activated or not.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on Messages.

Step 2: Make sure the toggle next to iMessage is enabled. If it's already on, turn it off and on again.

2. Activate MMS messaging

If you use normal messages to send photos and videos, you need to make sure that MMS messaging is enabled on your iPhone.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Messages.

Step 2: Enable the toggle next to MMS messaging option.

3. Check cellular and WI-FI network

Since iMessage uses data, you need to make sure your phone has working data.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi.

Step 2: Make sure it is turned on and connected to a working Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Similarly, to make sure your phone has access to data on the go, tap on Mobile data.

Step 4: Here, enable mobile data.

After completing these steps, launch Safari and try to open any web page. If the webpage opens, your data is working. If your phone is still having data connectivity issues, please follow our guide on how to fix Wi-Fi connectivity issues on iPhone.

4. Log out and log back in to iMessage

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Messages.

Step 2: Tap "Send & Receive".

Step 3: Here, tap on your email and number to deselect them.

Step 4: You will see a splash screen that asks for your permission. Press Delete to continue.

Step 5: Now tap again on your number and email to activate iMessage. Press OK at the confirmation prompt.

5. Reset Network Settings

Step 1: Launch the Settings app and tap on General.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap "Transfer or reset iPhone".

Step 3: Here, select the Reset option.

Step 4: Tap "Reset Network Settings".

Step 5: Enter your phone password to start the network reset process.

Once your iPhone resets network settings, it will most likely resolve all network-related issues with your iPhone. You will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi as resetting network settings will delete all your Wi-Fi login information

6. Contact your network provider or Apple Support

If one of the steps above does not resolve your issue, you will need to contact Apple Support or your network provider. If your problem is with standard messaging, you should contact your network provider. On the other hand, if you cannot send photos and videos using iMessage, you should contact Apple Support.

Fix iMessage not sending photos and videos

The solutions mentioned above should help fix iMessage failing to send pictures and videos. If the photos turn out to be blurry, check out our guide on fixing blurry iMessage photos.