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Top 4 Ways to Fix Facebook Messenger Not Sending Pictures

Quick Tips
  • Close and reopen the Messenger app to resolve temporary glitches.
  • Ensure Messenger has the required permissions to access storage and send pictures.
  • Clear Messenger’s cache to remove any corrupted data that is causing issues.
  • Uninstall and reinstall Messenger to fix any persistent issues.

Preliminary Fixes

  • Check the Network Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for sending pictures on Messenger. Visit Speedtest or Fast to check the speeds, or try restarting your router or contacting your internet service provider for assistance.
  • Check Media Size: Facebook Messenger has a limit on the size of the media files you can send. It generally allows you to send files of up to 25 MB. Large files might fail to send.
  • Enable Background Permissions: Background restrictions on your device can prevent Messenger from functioning properly. On Android, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Messenger > Permissions > Battery > Background restriction. While on iPhone, go to Settings > Messenger > Ensure that Background App Refresh is enabled.
  • Force Stop Messenger: Force-stopping the Messenger app can resolve temporary issues that might be causing the problem. On Android, go to Settings > Find Messenger > Force Stop. In the case of iOS, swipe up from the bottom of the screen > swipe up on the Messenger app preview to close it.
  • Update Facebook Messenger App: Using an outdated version of the app can cause various issues. So, go to the App Store or Play Store to download the latest version of the Messenger app.

Fix 1: Enable Mobile Data for Messenger (iPhone)

Step 1: Open Settings on iPhone.

Step 2: Scroll down to Messenger.

Step 3: Enable the Mobile Data toggle.

Fix 2: Give Relevant Permissions

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings and go to the Messenger menu.

Step 2: Select Photos and tap All Photos to allow media access.

On Android

Step 1: Long-tap on the Messenger app icon and open the app info menu.

Step 2: Go to App permissions and select Files and media.

Step 3: Select the Allow access to media only option.

Fix 3: Disable the System-Wide Data Saver Mode

On iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings on your iPhone and select Mobile Service.

Step 2: Select your SIM and disable the Low Data Mode.

On Android

Step 1: Open Settings and select Network and internet.

Step 2: Tap Data Saver and disable the same.

Fix 4: Clear Messenger Cache (Android)

Step 1: Open the Messenger app info menu.

Step 2: Go to the Storage menu.

Step 3: Tap on Clear cache at the bottom.

While Facebook Messenger works as expected, most of the time, the app not sending pictures may confuse you. The tricks above should troubleshoot the problem in no time.

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Last updated on 27 July, 2024

4 Comments

  1. My messenger account is having a problem.
    “Couldn’t send” photos but is able to send videos, may it be sending from gallery or straight from the camera.

    What I know:
    1. Server is not down or messenger issue as checked on online checkers. Also asked my mom if she can send me a photo and she did
    2. This is probably not a hardware issue since I tried on 3-different phones but still did the basic troubleshooting (restart phone, clear cache and re-installation of app)
    3. Not an app issue since I tried creating a dummy account and it worked just fine
    4. Not an internet issue since I tried both wifi and mobile data
    5. Last night at 8pm this is still working since I am still able to send a selfie to my fiancé. Just noticed that this isn’t working at around 11pm same night. This is when I started getting this error.

    Any other inputs? Thanks

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