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iPhone Cannot Receive Photos or Videos – How to Fix It Guide

Why Choose Keith Thomas

20 years of experience as a Senior Apple Support Specialist at Apple Computer UK HQ.

• Former Apple Computer UK Mac Support Specialist and Apple Authorised Service Provider background.

Established and Independent since 2010 for on‑site Apple Support Service – no call centres, no outsourcing, no hardware repairs. Over 25,000+ Apple problems resolved. Unique on-site Apple Support Service. backed up with Independent Apple Telephone Support Assistance.

• Trusted by home users, small businesses, and professionals across London and the South East UK.• Clear, honest, software‑only support. No Hardware Repairs. Expert Apple Consultancy Service.

On‑site iPhone Messaging and Network Support in London and the South East UK

What this page covers

This guide explains the most common reasons why an iPhone cannot receive photos or videos using iMessage or MMS, the steps you can try yourself, and when it’s time to get professional on‑site help. It applies to:

• iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max / iPhone Air

• iPhone 16 / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max

• iPhone 15 / 15 Pro

• iPhone 14 / 14 Pro

• iPhone 13 / 13 Pro

• iPhone 12 / 12 Pro

• iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation)

And all UK mobile networks including EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, Sky Mobile, BT Mobile, Virgin Media O2 and Tesco Mobile.

The most common photo and video receiving problems

These are the issues Keith Thomas sees most often during on‑site visits:

• iPhone cannot receive photos on iMessage

• iPhone cannot receive videos on iMessage

• iPhone cannot receive photos from Android phones

• iPhone cannot receive MMS messages

• Photos and videos not downloading

• iMessage says “Tap to Download” but nothing happens

• iPhone not receiving media after update

• iPhone not receiving media on EE / O2 / Vodafone / Three

Quick checks you can do yourself

These steps solve around 50% of media receiving issues.

Check 1 – Restart the iPhone

Check 2 – Turn Airplane Mode off and on

Check 3 – Check mobile data is working

Check 4 – Turn off Low Power Mode

Check 5 – Make sure iMessage is turned on

iPhone cannot receive photos or videos on iMessage

This usually means:

• Weak Wi‑Fi or mobile data

• iMessage temporarily offline

• Apple Account not fully signed in

Try:

• Turning iMessage off and on

• Restarting the iPhone

• Switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data

iPhone cannot receive photos or videos from Android phones

This usually means:

• MMS disabled

• Mobile data turned off

• Network not supporting MMS temporarily

Try:

• Settings → Messages → Turn on MMS Messaging

• Turning on Mobile Data

• Restarting the iPhone

Photos and videos not downloading

This usually means:

• Weak signal

• iMessage server delay

• Network congestion

Try:

• Switching to mobile data

• Restarting the iPhone

• Turning Wi‑Fi off and on

iMessage says “Tap to Download” but nothing happens

This usually means:

• iMessage background process stuck

• Network timeout

• Apple Account not fully signed in

Try:

• Restarting the iPhone

• Signing out and back into your Apple Account

• Switching between Wi‑Fi and mobile data

iPhone cannot receive MMS messages

This usually means:

• MMS disabled in settings

• Mobile data turned off

• Network not supporting MMS temporarily

Try:

• Turning on MMS Messaging

• Turning on Mobile Data

• Restarting the iPhone

iPhone cannot receive media after update

This usually means:

• iMessage settings reset during update

• Apple Account re‑authentication required

• Temporary iOS bug

Try:

• Turning iMessage off and on

• Restarting the iPhone

• Updating to the latest iOS version

When DIY stops working

You should get on‑site help if:

• Photos or videos will not download at all

• Media only fails from certain contacts

• Media receiving stopped after an update

• Media receives on another phone but not your iPhone

These issues usually require:

• iMessage and MMS configuration repair

• Mobile provider diagnostics

• APN and carrier settings repair

• Apple Account and iCloud messaging checks

On‑Site iPhone Support – London & South East UK

If your iPhone cannot receive photos or videos, Keith Thomas provides an often same‑day on‑site support service across:

• Central London

• West, North, South and East London

• Surrey

• Berkshire

• Hampshire

• Wiltshire

Keith Thomas is an Apple Support Specialist in:

• iMessage and MMS media receiving issues

• Apple Account and iCloud messaging configuration

• Mobile network troubleshooting

• iPhone configuration and repair

Book on‑site help in London and the South East UK

If your iPhone cannot receive photos or videos, Keith Thomas can visit your home or office and get everything working again.

Keith Thomas – Apple Support Specialist

Established 2010 – Open 09:30–20:30, 7 Days

Contact Keith Thomas by Telephone: 07800 940756 or by Text to: 07800 940756, or simply complete an online website contact form 24/7