I've found an answer for a similar question, but it does not apply to iOS 26. I'm trying to send someone a photo, I'm getting an alert saying I have to enable MMS in order to do so, and I cannot find anything in Settings -> Messages that says anything about MMS. What's the secret?
iPhone 17 Pro Max
It happened AGAIN and messages were blocked… I kept getting an sms block auto reply… tried everything, ended up calling T-Mobile and they discovered that they had blocked SMS on their end and they had to unblock it. Reading into this on Reddit this can happen when you update your iOS version because there is a carrier handshake involved. For example, not all carriers allow hotspot capability, so an update might show hotspot then the carrier needs to hide it. Loads of bugs with iOS 26! I tried everything before doing this and this was what fixed it for good.
It happened AGAIN and messages were blocked… I kept getting an sms block auto reply… tried everything, ended up calling T-Mobile and they discovered that they had blocked SMS on their end and they had to unblock it. Reading into this on Reddit this can happen when you update your iOS version because there is a carrier handshake involved. For example, not all carriers allow hotspot capability, so an update might show hotspot then the carrier needs to hide it. Loads of bugs with iOS 26! I tried everything before doing this and this was what fixed it for good.
Well it turns out I was jumping the gun in my case – when I posted that message I didn't actually have cell service – I'd just gotten a new iPhone 17 Pro Max and my carrier was having technical difficulties switching me over to the new phone – and now that my cell service has been restored I see the options for RCS and MMS and other things.
I suppose if your cell service is fully functional and you're not seeing those options it could be as the other poster said and you need to get in touch with your cell carrier.
Thank you everyone for your help!
I also had this issue but I was able to resolve it by doing the following
Not sure which combo of these did the trick, but I can now see MMS messaging on my iPhone 13 pro updated to ios 26
The option for MMS randomly disappears for me with the new iOS. I also have full unlimited everything through my carrier. If I reset my phone, MMS option will work again and reappear.
nikkormac wrote:
I've found an answer for a similar question, but it does not apply to iOS 26. I'm trying to send someone a photo, I'm getting an alert saying I have to enable MMS in order to do so, and I cannot find anything in Settings -> Messages that says anything about MMS. What's the secret?
If you scroll down enough in Settings > Apps > Messages, there should be a toggle for 'MMS Messaging'. It's in the section labeled 'Text Messaging', under the menu for RCS Messaging.
raingutz wrote:
i’m having the same issue and rcs menu doesn’t have anything in regards to mms
Interesting- it looks like this:
If it's not in the list, you likely don't have MMS with your cellular plan. In that case, you'd have to talk to your carrier.
Yeah, it may be good to contact your carrier then. Maybe they've failed to update something that needs updating because of iOS 26...or something. Good luck!
i’m having the same issue and rcs menu doesn’t have anything in regards to mms
never had this issue until the ios 26 update. k have unlimited everything plan with my carrier.
Thank you!! This worked for me too. I was going nuts.
How do I enable MMS in Messages in iOS 26.0.1?
