You can often still send a photo or video when RCS isn’t working: attach it in Google Messages and use carrier MMS, either manually for an undelivered message or through automatic fallback if that option is available. MMS needs a data connection and carrier support. Unlike RCS, SMS/MMS is not end-to-end encrypted, and carrier compression can reduce image quality.
Send a photo or video in Google Messages
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Open an existing conversation or start a new one in Google Messages.
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Tap Gallery, select a photo or video, or take a new one, then review the attachment.
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If Google Messages offers a quality choice, select HD for media optimized for chat, or HD+ for original resolution. Tap Send. Google says the choice is saved for future media, but you can change it when attaching an image. Google Messages Help: Send photos, videos, or voice messages
#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
The app may use RCS or MMS depending on availability and the conversation. RCS uses Wi-Fi or mobile data; MMS needs a data connection and carrier support. Carrier MMS compression can affect image quality, while RCS supports high-resolution media. Google Messages Help · RCS chats by Google FAQ
Switch an undelivered RCS message to SMS/MMS
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In the conversation, tap the timestamp on the undelivered RCS message.
Rank #2
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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Choose Switch to text (SMS/MMS).
This sends the message through your carrier rather than RCS. Google notes that SMS/MMS messages are not end-to-end encrypted. Google Messages Help: Control message delivery
Enable automatic SMS/MMS fallback
To let Google Messages retry an unavailable RCS message as a text, open your profile picture or icon, then go to Messages settings → RCS chats. Turn on Automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS) if the setting is available. Menu labels and availability can vary by app release, device, carrier, and region. Google Messages Help: Control message delivery · RCS chats by Google FAQ
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
If RCS is not connecting
Check your status in Google Messages under your profile picture or icon → Messages settings → RCS chats. Google recommends checking that you have an internet connection, can receive SMS for verification, have the latest Google Messages version, and have set Messages as the default SMS app. If the status says your carrier disabled RCS, contact the carrier. RCS requires a supported device and carrier, and availability varies by carrier and region; everyone in a conversation needs RCS available for RCS chat behavior. Google Messages Help: Can’t turn on RCS chats · RCS chats by Google FAQ
If the MMS fallback will not send
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Confirm mobile data or another data connection is active, your signal is usable, and airplane mode is off.
Rank #4
Sale
Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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Check that your carrier supports MMS and that your plan has the required service or credit. Costs and requirements vary by carrier and plan.
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Restore the APN settings to their defaults, as Google recommends for MMS problems. Phone menus differ, so use your handset maker’s or carrier’s instructions rather than assuming the path is the same on every Android phone.
Best Value
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, US Version, 2025, Blue Black (Renewed)- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Google’s support guidance does not establish one universal MMS attachment-size limit for all carriers and devices. If a particular file will not send, check the limit and requirements with your carrier. Google Messages Help: Fix problems sending, receiving, or connecting to Google Messages
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens to RCS group conversations?
If a participant temporarily loses RCS, Google says group messages may split into individual SMS/MMS conversations. They usually return to RCS group behavior when the sender reconnects to RCS. Google Messages Help: Fix problems sending, receiving, or connecting to Google Messages
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