Failed to Download Attachment From Multimedia Message

The notification appears as a popup that gradually fades out, typically at the bottom of the screen. Samsung devices appear to be particularly affected by the issue.

The problem isn’t urgent because it only produces an error message and doesn’t significantly degrade the user experience. However, if the error message starts appearing each time you wake up your phone, unlock it, or launch your SMS app, it can quickly become extremely annoying.

The “Failed to Download Attachment From Multimedia Message” Error: What’s the Problem?

This error is typically caused by the fact that many Android devices cannot download MMS attachments over Wi-Fi unless the ‘Wi-Fi Calling’ feature is turned on. The majority of non-carrier phones still display the same behaviour even with the feature enabled.

The MMS service’s cache or data being corrupt, improperly configured MMS settings, or specific problems with the messaging app you are using are some additional frequent causes.

Method 1: Change to Mobile Data

By switching to a mobile data connection, you can resolve the “Failed to download attachment from multimedia message” error if your Android device simply cannot download MMS attachments over a Wi-Fi connection.

1. To access the notification drawer, swipe down from the notification area at the top of your screen.
2. Turn off the Wi-Fi toggle in the Quick Settings menu, which is located at the top of the notification drawer.
3. Turn on the toggle for mobile data.

Method 2: Examine an Alternative Network Mode

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Select Mobile Network under More.
3. Select your preferred network type or mode.
4. Change your network mode and then verify that the error has been fixed. Repeat as necessary until the problem is resolved or all network modes have been tried.

Method 3: Delete the Cache and Data for the MMS Service

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Click on Applications / Apps.
3. If a menu of choices appears, select Manage apps.
4. Click More.
5. Select “Show system” or “Show all apps” (or a similar option).
6. In the list of apps, find and tap MmsService.
7. Select Clear Data and confirm the action if necessary.
8. Press Clear Cache, then, if necessary, confirm the selection.
9. Restart the computer.

Check to see if the error message is still present after your phone has started up.

Method 4: Enable Auto-Download for Multimedia Messages

The messaging app you are using might not have auto-download (or auto-retrieve) for MMS enabled, which is why you might be having this issue. If that’s the case, turning on the option should stop the error message from appearing on your device.

Depending on the messaging app you are using, the specific instructions will change. You must: on Samsung’s built-in “Messages” app:

1. Messages should be launched.
2. Tap More, then select Settings.
3. Select MMS.
4. Find a setting that says “allow downloads,” “auto-download,” or something comparable, and turn it on.

If you’re using the ‘Messages’ app from Google, you must:

1. Messages should be launched.
2. Tap More, then select Settings.
3. Tap the Chat features button.
4. Activate the option to “Auto download files you receive over mobile data.”

Method 5: Change to a Different Messaging App

Because of a specific problem with the messaging app you’re using, especially if it’s a third-party messaging app, your phone might not be able to download an MMS attachment. If that’s the case, switching to another app ought to enable the download.

1. Open the Settings menu.
2. Click on Applications / Apps.
3. If a menu of choices appears, select Manage apps.
4. Click More.
5. Select Configure apps / Default apps or a comparable choice.
6. Tap on Messaging / SMS.
7. Change to a different messaging app from the list of accepted apps you see if you’re currently using one. It is advised that you switch to your phone’s stock SMS app if you have been using a third-party messaging app. Download a third-party replacement if you are currently using the stock messaging app, then switch to it.

Conclusion

The solutions listed and explained above are your best bet for resolving this error short of performing a complete factory reset. In the comments section below, let us know if any of these solutions worked (or didn’t work) for you.

We’d also love to hear from you if you’ve encountered the “Failed to download attachment from multimedia message” error and were able to resolve it using a method we haven’t covered so we can add it to the list.