The basic steps depend on whether you use iPhone or Android
On an iPhone, open the Messages app, start a new message or open an existing conversation, and tap the plus sign (+) to the left of the text field. Tap "Photo Library" and select the photo you want. You can also tap the camera icon to take a new photo right there and send it. Once you've chosen or taken the photo, tap "Send."
On an Android phone, open your default messaging app (usually Messages, though some phones use a different app), start a new message or open a conversation, and look for a paperclip icon, a plus sign, or an attachment button — the exact location varies by phone brand. Tap it, select "Photos" or "Gallery," choose your photo, and tap "Send."
The photo attaches to your text message and sends to the recipient's phone. They'll see it appear in the conversation thread just like a regular text, though it may take a few seconds longer to arrive than plain text does.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users tap the plus sign next to the text field, then "Photo Library," then select and send.
- Android users tap an attachment button (paperclip, plus sign, or similar) and select from their photo gallery.
- You can take a new photo on the spot instead of choosing an existing one from your phone's storage.
- Photos sent this way go through your phone's text messaging service and may be compressed to send faster.
What happens to the photo when it's sent
When you send a photo through a text message, your phone compresses it — makes the file smaller — so it travels faster over your cellular network or Wi-Fi. This compression means the photo the other person receives may not be quite as sharp or detailed as the original on your phone, especially if you zoom in on it.
The photo arrives as part of the text message thread, so it stays in your conversation history with that person. If you delete the message, the photo goes with it. The recipient can save the photo to their own phone's storage if they want to keep it permanently.
Why you might not be able to send a photo
If you tap the attachment button and nothing happens, or if you see an error message, the most common reason is that your phone doesn't have permission to access your photo library. On iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and make sure "Photo Library" is turned on. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > [Your Messaging App] > Permissions and turn on "Photos" or "Media."
Another reason is that your phone is running low on storage space. Photos take up room, and if your phone's storage is nearly full, it may not let you send one. You can check how much space you have left in Settings (iPhone) or Settings > Storage (Android). If you're very low, delete some old photos or videos to free up space.
If you have no cellular signal and no Wi-Fi connection, the message won't send at all — text messages need a connection to travel. Wait until you have signal or connect to Wi-Fi, then try again.
The difference between text messages and other ways to share photos
Sending a photo through text messaging is different from sharing through apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage (which is Apple's messaging service built into iPhones). Those apps often keep the photo quality higher and offer more options, like adding captions or drawing on the photo before you send it.
Text messages use your phone's standard SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) system — the same system that handles plain text. MMS is what handles the photo part. Some phone plans charge per text message or per photo message, though most modern plans include unlimited messaging. If you're on an older plan or traveling internationally, sending photos as text messages might cost more than sending them through an app like WhatsApp or email.
How to send multiple photos at once
Most phones let you select more than one photo before sending. After you tap the attachment button and open your photo library, look for a "Select Multiple" option or tap and hold on the first photo. Then tap the other photos you want to include. Some phones show a checkbox next to each photo; others highlight them in blue or another color.
Once you've selected all the photos you want, tap "Send" or "Done." They'll all attach to one message and send together. Keep in mind that sending many photos at once takes longer and uses more data, especially if you're on a cellular connection rather than Wi-Fi.
Troubleshooting when a photo won't send
If you've attached a photo but the message stays in your conversation with a loading symbol or an error message, try these steps in order: first, make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection by checking your signal bars. Second, close the messaging app completely and reopen it. Third, restart your phone — turn it off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on.
If the message still won't send after restarting, try deleting the message and sending the photo again. If that doesn't work, the photo file itself might be corrupted. Try selecting a different photo to confirm the app is working, then come back to the original photo later.
For persistent problems, check that your messaging app is up to date. On iPhone, open the App Store and go to Updates; on Android, open the Google Play Store and go to My Apps & Games. If an update is available for your messaging app, install it and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I send a photo to someone who doesn't have a smartphone?
Yes. If you send a photo to a regular phone that only receives text messages, the phone may not display the photo, or it may show a link to read it instead. The experience depends on the phone and the carrier. It's safer to assume that older phones won't show the photo and to describe what's in it in your text instead.
What if the photo is too large to send?
Your phone usually compresses the photo automatically, so size is rarely a problem with text messages. If you get an error saying the file is too large, try taking a new photo with your camera app instead of choosing an old one from your library — newer photos are often in a format that compresses better. You can also try sending the photo through email or an app like WhatsApp instead.
Will the person I send a photo to be able to see it right away?
Usually yes, but it depends on their connection. If they have Wi-Fi or cellular signal, the photo should arrive within a few seconds. If they're in an area with no signal, the message will wait in their phone until they have a connection, then arrive automatically.
Can I edit a photo before sending it?
On iPhone, you can tap "Edit" after selecting a photo to crop it or adjust brightness before sending. On Android, this depends on your phone brand — some let you edit in the messaging app, others require you to edit in your photo app first, then attach the edited version. Check your messaging app's menu to see if an edit option appears.
Does sending a photo use a lot of data?
A single photo sent as a text message uses roughly 100 kilobytes to 1 megabyte of data, depending on the photo's size and how much your phone compresses it. If you're on a limited data plan, sending many photos can add up, but occasional photo messages won't make a noticeable difference. Using Wi-Fi instead of cellular data avoids using your monthly data allowance.