A faulty cache partition or invalid MMS cache data can cause the failed to download attachment message.
Furthermore, the error message may be brought on by APN settings that are incorrect or messaging programmes that are not compatible with one another.
When the user tries to retrieve an MMS attachment, he receives the error. The problem has reportedly only manifested itself in group conversations for some users.
When the user opens the messaging app or unlocks the phone (in some situations, on the lock screen), the error message appears.
What Causes the “Failed to Download Attachment From Multimedia Message” Error?
The most common source of this problem is that the ‘Wi-Fi Calling’ option is not activated on the device, which prevents it from downloading MMS attachments over Wi-Fi.
Most non-carrier phones’ behaviour does not change even after enabling the feature.
Corrupt cache or data from the MMS service, incorrectly configured MMS settings, or regional issues with the messaging software you’re using are other common factors.
How to Fix “Failed to Download Attachment from Multimedia Message”
Finding a solution to the problem of your phone not being able to download multimedia message attachments should be less difficult now that you know the cause.
Method 1: Switch to Mobile Data
If you’re getting the “Failed to download attachment from multimedia message” issue on your Android device, try switching to a mobile data connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Step 1: To access the notification drawer, swipe down from the top of your screen where notifications appear.
Step 2: Switch off Wi-Fi by going to the Quick Settings on the top of the notification drawer.
Toggle the Mobile data on.
Step 3: Make sure the MMS attachment downloaded properly and your problem has been resolved.
Method 2: Try a Different Network Mode
Step 1: Go into the preferences menu.
Step 2: Select Mobile Network under More.
Step 3: Take note that the final destination may differ slightly amongst Android devices. If you can’t find the Mobile Network options, try searching for them.
Step 4: Select the Network Mode/Type That You Prefer.
If the error persists after switching network modes, contact your network administrator. Continue doing this until the problem is resolved or all of the network modes have been exhausted.
Method 3: Clear Cache Files for the Messages App
If you’re using an Android device and you keep seeing the “Failed to download attachment from multimedia message” notice, try clearing the MMS service’s cache files.
Step 1: Launch the Settings programme and go to the Apps submenu.
Step 2: Find your phone’s app drawer, and then select the Messages icon. (The option to display system apps may need to be activated on some devices. Then, locate MMS Service to do a cache flush.
Step 3: Navigate to the App Details menu and then select the Storage tab.
Step 4: Select the Clear Cache option located toward the panel’s footer on the next screen.
Step 5: Once you’ve deleted the temporary files from your Android device, you should be able to access the media attachment. Do some testing.
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that even if Wi-Fi calling is activated, a non-carrier phone might not be able to successfully download the MMS message.
If you’re only getting the error notice and no MMS is waiting, you may also try turning on or off the phone’s message alerts. Have your data plan turned on for your connection.
To add, if you have ever used iMessage, you should remove your phone number from the service’s database (you can do this as a last resort).
Finally, try resetting your smartphone or turning on/off Airplane Mode.
