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How to Send Photos in Text Messages

Sharing a photo of a grandchild, a pet, or a nice day out is one of the simplest ways to stay close to family. Here's how, on both iPhone and Android.

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On an iPhone

  1. Open Messages. Tap the green icon with a white speech bubble.
  2. Open the conversation with the person you want to send a photo to, or start a new message by tapping the pencil-and-paper icon.
  3. Tap the small camera icon to the left of where you type your message.
  4. Choose a photo from your Photos, or tap the camera button to take a new one right there.
  5. Tap the blue arrow button to send it.

On an Android Phone

  1. Open your Messages app. It usually has a green or blue speech-bubble icon.
  2. Open the conversation with the person you want to text, or start a new one.
  3. Tap the "+" or paperclip icon near the text box.
  4. Choose "Gallery" or "Photos" and select the picture you want to send.
  5. Tap the send arrow to deliver it.

A quick tip

If a photo seems slow to send, it's usually fine to wait — larger photos can take a few extra seconds, especially over cellular data instead of Wi-Fi.