On an iPhone
- Open Messages and open the conversation, or start a new one.
- Tap the plus button to the left of the typing box.
- Tap Photos to choose a picture you already took, or Camera to take a new one.
- Tap the photo you want. It appears in the typing box.
- Add a few words if you like, then tap the send arrow.
On most Android phones (Google Messages)
On a Samsung phone using Samsung Messages, tap the plus button, then Gallery or the picture icon, choose your photo, and tap send.
- Open Messages and open the conversation.
- Tap the plus button or the picture icon next to the typing box.
- Pick a photo from the list, or tap the camera to take a new one.
- Tap the send arrow.
Send a photo from the Photos or Gallery app
You can also start from the picture itself. Open the photo, tap Share, choose Messages, and pick the person. This is handy when you are already looking at the picture.
If the picture will not send
- Check that you have cell signal or Wi-Fi. Picture messages need a data connection.
- On an iPhone, open Settings, then Apps, then Messages, and make sure MMS Messaging is turned on.
- Very large videos may be too big for a text. Try a shorter clip or a still photo.
- If you see a red exclamation mark, tap it and choose Try Again.
Photos you might send to Uncle
If a letter, bill, or notice is confusing, you can text Uncle a photo of it and ask what it means. Uncle reads it and explains it in plain words. Cover your full Social Security number or account numbers first. Uncle does not need them to explain the letter.
Stuck on a step?
Text Uncle at +1 208 214 0093 and tell him what you see on your screen. He walks you through it in plain words, one step at a time.
Read next
Written by the Textuncle team. Last updated October 3, 2026.
Text Uncle