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How to Fix Excel Files Not Sending via Text Message on iPhone
Question details
The user is unable to successfully send an Excel document through text messaging on their iPhone.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel / Apple Messages
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to share an Excel spreadsheet as an attachment in the Messages app to another mobile user.
- Observed behavior
- The Excel file fails to send, often displaying a 'Not Delivered' error, due to file size limitations, network connectivity issues, or carrier MMS restrictions.
Before proceeding, ensure that your iPhone has an active cellular or Wi-Fi connection, and verify that the recipient is capable of receiving iMessages or standard MMS attachments.
Verify File Size and Network Settings
Check if the Excel file exceeds carrier MMS size limits and ensure your messaging network settings are properly enabled.
Standard MMS text messages typically restrict file attachments to 1MB - 3MB depending on your mobile carrier. If your Excel file is larger, the message will fail to send to non-Apple devices. Additionally, network settings must be correctly configured to allow attachment transmission.
Open the 'Files' app on your iPhone, locate your saved Excel document, press and hold the file icon, and select 'Get Info' to verify its size is under 1MB.
Navigate to your iPhone 'Settings', scroll down and tap 'Messages', then ensure that both 'iMessage' and 'MMS Messaging' toggles are turned on.
Go to 'Settings' > 'Cellular' and confirm that 'Cellular Data' is toggled on, which is required for sending MMS attachments to Android users.
Restart the Messages App and Device
Clear temporary software glitches by forcing the Messages app to restart and rebooting your iPhone.
Use Cloud Storage Links or Email
Bypass text message limitations entirely by sharing the file via a cloud link or sending it through email.
Share Large Excel Files Seamlessly with WPS Office for iOS
WPS Office for iOS allows you to easily view, edit, and share Excel spreadsheets directly from your iPhone. You can effortlessly bypass text message size limitations by generating a quick, shareable link right inside the app.
- 1. Open your spreadsheet in WPS Office: Launch the WPS Office app on your iPhone and open the Excel file you wish to share.
- 2. Tap the Share icon: Tap the 'Share' button located at the bottom menu or top right corner of the document screen.
- 3. Select Share as Link: Choose the 'Share as Link' option to instantly generate a URL for your file, automatically bypassing carrier file size limits.
- 4. Send via Messages: Select the 'Messages' app icon from the native sharing menu. The link will be pasted into a new text message, ready to send.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my iPhone say 'Not Delivered' when sending an Excel file?
This usually happens if the file exceeds your carrier's MMS size limit (often 1MB to 3MB) or if you have a poor cellular network connection. Try connecting to Wi-Fi, or send it as a cloud link instead.
Can I send an Excel file to an Android user via iPhone text message?
Yes, but the file will be sent as a standard MMS message rather than an iMessage. Because MMS has strict file size limits, large Excel files may fail to send. Sending a cloud link is highly recommended for cross-platform sharing.
How do I reduce the size of an Excel file on my iPhone before sending?
You can reduce the file size by removing high-resolution images, deleting unnecessary sheets, or compressing the file. To compress it, open the Files app, long-press the Excel document, and select 'Compress' to create a smaller ZIP file to send.
