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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchIf Google Messages effects won’t send or appear, first identify which feature is failing. For animations that stay still, check Show expressive animations in Messages and Remove animations in Android Accessibility. For a photo, GIF, Photomoji, or other attachment that will not send, check whether the conversation uses RCS or MMS, then verify your connection, app version, RCS status, and carrier support.
First, identify the effect and what is failing
“Effects” can refer to animated emoji, screen effects triggered by certain messages, reactions, Photomoji, or camera effects applied to photos and videos. A missing animation is usually a display or feature-availability issue; a failed attachment is more likely a sending, connectivity, or messaging-service issue.
- Animation does not play: check motion settings and whether expressive animations are enabled.
- Reaction or screen effect is missing: check the message type and feature availability.
- Effect-treated photo, video, or other media will not send: check RCS or MMS and follow the sending steps below.
Google documents camera effects for Pixel 6 and later and Samsung Galaxy S20+ devices. Effect-treated images and videos can be sent using either RCS or MMS. Google’s instructions for sending photos, videos, and voice messages describe the supported devices and transports.
If animations or effects do not appear
Turn on expressive animations
In Google Messages, open your profile picture or initial, tap Messages settings, and look for Show expressive animations. Turn it on. Google says animated emoji are turned on by default, but the setting may have been changed. Menu placement or wording can differ between app versions. See Google’s guide to expressive features.
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#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check Android’s motion setting
Open Android Settings > Accessibility > Color and motion > Remove animations. If it is enabled, turn it off and check Messages again. Menu names and paths vary by Android version and device manufacturer.
Check whether the feature is supported
If camera effects are absent rather than simply not animating, check the device: Google lists Pixel 6 and later and Samsung Galaxy S20+ devices as supported for this feature. The supported-device guidance does not establish availability on other models.
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Distinguish screen effects from ordinary animation
Google describes screen effects as animations triggered by certain messages; its help page gives “Happy Valentine’s Day” as an example. The effect is not a general animation setting that makes every message display a screen effect. Google also describes animated reactions on its Google Messages product page.
Check the message type for reactions
Reaction availability depends on the transport and region. Google lists reactions over SMS/MMS in the USA, France, Canada, and Australia, and says SMS/MMS reactions apply to text messages—not media such as photos or videos. RCS features and availability can differ. See Google’s expressive-features guidance.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
If an effect or media attachment will not send
Start by determining whether the conversation is using RCS, MMS, or SMS. MMS needs a mobile-data connection; RCS needs an active RCS connection. A problem with one transport may not affect the others. Google’s general sending and connection troubleshooting covers these checks.
- Update Messages and check basic sending requirements. Update Google Messages, make sure it is the default SMS app, check your signal, turn off airplane mode if it is on, and confirm your plan or credit allows messages to be sent.
- Check RCS status if the conversation uses RCS. In Messages, open your profile picture or initial, tap Messages settings > RCS chats, and inspect the status. Confirm that you have internet access and can receive SMS. Everyone in an individual or group RCS conversation needs RCS enabled for the conversation to use RCS.
- Respond to the status shown. If RCS is disabled by your carrier, contact the carrier and retry after it is resolved. If Messages remains disconnected, Google suggests using Details > Submit feedback. Follow Google’s RCS activation troubleshooting.
- Check MMS connectivity. If the failed attachment is being sent by MMS, verify that mobile data works. If the problem continues, Google’s guidance includes resetting APN settings to default where appropriate.
- Check whether the failure is limited to one contact. Verify the number and country code and confirm the contact is not blocked. If other conversations work, this can narrow the problem to that recipient or conversation.
Consider the reported RCS media-delivery issue
On October 2, 2026, Android Authority reported that Google had a fix rolling out for an RCS media-delivery problem affecting some Android-to-Android messages, including GIFs, pictures, Photomoji, and stickers. The report does not confirm that the fix has reached every user. If your symptoms match and local checks do not help, the issue may be service-side rather than a setting you can change.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Do not treat clearing app storage as a routine fix for this reported issue. Android Authority described an anecdotal case in which it helped but also reported loss of Photomoji access; routine local troubleshooting reportedly did not resolve the broader problem. Try the reversible connection and settings checks first.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
When to escalate
- Contact your carrier if RCS status says the carrier has disabled it, or if your mobile-data or messaging service is not working.
- Use Messages’ Details > Submit feedback option if RCS remains disconnected after you have checked connectivity and the carrier status.
- If only one recipient is affected, confirm their number and country code and check whether they are blocked before treating it as a general service failure.
- If an Android-to-Android RCS media failure persists despite the checks above, allow for the reported rollout to reach your account; the cited report does not establish a universal completion date.
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