Cannot download files or access links in Messages on Galaxy phones

If you can’t download files or open links in text messages on your Galaxy phone, it is most likely due to the Auto Blocker feature and the Maximum restrictions option. If these have been enabled, you will be prevented from accessing files and links in text messages. To resolve this, you can turn off Maximum restrictions and enable access to files and links in your preferred messaging app.
A hand holding a Galaxy phone while displaying Security and privacy settings screen
A hand holding a Galaxy phone while displaying Security and privacy settings screen

Cannot download files or access links in Messages on Galaxy phones

Unable to download files sent through text messages

The Auto Blocker feature includes a Maximum restrictions option that disables automatic attachment downloads in messaging apps. This protects your device from opening attachments that may contain malicious software. You can turn off Maximum restrictions and turn on automatic downloading in your messaging app. Or, you can download the attachments manually by selecting them in the messages.

 

Disable Maximum restrictions

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap Auto Blocker.
  2. Tap Maximum restrictions, and then tap the switch to turn it off.

    Maximum restrictions highlighted

Enable automatic downloads

  1. Navigate to and open the Google Messages app, then tap your profile icon, and then tap Messages settings.
  2. Tap Advanced, and then tap the switch next to Auto-download MMS to turn it on.

    Auto-download MMS highlighted and switch activated in Google Messages settings
  3. Or, navigate to and open the Samsung Messages app, then tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap Settings.
  4. Tap More settings, then tap Multimedia messages, and then tap the switch next to Download automatically to turn it on.
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Unable to open URL links sent through text messages

The Auto Blocker feature includes a Maximum restrictions option that prevents access to links in messages, including link previews. If Maximum restrictions is turned on, you will not be able to view links via messages, Quick Share, or the Notification panel. You can turn off Maximum restrictions or copy and paste or type the web address in a browser.
 

Disable Maximum restrictions

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap Auto Blocker.
  2. Tap Maximum restrictions, and then tap the switch to turn it off.

    Maximum restrictions switch highlighted and disabled

Enable web links

  1. Navigate to and open the Google Messages app, then tap your profile icon, and then tap Messages settings.
  2. Tap Automatic previews, and then tap the switch next to Show all previews to turn it on.

    Show all previews highlighted and switch turned on
  3. Or, navigate to and open the Samsung Messages app, then tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap Settings. 
  4. Tap More settings, and then tap the switch next to Preview web links from contacts to turn it on.

    Preview web links from contacts highlighted and switch turned on
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