Don’t wanna wait for iPhone MMS? Enable it right now!

Related: Apple, Cell Phones, Features, Handhelds, Mods / Hacks

Okay, we were all disappointed by AT&T’s decision to delay iPhone MMS to early fall, but that doesn’t stop ambitious folks such as ourselves from finding a way around it. And we have. I can confirm that I was able to get MMS working on my iPhone 3GS with about 3 minutes worth of effort. You wanna do it to? Read on for complete instructions for enabling MMS on iPhone 3.1.

First things first, You need to enable IPCC updates, which is supported in iTunes 8.2 and 9.0. If you have either of those installed, you’re good. Here is how to enable IPCC on OS X and Windows 2000, XP, and Vista:

Mac OS X:

Close iTunes if it is open
Start Terminal (Applications > Utilities)
Run the following command: defaults write com.apple.iTunes carrier-testing -bool TRUE

Windows 2000/XP/Vista (32-bit):

Go to Start -> Run (
type in “cmd” and hit enter
Type/copy+paste this into the command console that comes up: “C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe” /setPrefInt carrier-testing 1
Hit enter

Windows XP/Vista (64-bit):

Go to Start -> Run (
type in “cmd” and hit enter
Type/copy+paste this into the command console that comes up: “C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe” /setPrefInt carrier-testing 1
Hit enter

Okay, now that that’s done, you are ready to update your iPhone with a modified carrier file bundle. Don’t worry, this won’t break anything. All it will do is give you an extra menu in the Network settings area, where you can enter the network settings that will enable MMS.

Right-click and save this file to your computer. Once you have it, follow the following steps:

Download the file to some location on your computer
Plug in your iPhone
Start iTunes
Click on your iPhone in the device listing in iTunes
Alt-Click the “Check for Update” button (Shift-click in Windows)
Browse to where you saved the IPCC you downloaded
Select the file and click Choose (or OK on windows)
Reboot your iPhone

Okay, once your phone has rebooted, you just need to enter the appropriate settings that will allow MMS messages to be sent and received. To get where you need to be, go to Settings -> General -> Network area. You should see a new Celullar Data Network option. Go into that area, and enter the following settings:

wap.cingular;
Username: wap@cingulargprs.com;
Password which is case sensitive: CINGULAR1;
mmsc.cingular.com;
MMS Proxy: 66.209.11.32

Now back out of that menu, because we are all done, my friends.

You should now be able to both send and receive MMS messages from your iPhone 3G or iPhone 3GS, enabling such riveting conversations as the one above.

Big props to Aaron Krill and SoftSailor for the parts they played in getting all of this to work!

Posted by Andru Edwards on September 16, 2009 at 11:33 AM
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iPhone users now get MMS. Congrats iPhone users…welcome to 2004!

Posted by MyGGGo on September 16, 2009 at 10:37 AM | #

Hmmm… I get an error whenever I send.

Posted by Steve Thompson on September 16, 2009 at 10:54 AM | #

It works great, thank you so much! I’ve missed having MMS!

Posted by Jenn G on September 16, 2009 at 11:28 AM | #

Same here, it says sending but ends up just giving me the little red exclamation point.

Posted by Sobe9800 on September 16, 2009 at 11:57 AM | #

worked for me too! thanks!

Posted by Ryan on September 16, 2009 at 12:01 PM | #

Yes Yes Yes!!! This actually worked. I was skeptical at first, but when I tried it, it worked!!! Thank you guys for posting this!!! (All this excitement over MMS, I know…lame)

Posted by Derek F on September 16, 2009 at 12:03 PM | #

So I do what it says but when I look for the IPCC it’s not there?? Help plz??

Posted by Greenmonkey3 on September 16, 2009 at 12:04 PM | #

nope.. red exclamation point after trying to send

Posted by koosa on September 16, 2009 at 12:05 PM | #

Red exclamation point. Any ideas on how to get this working?

Posted by Ross Kimes on September 16, 2009 at 12:10 PM | #

grrrr…... why does this work for some people and not me? lol

Posted by david Rainsberger II on September 16, 2009 at 12:13 PM | #

I was excited to see this post, but quickly realized Apple isn’t allowing MMS on the iPhone 2G, which I currently own. It’s really idiotic that a feature such as MMS which dates back 5+ years isn’t being supported on ALL iPhones.

Posted by Jason on September 16, 2009 at 12:14 PM | #

yes yes yes we all know that it is ######## and how it is stupid it took them this long. BUT now lets try and figure out why the hell this isnt working for us 3Gs owners.

Posted by david Rainsberger II on September 16, 2009 at 12:16 PM | #

How about visual voicemail?

Posted by Chad edge on September 16, 2009 at 12:20 PM | #

Works on 3.0, jailbroken, with iTunes 9.0. Had a few hurdles to get through, here’s some tips.

First, if you can’t enable updating your carrier files, you may need to change to the iTunes directory manually and then run iTunes.exe setPrefInt carrier-testing 1. That helps take a lot of guesswork out of which command to run.

Second, if you try to update and get an unknown error, and you are jailbroken, a likely cause is the updated AT&T Carrier Logo. Go into Cydia, Manage, Packages, select the carrier logo package, click Modify, and Remove it. Reboot your phone. Once you’re booted back up, you should be able to update your IPCC. Reboot again, then feel free to reinstall that carrier logo.

Posted by Rob Stevens on September 16, 2009 at 12:23 PM | #

FYI, Visual Voicemail works, Chad. Tested that second, just to be sure. Make sure you follow the directions closely for your MMS settings. If you change the Cellular Data settings, you may break it. Cellular Data, and Visual Voicemail don’t need any changes.

Posted by Rob Stevens on September 16, 2009 at 12:25 PM | #

You guys need to update the insctructions to use “cmd” instead of command.

Command is an old function that does not work 100%

Posted by Lasareath on September 16, 2009 at 12:32 PM | #

woooo it works

Posted by Logan on September 16, 2009 at 12:53 PM | #

Greenmonkey3 - I have the same error… did u receive any help?

Posted by Wolf on September 16, 2009 at 01:18 PM | #

nope. i kind of gave up.

Posted by david Rainsberger II on September 16, 2009 at 01:19 PM | #

wow…all these fellow iphoners and no help…

Posted by Wolf on September 16, 2009 at 01:25 PM | #

Worked perfectly on non jailbroken iPhone running 3.1. Thanks for helping me out Andru. U da man, dog!!!

Posted by Doug on September 16, 2009 at 01:51 PM | #

lame. this is not working for me.

Posted by david Rainsberger II on September 16, 2009 at 01:52 PM | #

No MMS for me still get the red! mark LAME I Want my MMS already do you have to fill the cellular data part out too?

Posted by Alex on September 16, 2009 at 01:53 PM | #

No =// ugh nobody is help on here

Posted by Greenmonkey3 on September 16, 2009 at 01:55 PM | #

If you get an error (the red exclamation point) then AT&T hasn’t enabled MMS on your account yet. They won’t have everyone done until the 25th.

I had the beta of 3.1 and had the MMS button, but when I tried sending an MMS I got that same error. The day 3.1 came out I was finally able to send MMS’s but I lost the button when I upgraded. This worked. I got my button back and can send MMS’s again.

Posted by Lay Swinger on September 16, 2009 at 02:00 PM | #

No. Do not change anything but the MMS settings.

Posted by Lay Swinger on September 16, 2009 at 02:03 PM | #

good point. that is what is wrong. i will just have to wait then. thank you.

Posted by david Rainsberger II on September 16, 2009 at 02:05 PM | #

Got it working! iPhone 3GS Only thing I’m not liking is the format of replies from non-AT&T people. It’s like an email where it has the previous message and time stamps…

Posted by MRCUR on September 16, 2009 at 02:11 PM | #

I’m stuck in the first step where I have to put the command. It gives me an error. Is there another way because I paste the command and nothing happens. Please help!!

Posted by Dr on September 16, 2009 at 02:14 PM | #

Don’t copy and paste the command, just type it in. If you’re not an admin on the machine, add su in front of the command and you’ll have to enter your password (this makes you a super user).

Posted by MRCUR on September 16, 2009 at 02:16 PM | #

Not working for me either. Bollocks.

Posted by duthu on September 16, 2009 at 02:35 PM | #

not working on my 3.0.1 jailbroken

Posted by seatown on September 16, 2009 at 03:36 PM | #

Does anyone kno if the change to iTunes.exe, will hav any effect on later updates.
Especially, since I was unable to get this to work, will it interfere with the AT&T MMS update??

Posted by Wolf on September 16, 2009 at 04:28 PM | #

iTunes is looking for a .ipsw file, NOT .ipcc—can I rename the extension? What else can I do to get this to work?

Posted by Gwlister on September 16, 2009 at 05:09 PM | #

Worked like a charm the first time despite in the command prompt getting some sort of error message…yes sir!!!

Posted by Young Deezy on September 16, 2009 at 05:11 PM | #

Ok it doesnt show any file when searching for IPCC. iv even manaully tried to use all the files. Is there something im missing here. Im using windows Vista. followed the steps. it finds no IPCC n or .Ipsw file any suggestions anyone?

Posted by Parajumper80 on September 16, 2009 at 05:31 PM | #

I still cant find the IPCC file, but for those of you haveing problems with the CMD prompt. Go to the File where your iTunes.exe is stored Shift+right click on the file. Select open up command prompt here. it will open up in the path and you can then run the iTunes.exe setPrefInt carrier-testing 1

Posted by Parajumper80 on September 16, 2009 at 06:01 PM | #

Ok One Issue i figuered out. IE will rename the IPCC to a .zip file. You need to rename the file extension to .IPCC and it will load. lol 2 hours later (3 mins my ass ) i got it working. except i get the red exclamation points DAMN IT ALL TO HELL !!!

Posted by Parajumper80 on September 16, 2009 at 06:29 PM | #

Worked perfectly for me. Yay!

Posted by Liz Lawley on September 16, 2009 at 06:40 PM | #

care to share how you did it without encountering the problems everyone else is having?

Posted by Mike on September 16, 2009 at 06:44 PM | #

Okay, I got it to work also…. 2 hours ( I know I am a NERD)

for those not getting the IPCC to show up:
the extension is C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe” /setPrefint carrier-testing 1 (not the letter next to the f in setPrefint it the letter “i” not L. That allows you to find the IPCC.

The above file path may not be where you installed itunes, that is the file path to put in. outside of the above I followed and got all of this to work.

OHHH YEA Close Itunes and UNPLUG your Iphone while doing the above steps. Make sure all itunes files are closed (CTRL+ALT+DELETE) and look in Proccess. I hope this helps!

Posted by Jestin on September 16, 2009 at 07:13 PM | #

Parajumper80:

After you load the IPCC and restart phone re-check in the Iphone Settings, general, network, Cellular data network make sure that is filled out as above…. had the red X until i had that exact.

Hope this helps!

Posted by Jestin on September 16, 2009 at 07:18 PM | #

Yea i have it exact. I even tried playing around with the settings i found from another forum concerning this procedure. nada. from what i have gathered a lot of people are having same problem and not everyone has been unblocked yet

Posted by Parajumper80 on September 16, 2009 at 07:30 PM | #

Works perfect for me…thanks

Posted by upsman on September 16, 2009 at 08:39 PM | #

could you help me?

Posted by trish on September 16, 2009 at 08:53 PM | #

remove TRUE from the end of the command line for apple terminal.that worked for me to see the file

Posted by david on September 16, 2009 at 09:10 PM | #

So I do what it says but when I look for the IPCC it’s not there?? Help plz??

Posted by anthful on September 16, 2009 at 09:16 PM | #

Read my post above about renaming the IPCC

Posted by Parajumper80 on September 16, 2009 at 09:23 PM | #

I hav Vista-32…the downloaded file becomes a zip file. I xtract 2 files _MACOSX & Payload. After clicking on Update, I go to Payload, then ATT_US.bundle then 18 files are displayed and choose English.Iproj, at which point is says “No items match your search”. The folder is empty.
Wat am i doing wrong…..

Posted by Wolf on September 16, 2009 at 09:37 PM | #

ok i have a vista 64 can you please walk me thru and tell me where i can find the zip file because i’ve been trying for hours

Posted by anthful on September 16, 2009 at 09:47 PM | #

Ok lol i went through this too. IE renames the IPCC file to a .ZIP file. do not unzip it. instead rename the file extension to .IPCC then select it . Itunes will load it just fine

Posted by Parajumper80 on September 16, 2009 at 09:58 PM | #

lol i got the same problem when i was trying to do it
when in the search box after you alt click or shift click under file name click on type of file n choose the 1 that sais “Iphone carrier configuration files”
itll show up ^_^

Posted by NULL17 on September 17, 2009 at 12:02 AM | #

red exclamation noooooooooooo D:
sum1 heeeeeelllllllppppppppp :[
stupid At&T -___-

Posted by NULL17 on September 17, 2009 at 12:10 AM | #

jst so pple wondering im writing these comments as help ^_^
ok well Dr idk about you but all i did was save the iccp file cause cmd wasnt working for me either >.<
anyway i was able to do it without the cmd part :D
but i get red exclamation point :(
thou that really doesnt have anything to with downloading the software just sending photos
good luck to you i hoe yours works better than mine did T_T

Posted by NULL17 on September 17, 2009 at 12:19 AM | #

FYI, enabling mms DISABLES tethering.

Posted by yoyoyo on September 17, 2009 at 04:20 AM | #

I tried this and it’s a NO GO… ((sigh))

Posted by AppleMacGenius on September 17, 2009 at 06:11 AM | #

Has anybody found a way to get around the red exclamation? I’ve done everything I can and still no luck… I have the 3GS wht32gb and can’t get the red x to go away at all. Help if you can!

Posted by Vandal on September 17, 2009 at 06:59 AM | #

I noticed that my “mms opt out” is still on my account so until that goes away this work around will not work correct?

Posted by maryannee on September 17, 2009 at 08:34 AM | #

How do you know If you enter the command right?

Posted by Anthful on September 17, 2009 at 10:24 AM | #

I can’t get it to work either. I give a error when I try the command on the cmd prompt.

:-(

Posted by Riichard on September 17, 2009 at 02:38 PM | #

Finally got it. Not sure it works though, sent a pix to my wifes phone and the message had a download error.

Posted by Richard on September 17, 2009 at 05:17 PM | #

it works!! mac os x 10.6, iphone 3.1

Posted by Brian on September 17, 2009 at 08:09 PM | #

when i try to send a pic i get a RED Exclamation Mark whyy!??? Help???

Posted by junior on September 17, 2009 at 08:19 PM | #

I made the mistake of commenting on this. so now i keep getting emails. almost all of them are people who are not reading previous posts. AT&T has not give out unlock codes to all phones yet. so it only works on certain phones. not all will work.

Posted by david Rainsberger II on September 17, 2009 at 08:24 PM | #

Is it just me or is your battery life absolutely horrible since enabling the mms with this hack?

Posted by sean on September 17, 2009 at 08:58 PM | #

Make sure you download the file with firefox not Internet Explorer. Internet explorer changes the file from a “IPCC” to a zip file.

Posted by Jester on September 18, 2009 at 06:47 AM | #

My safari will not open the IPCC file that I download… WHY?!?!?!

Posted by Lloyd on September 18, 2009 at 07:38 AM | #

No go in metro ATL. I guess I will have to wait for the rollout next week. Thanks for the info.

Posted by Quasar_ATL on September 18, 2009 at 08:10 AM | #

Awesome Awesome Awesome!

Posted by TheOtherMrSmith on September 18, 2009 at 09:16 PM | #

Done

Posted by Richard on September 19, 2009 at 08:46 AM | #

Worked like a charm! Thanks so much

Posted by Dustin Brown on September 19, 2009 at 10:10 AM | #

I messed up a couple times on enabling the IPCC file thingy.

THE SOLUTION:
In: “C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe” /setPrefInt carrier-testing 1 /setPrefInt, the fInt part has no L in it, its an uppercase i (I). So Prefint but with an uppercase i (I).

Works perfect for me btw on my V3.1 iPhone 3GS.

Thanks.

Posted by Steven on September 19, 2009 at 11:07 AM | #

My wife has a 3G, I have a 3GS. This works on her phone and not mine. We are on the same account, but not the family share plan. If we are on the same account, shouldn’t it work for both?

Posted by Viz on September 19, 2009 at 11:08 AM | #

2004 on mms. Not in games and Internet browsing. Now we’re in 3009. Unless your rockin that iPhone 4GS. iPhone bitch!!!!

Posted by Pedro on September 19, 2009 at 01:31 PM | #

I got the red stab of death.. damnit

Posted by Cbom on September 19, 2009 at 02:21 PM | #

Yeah we’re on 2004 for MMS, buy in everything else we are way beyond any other (as Apple often says: 10 years ahead!) And if his phone has all the good stuff like playing 3D games, Internet browsing, best touch screen tecnology, etc. and/or has a better phone, thne he probably has the iPhone 4GS… :s iPhone Bitch!
(On behalf of Pedro and Manfred)

Posted by Leonard Janssen on September 19, 2009 at 03:17 PM | #

It was working, but this afternoon I’m getting the red exclamation. A lot of trouble to get it working, now, nothing! I hope it starts back on the 25th.

Posted by Richard on September 19, 2009 at 04:14 PM | #

Mine is getting hung up on sending it’s almost to the end but not moving

Posted by Bdawg on September 19, 2009 at 07:26 PM | #

NM red exclamation points!!! Ahhh!

Posted by Bdawg on September 19, 2009 at 07:28 PM | #

i cant find the file because when i shift click check for update it wont show ipcc files. WHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????????????????????????

Posted by trey on September 19, 2009 at 09:04 PM | #

this is the best video i’ve seen so far and it works perfectly if you use the video then add the settings info above

Posted by George on September 20, 2009 at 07:16 AM | #

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nByjfsJzFb0

sorry forgot to add the link….lol

Posted by George on September 20, 2009 at 07:18 AM | #

I got a syntax error message when copy pasting the command line into the command prompt. But beyond that, the winzip file that downloads isn’t recognizable as an ipsw. I don’t get how that would even work. I have XP and I use safari browser. How can I keep it from downloading the file as a WINZIP file?! How can I make it appear as an ipsw like iTunes needs?

Posted by barneystein on September 20, 2009 at 02:03 PM | #

How can you get it to change the file type from winzip to ipcc??

Posted by Barneystein on September 20, 2009 at 02:19 PM | #

I’m currently using a jailbroken 3GS on 3.0.1 firmware and after locating the .ipcc file and clicking update, the update hangs at “Updating Carrier Settings…” and I’m required to force quit it.

Any ideas on what could be causing this and how I could fix it? Thanks in advance

Posted by Anmol Bajwa on September 20, 2009 at 04:12 PM | #

i got it to work but it only sends pictures out….i cant get any incoming pictures…has anyone had this problem and how did you fix it????

Posted by Devon on September 20, 2009 at 08:03 PM | #

Worked for this guy, cheers!

Posted by Ryan on September 21, 2009 at 04:28 AM | #

Re-Tested Metro ATL. It is working like a charm!!!

Posted by Quasar_ATL on September 21, 2009 at 06:11 AM | #

I see a lot of people posting that they can’t see the .ipss file and that iTunes keeps asking for the .ipsw file.

I had this same problem until I did a few things.

First, I’m on Windows XP, using Internet Explorer.
I right clicked on the file and saved it to my desktop. IE did NOT rename the file as a zip file as people are stating here. It saved it as an .ipcc file.

Second, make sure your phone is unplugged. Also, to into task manager and look at the processes that are running. Anything related to iTunes or iPod, end those processes (and obviously close iTunes).

Then run the command prompt and type in the command noted above. Note, when typing this, there is no space between the “/ (in the instructions it looks like there is a space there).

Then, plug in your phone. Then launch iTunes.

NOW when you shift-click it should give you the option of choosing between the .ipsw and .ipcc file.

Posted by CJ on September 21, 2009 at 09:16 AM | #

ok so i got the update installed and i see all the setting. Got everything working ok up until i try to send a message i get the red exclamation mark.

Called ATT and told them my phone “suddenly” started showing the ability to attach pic’s and contact info but won’t send. They told me there is nothing they can do until friday.

Anyone have any ideas?

Posted by Ali Baba on September 21, 2009 at 10:58 AM | #

use this, this works not the actual directions i not l (A+++)

Posted by ECD on September 21, 2009 at 07:02 PM | #

When i do it the only file i am able to look up is ipsw and the downloaded file is ipcc. Did I do something wrong?

Posted by Jay on September 22, 2009 at 04:45 AM | #

Nevermind i got it my issue was the i L deal posted earlier. Thanks steven

Qoute

I messed up a couple times on enabling the IPCC file thingy.

THE SOLUTION:
In: “C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunes.exe” /setPrefInt carrier-testing 1 /setPrefInt, the fInt part has no L in it, its an uppercase i (I). So Prefint but with an uppercase i (I).

Works perfect for me btw on my V3.1 iPhone 3GS.

Thanks.

Posted by Jay on September 22, 2009 at 04:55 AM | #

IF you are getting the issue on a Mac where it does not allow you to select the ipcc file. Close iTunes and put this in:

defaults write com.apple.iTunes carrier-testing -bool FALSE

then:

defaults write com.apple.iTunes carrier-testing -bool TRUE

now you should be able to select the ipcc and update the carrier.

I still get red exclamations when sending though…

Posted by Doublej on September 22, 2009 at 10:03 AM | #

Be careful if you’re doing this with a jailbroken iPhone 3g. I just tried the method above and it wont’ get past the pineapple.

Posted by CarefulCarl on September 22, 2009 at 10:55 AM | #

MMS works but it killed my visual voicemail. Not a huge problem but I’m not getting any notification that I’ve got any voicemail at all!

Posted by Explorerman on September 22, 2009 at 12:24 PM | #

I did this hack a few days ago but MMS just started working last night. I’m in Eastlake, OH. My visual voicemail stopped working so I pressed the voicemail button and it started dailing my voicemail, I then pressed * to exit. Then a little screen popped up on my phone asking for my voicemail password, I put that in and now visual voicemail works. Everything is working fine!

iPhone 3GS
OS 3.1
iTunes 9

Posted by Bruno on September 23, 2009 at 04:10 AM | #

This didn’t work for me when I tried it last week, but this morning it suddenly started working! Cool!

Posted by Stacy on September 23, 2009 at 05:30 AM | #

Thanks. File worked perfectly for me on os 3.0 on a 3gs. I had already done the tether activation when I first got the phone so I did nto have to enter any carrier information and it is all working perfectly. No wifi issues or anything…

Posted by paths on September 23, 2009 at 04:31 PM | #

Worked fine for me on a jailbroken phone.

Posted by paths on September 23, 2009 at 04:35 PM | #