Group Messaging Option in Android Messaging App missing

[Tanoke]

In the Messages app group texts are sent as mass individual texts rather than group MMS. The option is missing when I try to enable it in Settings > Advanced.

The issue isn't with my carrier since my previous phone with the same SIM is able to send group MMS. It also isn't with with the phone hardware itself since I can use other messaging apps to send group MMS.

This leads me to believe the problem is with the Android Messages app itself. I've already tried to clear the cache and data and disable/enable the app. Since the app comes with the phone, I can't completly uninstall it and reinstall it.

Does anyone have any suggestions or solutions to fix this? I rather continue using this messiging app rather than switching to a third party messaging app.

Below is what I see when i access the advance settings of Android Messages.

[JJ42]

I've had the same issue on my phone since I got it. Very annoying when friends text you in a group and you can't respond to everyone. If someone knows a fix that would be great.

[Hdubya]

I had the same problem with my XZ1 compact. I had group message set to mms but they weren't sending or receiving mms.  I called my carrier - T-mobile - and a technician had me go to settings/network & internet/internet settings and download settings to use mms. Bam! Now I can group message.  I was almost ready to send the phone back if u couldn't mms. Hope it works for you.