topic Re: Text charges in Mobile Services

Text charges

1Steve7 — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:01:03 GMT

I keep getting charged when sending photos by text message. I only have 2GB as I'm on the house Wi-Fi most of the time, is this the reason I get charged?

Re: Text charges

XRaySpeX — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:07:10 GMT

@1Steve7 : Yes, when you attach a photo to a text your phone turns it into an MMS (Photo Msg) for which you are charged, either 89p on contract or 40p on PAYG, as MMS are not included in your allowances.

Re: Text charges

Northerner — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:07:35 GMT

Hi @1Steve7

If you are sending them by text messages then they are MMS messages and are chargeable. If you are sending these pictures via a WiFi message service they are free on WiFi and use your data when on the network.

Thanks

Re: Text charges

1Steve7 — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:12:40 GMT

Thank you for your quick response. Can you turn of MMS message and would they be free to send then?

Re: Text charges

XRaySpeX — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:34:56 GMT

You can't turn off the MMS conversion but your phone should warn you when it turning it into an MMS & you may then abandon the send. Texts will only be "free" to send (covered by your allowance) when you stop attaching pictures etc. to them.

See Why some text messages are converted to photo messages

Re: Text charges

bristolian — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:33:03 GMT

The decision on what specific content a phone can send by SMS and what requires conversion into MMS, is a phone issue not a network one.

Android phones can be configured to accept the overwhelming majority of emojis by SMS, but animated graphics and photos/videos won't be covered. I have no idea on Apple.

You should always get an on-screen prompt when this conversion happens, enabling you to make an informed decision on how to proceed.