Picture messages

[Minke27]

All I did to be charged 83p per SMS was send a single or sometimes two emoji's in reply to a couple of Texts - Absolutely furious!!

[XRaySpeX]

@Minke27 : That's right! Emojis aren't text & so are converted to picture msgs by your phone.

[bristolian · Accepted solution]

Not every emoji will automatically cause a text message to become an MMS - this can depend on your phone's configuration.

However, the important part is that when this happens, your phone gives an on-screen indication of "converting to multimedia message" or similar- giving the user the choice to proceed or abort.

It is not a network function but a device one.

[Minke27]

THANK YOU !!  I'm still furious!  (First a 'Block' imposed on part of the account  and now this!)

Have been with BT for all services - landline, wi-fi/internet/mobile etc and shop for over 8+ years and although  more expensive than other providers have always had an excellent - untroubled service - their HALO service has been invaluable (I am 88 so occasionally have a problem  keeping up with the ever-increasing number of changes in technologyimposed upon us).   My Signal has not always been brilliant - but that is geographicand  and of course they have removed the facility for a discount for paying upfront for  renewal of the Landline!! 

When renewing said BT contract this year - was informed all about the EE situation and basically told that the change would be seamless and I wouldn't notice the difference!!  That's a JOKE and a 'con'!  Thank Goodness for WhatsApp - hope they don't get their 'hands' on that!!  But I bet that will change before too long also - forgive me if I'm cynical!!

[Leanne_T]

Hi there @Minke27 

I am sorry to hear this, you can find full details and help on stopping these charges in our Text messages converted to photo messages? Help page. 

Leanne.

[Angryfrombath]

Same here Minke 27, BT were great, all round flawless service for over 12 years then I  was told I had to change from BT to EE as it was happening anyway and since I  was due a contract renewal I went ahead. It was sold to me as faster, more reliable and other magic beans. Nothing but choppy internet and poor connection and then I discovered  extra fees on the sim which I found out was for a few emojis and two pictures! I sent pictures regularly with the BT sim and nearly every text I sent used to end in imojees of various emotions. Raging! This should have been made clear from the outset but it’s probably hidden deep down in the small print. , like MInke 27, WhatsApp saved me loads of charges. 
I was lucky and got out of the EE broadband contract inside my 14 day cooling off but was initially told I’d be charged a “ hefty cancellation fee” but after talking to another person they told me it was wrong to have told me that and I will not incur any cancellation fees. Watch out , anyone in the same position.

what a scam and I won’t be clicking the “thumbs up” icon in case I get charged for that too!