BEWARE - SMS becomes MMS without warning unless you adjust settings

[Anonymous]

Recently got an S4 to replace my beloved S2.  Was surprised to note that I had been charged for 4 text messages as MMS messages.  Discovered the reason - I was silly enough to include a "smiley" chosen from the provided list of options. After wading through Settings I found an option to display a warning when a bog standard SMS is going to be treated as MMS.   Typical O2 underhand dealing in my view.

[MI5]

Any phone that has a smiley keyboard built in or installed from an app. The emoticons are actually pictures and they attach to the sms in the same way as if you were to attach a picture from your camera etc so the phone see's it as an mms.

[Anonymous]

Fell for this too, always had a few free mms as part of contract. Upgraded to 4G unlimited mins, texts. Used phone same as previous sony handset which also had smileys in keyboard never got charged before but suddenly did with new Samsung. Checked with O2 because I upgraded to 4G it's classed as new contract so no more allowance of free mms they don't do that bundle now. So if your currently not charged for mms and use them regularly make sure you don't change your contract. Now I have this information I can at least understand why my bill varies on an unlimited contract.

[MI5]

You can get a bolt on for £5 a month.

[Cleoriff]

So...a bit confused about this now?

I have a S3 and when I do a text I can add a smiley by bringing up those already installed on phone

(Left hand side) ...would I be charged for a MMS if I used these? (already built in to S3)

I admit I haven't used them much as they are a bit rubbish in my opinion

[jonsie]

No, the smilies on the s3 normal messaging app count as 3 characters and you aren't charged mms for these. Some of the smilies on the keypads on the S4 or emoji are classed as pictures and chaged accordingly.

[MI5]

In the message app, pull up the menu then settings. Scroll down and you will see an option to tick "warm me when converting to MMS"
If any sms tries to convert to mms the phone will show a pop up to warn you.

[Cleoriff]

Thanks for that both of you....see I have had this phone a year now...and still learn new stuff

(God help us all when I get a new one next year

[jonsie]

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@Cleoriff wrote:

Thanks for that both of you....see I have had this phone a year now...and still learn new stuff

(God help us all when I get a new one next year

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You know where we are:smileywink:

[Cleoriff]

Well you need to get proficient in the Note range then....as that is my choice at present

[jonsie]

Mine too, I have a Note 2 and I find it a superb bit of kit