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charges for SMS picture messages

  • July 26, 2025
  • 6 replies
  • 473 views
Stardust
Helpful Contributor

I have a SIM only plan and previous couldn't use  picture messages in normal text messaging because it wasn't included in the plan. 

I've received a SMS picture message today. (Google text messages).

Will this be charged ??

Best answer by WelshPaul

You can send and receive emojis to a specific friend for free because they’re likely being sent via RCS or iMessage.

 

SMS is text only with a maximum character count of 160 characters. You cannot send audio, images, files, or emojis over SMS. Such messages will be sent via MMS, and as you already know, these are chargeable on iD Mobile.

Black Arrow, Woomera, Australia, October 1971

    6 replies

    Decembersangel72
    Gold Contributor
    Forum|alt.badge.img+16

    Hi ​@Stardust 

    Yes, with iD Mobile, you will be charged for receiving MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) messages, such as those containing pictures, videos, or other media, even if they are sent via Google Messages. According to iD Mobile. These messages are not included in standard SMS allowances and are treated as out-of-plan usage, resulting in additional charges. 
    Look at the information under the ‘MMS (Multimedia Message Service)’ header and it states ‘MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. It makes it possible for you to send and receive messages containing pictures, photos, emojis, GIFs, videos and sound clips. MMS messages aren’t included as part of your monthly text allowances, so every time you send one you’ll be charged at our out-of-plan MMS rate.’

    Hope this helps x
     

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    WelshPaul
    Platinum 
Contributor
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    • WelshPaul
    • Platinum 
Contributor
    • July 27, 2025

    You are only charged when sending MMS messages, not for receiving them. 

    I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    Kash M
    iD Mobile Employee
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    • Kash M
    • iD Mobile Employee
    • July 28, 2025

    Hi ​@Stardust,

    It looks like ​@WelshPaul and ​@Decembersangel72 have answered your query.

    If you require further assistance, please get back to us here.

     

    Kash

    Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
    drumndancer
    Active Contributor
    • drumndancer
    • Active Contributor
    • January 19, 2026

    it seems i can send and receive emojis in texts from only one friend but all other contacts i get charged for sending an MMS message and their emojis are question marks. I always used to be able to send/receive emojis to all without being charged-when did it change? and is there a plan that does include occasional MMS?

    WelshPaul
    Platinum 
Contributor
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    • WelshPaul
    • Platinum 
Contributor
    • Answer
    • January 19, 2026

    You can send and receive emojis to a specific friend for free because they’re likely being sent via RCS or iMessage.

     

    SMS is text only with a maximum character count of 160 characters. You cannot send audio, images, files, or emojis over SMS. Such messages will be sent via MMS, and as you already know, these are chargeable on iD Mobile.

    I have no affiliation whatsoever with iD Mobile or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.
      M
      iD Mobile Employee
      Forum|alt.badge.img+5
      • Michael Z
      • iD Mobile Employee
      • January 19, 2026

      Hi ​@drumndancer 

       

      What ​@WelshPaul  advised is correct. It is most likely that you are sending an MMS message, which is not included in your allowances and is chargeable.

      I would advise using WhatsApp, RCS chat, or iMessage, as these use data instead of incurring extra costs. For standard messages, sending a regular SMS is also free within your plan.

       

      -Michael

      Did my comment help answer your question? If so, don't forget to mark the response as the Most Helpful Answer.

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