Out-of-plan MMS charges are additional costs incurred when you send Picture Messages (MMS) instead of standard text messages (SMS). These messages are not included in your monthly plan allowance.

MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) allows you to send messages containing media such as pictures, videos, and audio clips.

However, sometimes a standard text message can automatically convert into an MMS without you realizing it. This is usually determined by your phone settings or the operating system, not by iD Mobile.

Common reasons a text converts to MMS:

• Media: You attached a photo, video, or audio clip.
• Emojis: On some older devices, adding an emoji or emoticon can convert the message format.
• Length: Your text message exceeded the standard character limit (usually 160 characters) and your phone settings are set to convert long SMS to MMS.
• Subject Lines: You added a 'Subject' to the text message.
• Group Chats: You sent a message to multiple recipients as a ‘Group Message’ rather than a mass broadcast.
• Email: You sent a text message to an email address.

MMS messages are not included in your monthly allowance. The cost depends on when you joined or upgraded your plan:

• Joined/Upgraded on or before 20th June 2023: 30p per MMS.
• Joined/Upgraded on or after 21st June 2023: 55p per MMS.

A single MMS has a file size limit of 295kb. High-quality photos taken on modern smartphones are often much larger than this.

If you send a file larger than 295kb, it will be split into multiple MMS messages, and you will be charged for each one. For example, sending a 1MB photo could result in a charge of roughly £1.20 or £2.20 (depending on your plan rate) for a single image.

To avoid unexpected charges, we recommend using data-based messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage (when sending to other Apple devices).

These apps use your Wi-Fi or mobile data allowance to send images and videos, meaning you won't incur out-of-plan MMS fees.