Texting Mistakes That Could Cost You Money

Sending a text message seems simple, but choosing the wrong format can lead to unnecessary costs and delivery issues. It's important to understand the different types of text messages available on your phone. The most common types are SMS, MMS, and RCS.

SMS (Short Message Service) is the basic text message format. It only supports text and is limited to 160 characters. MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) allows you to send pictures, videos, and longer texts. However, MMS messages often cost more than SMS messages. RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the newest standard and offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality image sharing. RCS requires both the sender and receiver to have RCS enabled.

Using the wrong format can result in higher charges from your mobile carrier. For example, if you try to send a picture as an SMS message, it will likely fail or be converted to a low-quality image. If you send a long text as an SMS, it may be broken into multiple messages, costing you more. Always double-check the message type before sending.

To avoid these problems, familiarize yourself with your messaging app's settings. Most apps allow you to choose a default message type or automatically convert messages to the appropriate format. By understanding the differences between SMS, MMS, and RCS, you can save money and improve your texting experience.