Learn about text and picture messaging.
T-Mobile One and Simple Choice offer unlimited text and picture messaging. Older plans may include a monthly allotment of messages (text, picture, video, and IM). You can check your monthly allotment by logging into My T-Mobile and visiting the PLAN section.
Text messaging
Text messaging (SMS) is a two-way mobile messaging service that allows you to send and receive short text and email messages on text-capable mobile devices. You can use text messaging with both T-Mobile and non-T-Mobile customers.
Things you should know:
- You can send messages to any email address, and you can have email sent to your mobile device via text message. You can find steps to do this in Devices.
- Each mobile number has its own email address in this format: your10digitmobilenumber@tmomail.net. Example: 6105551212@tmomail.net
- Messages are limited to 160 characters. If a message exceeds 160 characters, it's automatically converted to a picture message (MMS). See "Picture messaging," below.
- T-Mobile doesn't keep copies of text messages, and we can't retrieve deleted or missed text messages. Some email services allow for text messages to be forwarded to your email, so check with your email provider to see if this is a service they offer.
- Having problems with spam? For information on what you can do, read Caller ID spoofing and text messaging spam FAQs
- When you receive a text message on your T-Mobile phone, you are charged for the message. Learn how to block messages.
- Need a special ring tone for a text message? You can find steps to do this in Devices.
Messaging rates
Some plans include a monthly allotment of messages (text, picture, video, and IM). If messages aren’t included in your plan, you can find messaging rates by logging in to My T-Mobile and visiting the PLAN section. You can find rates for Pay in Advance (Prepaid) accounts here.
Picture messaging
Picture messaging (MMS) is a service that allows you to send and receive messages with multimedia content, not necessarily just text. Picture messaging lets you send or receive messages containing pictures, video, text, audio, or a combination.
- Go to Devices to learn how to send picture messages.
- You'll need a mobile device that supports picture messaging to use this service. If you're not sure, check your phone's Tech Specs.
- Because of the larger size, a picture message can sometimes take longer to get to your mobile device than a text message (SMS).
- Videos can only be sent between handsets that support video messaging.
Messaging rates
Some plans include a monthly allotment of messages (text, picture, video, and IM). If messages aren’t included in your plan, you can find messaging rates by logging in to My T-Mobile and visiting the PLAN section. For Pay in Advance (Prepaid) accounts, you can find rates on the Prepaid additional services page.