A text message of up to 160 characters without an attached file is known as an SMS, while a text that includes a file—like a picture, video, emoji, or a website link—becomes an MMS.

Are SMS and text messages the same?

Yes, SMS and text messages are virtually the same – however, there are a couple of discrepancies when it comes to SMS vs. text. While SMS is one form of texting, you can also send MMS messages via text.

What does it mean when it says SMS message?

Short Message Service SMS stands for Short Message Service and refers to standard text messages on cellular devices. SMS text messages are more simplistic than MMS texts, which support multimedia content. When and if your phone uses SMS messages depends on your cellular carrier, as does the cost of sending one.

What does it mean texting with SMS MMS?

Multimedia Messaging Service MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. Whenever you send a text with an attached file, like a picture, video, emoji, or a website link, youre sending an MMS.

How do SMS work?

When you send an SMS message, the message gets transmitted from the sending device to the nearest cell tower. That cell tower passes the message to an SMS center (SMSC). Then the SMSC forwards the SMS message to a cell tower near the receiving device. Lastly, that tower sends the message to the recipients device.

How do I stop my text messages Converting to MMS?

On your android phone, you can also restrict or disable the MMS sending / receiving. To do this, go to the following setting: On the messaging App, Tab on Menu options (three little dots), then go to Settings. Then More Settings and Select Multimedia Messages.