Send and receive text & picture messages

Text messaging (SMS)

A text message allows you to send a message from one mobile device to another. A text is a great way to get in touch with a friend quickly and conveniently.

Nearly all mobile devices sold today allow you to send a text message. A standard text is 160 characters in length and multiple texts can be sent in one message.

If you’ve got a tablet, your tariff may not include a text message allowance and you’ll be charged at standard rates.

Picture messaging (MMS)

Picture messaging (sometimes called photo messaging) lets you send a photo from your device to another device or email address.

Some devices offer you the option of combining text and audio with the image before sending it.

Chat messaging (RCS)


If you’re on Android v5 or IOS 18.2 or above and using a supported device, you can use Chat Messaging from Tesco Mobile to other RCS users. RCS messaging allows you to send text and picture messages to other RCS users over data or Wi-Fi. You can attach pictures, videos, stickers and GIFs to your messages, and you can also create chat groups with other RCS users. The message compose bar will display whether your message is a text message, multimedia message, iMessage (iPhone only) or RCS message and you can turn RCS off anytime in your device settings.

Need more help sending messages from your device?

Use our handy device guides to help you with setting up your device, turning data on and off, booking a repair and much more!