MMS is a multimedia messaging service that allows you to send and receive messages containing images, videos, audio, or files on your mobile phone. It's an evolution of SMS , which only allows you to send text. MMS therefore offers more possibilities for communicating with your contacts.

What is MMS?

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. It is a system for sending and receiving multimedia messages on mobile phones. It expands upon the capabilities of SMS, which is limited to 160 characters, and allows users to transmit photos, audio recordings, and videos.

An MMS message is created by the sender in a manner similar to an email with attachments (MIME) . An MMS consists of text and one or more optional , which can be encapsulated in MIME and/or SMIL formats. The message is then sent in delayed mode to a server of the operator, called the MMS C

The platform determines if the recipient has a device capable of receiving MMS messages. If so, the message is temporarily stored on an HTTP server. The MMSC then sends a notification SMS to the recipient, containing the URL to access the MMS. The recipient's device can then access the MMS via its WAP client or via the " data " ( packet mode) protocols of 3G and 4G mobile networks. If the recipient's device is not MMS-compatible, the message is generally viewable on the web, with the URL provided in an SMS sent to the recipient.

The maximum size of an MMS message is limited and varies depending on the operator. In France, operators allow MMS messages up to 600 KB in size.

What are the advantages of MMS?

MMS offers several advantages over SMS or other means of communication:

• richer and more expressive messages , which can contain visual or audio elements.
• It allows you to receive messages if you are experiencing problems receiving SMS messages on your phone .
• It offers the possibility to personalize your messages, by choosing the images, videos or sounds you wish to share.
• It makes it easier to share memories, emotions, or opinions with contacts.
• It can be used for mobile marketing , by sending promotional offers, invitations, surveys or contests to potential or loyal customers.
• It is compatible with most mobile phones , even older ones, unlike instant messaging applications which require an internet connection and a smartphone.

What are the disadvantages of MMS?

MMS also has some disadvantages compared to SMS or other means of communication:

• It is more expensive than SMS because it uses more data. The price of an MMS varies depending on the carrier and plan, but it is generally higher than that of an SMS. However, there are unlimited plans or options that can reduce the cost of MMS.
• It is slower than SMS because it takes longer to send and receive. The delay can vary depending on the message size, network quality, and device compatibility. It can sometimes last several minutes or even several hours.
• It is less secure than SMS because it can be intercepted, altered, or deleted by third parties. MMS is not encrypted, making it vulnerable to attacks or hacking. Therefore, sensitive or confidential information should not be sent via MMS.

What are the differences between MMS and SMS?

MMS and SMS are two messaging services for mobile phones, but they have important differences:

Criteria	MMS	SMS
Meaning	Multimedia Messaging Service	Short Message Service
Content	Text + images + videos + sounds + files	Text only
Size	Up to 600 KB	Up to 160 characters
Cost	Higher than SMS	Weaker than MMS
Speed	Slower than SMS	Faster than MMS
Security	Less secure than SMS	Safer than MMS

MMS FAQs

How do I send an MMS?

To send an MMS, you must follow these steps:

• Open the messaging application on your mobile phone.
• Create a new message or select a contact to whom you wish to send an MMS.
• Press the attachment or add to choose the type of content you want to send (image, video, sound, file…).
• Select the content you want to send from your phone's gallery, camera, microphone, or folder.
• Write the message text if necessary.
• Press the send .

Note that to send an MMS, you must have mobile data enabled on your phone and have configured your operator's MMS settings. You must also check that the recipient is able to receive MMS messages .

How do I receive an MMS?

To receive an MMS, you must follow these steps:

• Open the messaging application on your mobile phone.
• Check received messages or wait for a notification to appear.
• If the received message is an MMS, it may appear directly in the conversation or as a link to click to download it.
• Tap on the multimedia content to view or listen to it.
• Reply to the message if necessary.

Note that to receive an MMS, you must have mobile data enabled on your phone and have configured your operator's MMS settings . You must also check that your phone is compatible with the multimedia content format.

How do I read an MMS on the internet?

If you can't read an MMS on your phone, you can read it online. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open the messaging application on your mobile phone.
• Check the received message which contains a link to the MMS.
• Note down or copy the link and access code that are provided in the message.
• Open a web browser on your computer or other device connected to the internet.
• Paste or enter the link and access code into the browser's address bar.
• Confirm the request to access the MMS.
• View or listen to multimedia content.

It should be noted that this method is not available with all operators and that the link and access code have a limited validity period.

How do I save an MMS?

To save an MMS, you must follow these steps:

• Open the messaging application on your mobile phone.
• View the received message which contains the MMS.
• Press and hold on the media content to bring up an options menu.
• Select the option to save , back up or download as appropriate.
• Choose the location where you want to save the multimedia content on your phone (gallery, folder…).

It should be noted that this method may vary depending on the phone model and messaging application.

How do I delete an MMS?

To delete an MMS, you must follow these steps:

• Open the messaging application on your mobile phone.
• View the received or sent message that contains the MMS.
• Press and hold on the media content to bring up an options menu.
• Select the delete , erase or move to the trash as appropriate.
• Confirm the deletion of multimedia content.

It should be noted that this method may vary depending on the phone model and messaging application. It should also be understood that deleting multimedia content does not delete the associated text message, nor the multimedia content on the operator's server or on the recipient's phone.

How to solve problems related to MMS?

If you are experiencing problems sending or receiving MMS messages, you should check the following points:

• Network coverage : You need to make sure you have a strong enough signal to send or receive mobile data. You also need to check that you are not in airplane mode or offline mode.
• Mobile data : You must ensure that mobile data is activated on your phone and that you have sufficient credit or an unlimited plan to use it. You must also check that you haven't reached the data limit of your plan or option.

• MMS settings : You must ensure that you have correctly configured your mobile operator's MMS settings on your phone. Specifically, you need to check the access point name, the MMSC server address, the proxy number, and the port. This information is usually available on the operator's website or can be sent via SMS upon request.
• Device compatibility : You must ensure that your phone and the recipient's phone are compatible with the multimedia content format. Specifically, you must check the resolution, size, weight, and file type of the multimedia content. You must also verify that your messaging applications are up to date.

If the problems persist despite these checks, you should contact your operator's customer service for help.

Conclusion

MMS is a multimedia messaging service that allows you to send and receive messages containing images, videos, audio, or files on your mobile phone. It's an evolution of SMS , which only allows you to send text. MMS therefore offers more possibilities for communicating with contacts, sharing memories, or doing mobile marketing. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as its cost, speed, and security. Indeed, MMS can be used to send spam to a mobile phone —that is, unwanted or malicious messages that can compromise the privacy or performance of your device. MMS and SMS are two complementary services that can be used according to individual needs and preferences.