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Picture and Group Messaging Changes (for select customers)

Learn how to continue using picture and group messaging (MMS) by updating your software, settings, or by replacing your device.

As technology evolves, select customers may be required to update either their settings or upgrade their device to continue benefiting from all of Public Mobile’s network features.

Who is affected by this change

Customers may be affected if:

  • The most recent software update from the manufacturer has not been installed
  • Devices are no longer supported by the manufacturer’s software updates
  • Devices are purchased outside Canada

What is MMS

Multimedia Messaging Service, better known as MMS, is the way mobile devices send and receive pictures, videos and group conversations across networks.

MMS is supported across phone manufacturers and operating systems on nearly all phone models that have data capabilities. MMS messages are sent through your normal messaging app that sends and receives text messages.

Note: Third-party messaging services, such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, that have picture, video and group message features are not affected by this change.

What do I do if I get an email or SMS saying I need a new or replacement device?

As our network evolves, older devices (usually from 2015 or earlier) may require replacement. We regularly make network updates to ensure our customers are kept up-to-date with the latest security and software updates from manufacturers.

If you’re looking to upgrade your device, we have partnered with Mobile Klinik to bring you top-quality Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) phones that are tested and inspected by expert technicians to work like new at a fraction of the cost. With over 150 store locations across Canada, and an online website, Mobile Klinik offer's convenient access to a wide selection of refurbished devices that are backed by a 1 year warranty.

What device do I need to upgrade to?

To check if your device is MMS compatible, please check this list below:

  • Apple iPhone 8 & above (iOS 16 & above)
  • Google Pixel 4/4XL/4a/4a 5G (TP1A.220624.014 & above)
  • Google Pixel 5 (TP1A.220624.014 & above)
  • Google Pixel 6a (TP1A.220624.021.A1 & above)
  • Google Pixel 6/6 Pro (TP1A.220624.021 & above)
  • Google Pixel 7/7 Pro (TD1A.220804.009.A2 & above)
  • Samsung S23 (AVK2 & above)
  • Samsung S22/S22+/S22 Ultra (CWAI & above)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4 & Fold4 (CWAC & above)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G & Fold3 5G (FWB1 & above)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G (HWB1 & above)
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G (JWB5 & above)
  • Samsung Note20 5G/Ultra 5G (HWB3& above)
  • Samsung A53 5G (CWB4 & above)
  • Samsung S21 FE 5G (EWB3 & above)
  • Motorola edge 2022 (S2ST32.71-71 & above)
  • Motorola Moto g 5G (S2SA32.1-54 & above)
  • Motorola Moto g power (2022) (S3RQ32.20-42-10 & above)
  • Motorola Moto g pure (S3RH32.20-42-10 & above)
  • Motorola Moto g stylus 5G (2022) (S2SD32.21-85-3 & above)
  • TCL 303 (V9Q1K & above)
  • TCL 30 XE 5G (DM9M & above)
  • TCL 20s (9DI0 & above)
  • TCL 30 5G (7FCU & above)
  • Sonim XP10 Rugged Phone (10.0.0-01-12.0.0-12.25.10 & above)
  • ZTA Blade A7P (Z6252CAV1.0.0B15 & above)

However, to enjoy all our services and network capabilities, we recommend getting a device that supports VoLTE. For a list of VoLTE-compatible devices that can be used on the Public Mobile network, check out our help article here.

Will I be charged for MMS?

No, MMS services are normal phone services and all Public Mobile rate subscriptions with data include picture and group messaging with MMS. MMS does not count against your data allotment.

Check your subscription in your My Account to confirm if picture messaging is included. If not, you can upgrade your subscription to a current in-market data subscription, or if it does not include data, you can purchase a data add-on to use this service.

iPhone: How to update your settings for picture and group messaging compatibility

If you have an iPhone and you’ve received a message to update your device settings, please follow these steps:

  1. Open Settings on your device
  2. Tap General
  3. Tap Software Update
  4. Complete the update to the latest iOS version available

Need more assistance? Check out this guide on the Apple website on how to update your iPhone.

Android: How to update your settings for picture and group messaging compatibility

If you have an Android device and you’ve received a message to update your device’s APN settings, please follow these steps to change your APN settings.

What is APN?

Access Point Names, better known as APN, act as the gateway between your device and the internet. They connect your device to the internet via your mobile data.

Correct APN settings are essential to make sure that your device interacts correctly with the Public Mobile network.

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