Android message limits keep senders from writing comprehensive messages through SMS. The 160-character limitations of text messaging can restrict communication, especially when there is a need to convey large amounts of information in one message. How to increase the text message size limit on Android devices can be challenging, but it is doable. Two solutions are available if you’re looking for a way to send longer messages. Firstly, you can adjust the size limit setting on your device or enable Advanced Messaging; this allows you to change the receiving end’s size limit to 10MB or 100MB if desired. Additionally, remember that how large of a message is possible depends upon what version of Android OS each device has installed.
If you’ve felt restricted by your phone’s text message size limit, there is no need to worry – others have been in the same boat. You can upgrade your daily SMS limit from 30 to an impressive number without root access on your device. This article will help us understand Android message limits and how we can increase them to their maximum size.
What is the Default Android Message Limit?
The default message limit of an Android device can be up to 160 characters. When your message reaches this, you will be notified of having the message size limit reached. Although texts usually have a character limit of 160, contemporary cell phones and texting platforms allow you to send longer messages. It is done by separating them into multiple units to be delivered as individual messages – granting your words more space.
An excellent way to raise the text message character limit is by switching to MMS (multimedia messaging service). It allows up 1,600 characters in your messages. Furthermore, this option lets you incorporate multimedia files such as audio clips, gifs, images, and videos, greatly enhancing the user experience.
How to increase the Android Message Limit?

There are two ways for you to increase your Android Message limit. First, you can change the text message size on Android by following these steps:
- Go to your device’s Settings menu, then select Messages and More.
- Scroll down to find the Message Size Limit setting.
- Tap the dropdown menu in the pop-up window, then choose a higher limit.
- Finally, tap OK at the bottom of the screen to confirm your changes.
The second way to increase the Android Message limit is to use Advanced Messaging, which allows larger file sizes of up to 10MB or 100MB depending on the network/carrier. This feature is available when sending a message from select messaging apps like WhatsApp and Hangouts. It can be enabled by going to Settings in your messaging app and selecting Advanced Messaging or Rich Communication Services (RCS).
What is the Maximum Size Limit for an SMS in Android?
You can send up to 918 characters in a text message, but some carriers and phone models allow for messages of up to 1,600 characters! Note that if your message surpasses the 160-character limit, it will automatically be divided into 153-character chunks before delivery.
Fortunately, most modern cell phones are equipped with a feature that will combine the multiple message parts into one long notification for easy viewing by the recipient. Even though a single text message may appear to be being sent, networks break down messages into 153-character chunks and charge you for each one. If your message is 420 characters long, it will be sent – and charged – as three different texts.
Staying within 160 characters when texting is a sign of courtesy and helps you carefully manage your funds. Nonetheless, longer messages can still be transmitted if the situation requires it.
What is the Maximum Size Limit for MMS in Android?
MMS messages have a data cap determined by the carrier and receiving device. If your files exceed this limit, they might not be delivered to their intended recipient. Although it may seem daunting at first glance, you can quickly increase the size of your files with third-party apps or tweaks to your phone settings – but there are several considerations to remember before doing so.
Generally speaking, the maximum size limit of an MMS in Android is 10MB. Unless you have a data plan with your service provider for larger messages, any file over this limit won’t be sent or received. For example, if you use AT&T as your carrier, your MMS can be up to 1MB. The same applies to Verizon, where the maximum file size limit is 2MB.
If you are attempting to send an MMS message, it is recommended that the size limit be set at 300 KB. Nonetheless, if a longer message needs to be sent or the recipient’s device has a higher capacity for data, Advanced Messaging can allow for increased limits of up to 10MB. It means 500 KB messages may be easily transmitted faster and more efficiently. Read more about What is MMS? MMS Differences for SMS and Text Messages to understand how they work for businesses.
What is the Purpose of Increasing the Size Limit of Android Messages?
Increasing the size limit of your Android messages allows you to send larger files, including images and videos. Sending bigger files can be especially helpful if much data needs to be shared quickly. Additionally, increasing the message size can include more information in one text so the recipient doesn’t have to read multiple messages to get the complete picture. A larger message size will be useful in marketing and informational text messages. You can read more about How to Send SMS Survey and other text marketing tips to help you plan out your campaign.
If you are having an issue sending or receiving text messages on your Android device, check the size limit of your phone’s message allowance. Network providers generally set this maximum, up to four megabytes. Going over this limit will prompt the system to automatically delete any oversized texts from being sent.
If you are having difficulty sending a file, it may be due to its size. While some files can become too large to send, you have many options. Simply compressing your larger files first or opting for an email service will help solve this problem. Additionally, several external applications offer convenient solutions.
If your Android phone has exceeded its SMS and MMS messaging character limit, you can readjust the send limits on the app store or with your carrier. Usually, this is enough to resolve the issue; however, deleting longer messages may be necessary if you’re still having trouble. Don’t let message limitations keep you from staying connected – take action today.
What is RCS in Android Messaging?
Rich communication services (RCS) is a pioneering protocol that connects cell phone networks and mobile devices, aiming to replace conventional SMS and MMS messaging. We all know how long these formats have been in use – years on end! With RCS technology, we can upgrade our text message experiences like never before.
Established in 2007, RCS was eventually taken over by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Association) a few years later. In 2016, after lengthy negotiations and much deliberation, the GSMA agreed on a Universal Profile which contains standards that any phone manufacturer or software provider can use to integrate RCS into their devices.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging is like WhatsApp, allowing instant chatting with multimedia support handled through the data network. It competes directly with Apple’s iMessage service. However, there are slight distinctions in how each of these services functions. Read more about What is RCS Messaging, and how it can be useful for running text message marketing campaigns.
Why is there an Android Message Limit?

There is a limit to Android messages because of the limitations in size for data transmission over networks. The limit is set to help protect carriers’ networks, ensuring their infrastructure remains reliable and consistent. Messages with large attachments can overload certain network parts, leading to slower speeds or even complete outages. With a message size limit in place, those risks are minimized.
Android users often speculate if there is a cap to the size of text messages. From MMS’s inception, this has been an issue for cellphone consumers alike. Sending larger files via SMS can be immensely helpful; however, it cannot escape the fact that there are still some limitations in place which could lead to missed messages occasionally due to their lower prioritization status on data networks.
SMS messaging was once a neglected add-on to use wireless voice networks. However, it is now gaining prominence as an efficient and dependable communication method. With English alphabets, the size limit is 160 characters; however, if you’re utilizing other languages, that’s decreased to 70 characters. In these modern times, text messages have become invaluable.
Does the Android Message Limit depends on the Carrier Sim Card?
No. The Android message limit depends not on the carrier’s SIM card but on its network. Different carriers have different rules and regulations regarding SMS and MMS messaging, including character limits and message length restrictions. Generally speaking, most carriers enforce a four-megabyte maximum size limit for text messages; however, this can vary depending on the carrier.
Does iPhone Message have a Limitation too?
Yes. iPhones also come with size limitations for text messages. For example, the maximum size of an SMS message is 160 characters (English alphabet). Other languages will have a reduced character limit of 70 characters per message. Additionally, most carriers impose a four-megabyte limit on the size of an MMS message.