Many smartphone users are faced with a situation where funds on their balance suddenly disappear, and the automatic download of multimedia messages is to blame. This issue is especially relevant for subscribers MTSas tariffs for incoming and outgoing MMS may differ significantly depending on the connected service package. If your plan doesn't include unlimited media messages, every image or video you receive can cost money, even if you didn't plan to open it.
The problem is aggravated by the fact that modern versions of the operating system Android are often set by default to automatically download content when mobile data is available. This means that as soon as a message arrives on the device, the system immediately starts downloading the attachment, debiting traffic or money from the main account. To avoid unexpected expenses, it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to the issue of blocking this function both at the level of the smartphone itself and on the side of the telecom operator.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods of deactivating the reception and sending of multimedia. You will learn how to change settings in the standard messages application, how to use the operator’s services through USSD requests and your personal account, as well as what nuances should be taken into account by owners of different versions Android. Following these instructions will help you keep your budget under control.
Setting up the messaging app on Android
The very first and most effective step is to change the settings inside the messenger itself, which is preinstalled on your smartphone. In most cases, this is an application Google Messages or a proprietary shell from the phone manufacturer, for example Samsung Messages. The interfaces may differ slightly, but the logic of actions remains the same for all devices.
You need to go to the application settings menu and find the section responsible for multimedia. The key parameter here is item Startup. If this feature is active, the phone will try to download the picture immediately when it receives a notification. Disabling this option will prevent charges for traffic while roaming or in the absence of a preferential package.
Please note that in new versions of the software, the path to the settings may be hidden deeper in the menu. Sometimes you need to additionally disable the function RCS chats, which expands the capabilities of standard SMS and can use the mobile data to transfer media files, even if classic MMS is disabled.
- 📱 Open the Messages application and click on the three dots in the corner of the screen.
- ⚙️ Go to section
Settingsand select item Advanced or MMS. - 🚫 Find the switch MMS auto-download and set it to the "Off" position.
- 🌐 Check the settings
Data roaminginside the application to prevent downloads abroad.
⚠️ Attention: After If you disable autoloading, you will still be able to receive notifications about new messages, but to view the picture you will have to click on it manually. Make sure that you are connected to Wi-Fi at this moment if you do not want to waste mobile data.
If you travel frequently, create a separate message settings profile for the "Roaming" mode, where auto-download will be forcibly disabled, and leave it enabled for your home network for convenience.
Using USSD commands and the MTS service
In addition to the phone settings, service control is available directly through the operator's networks MTS. This is a reliable method, since blocking occurs on the provider’s side, and even if the phone settings are accidentally changed, the charge will not occur. The operator provides several ways to manage subscriptions and services through short commands.
To quickly check the status of the service and disable it, you can use universal USSD requests. Enter the command in the dialing field as you would for a normal call and press the call button. The system will instantly process the request and send an SMS confirming the changes.
However, it is worth considering that specific codes may change depending on the service region and the current tariff plan. If standard commands do not work, you can always use the voice menu or contact support chat.
*111*227# - Checking the status of the MMS service
*111*227*2# - Disabling the MMS service (code may vary)
Blocking through your personal account and application
The most visual and safe method of controlling expenses is to use the official application My MTS or the web version of your personal account. Here you get a complete picture of your connected options and can manage them in a few clicks. The interface is intuitive and allows you to configure communication parameters in detail.
In the “Services” or “Tariff and Options” section you need to find a category related to messages. Often the MMS service comes in a package with other functions, so it is important to read the description carefully. The shutdown can be either complete or partial, for example, a ban on sending only.
The use of digital service channels also allows you to set limits on expenses. You can set up a notification that will come to you if your balance begins to decrease due to paid subscriptions or communication services not included in the main package.
- 📲 Go to the application My MTS under your number.
- 📂 Open tab Services and select the category "Calls and messages".
- 🔍 Find the line MMS and switch the toggle switch to the inactive state.
- ✅ Confirm the action with the code from incoming SMS.
⚠️ Attention: Changes in tariffs and the list of available services come into force from the moment the transaction is confirmed. If you have disabled the service, but the charge continues, contact support for recalculation.
What to do if the disable button is inactive?
If the slider is not pressed, the MMS service may be a required part of your tariff plan. In this case, you cannot disable it separately, you can only change the tariff to another where this option is not provided or is cheaper.
Limiting mobile traffic in Android settings
A radical, but very effective way to prevent charges for MMS is to completely limit data transfer for a specific application or the system as a whole. Since MMS requires an Internet connection to download content, blocking access to the network will definitely solve the problem.
In the settings Android you can prevent the messaging application from using the mobile network, leaving access only via Wi-Fi. This will allow you to read the text of messages anywhere, but the pictures will only download at home or in the office.
This approach is especially useful for parents who want to control their children's spending on the phone, or for users of old tariffs, where the cost of a megabyte of traffic is extremely high.
| Action | Menu path | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Background data prohibition | Settings → Applications → Messages → Mobile. data |
The application will not download MMS in the background |
| Disable roaming | Settings → Connections → Mobile networks |
Protection against charges abroad |
| Traffic limit | Settings → Connections → Data usage |
Automatic Internet shutdown when the limit is reached |
Remember that when you turn off mobile data, you will also not be able to send messages via Internet instant messengers, such as WhatsApp or Telegramif Wi-Fi is not connected. Be prepared for this limitation.
Blocking mobile data for the messaging application is the most reliable technical method of protection against paid MMS, working regardless of operator settings.
Disablement features on different versions of Android
The operating system interface Android is constantly changing, and what worked on version 10 may look different on Android 13 or 14. Smartphone manufacturers, such as Xiaomi, Samsung and Realmealso make their own changes to the standard menus, which can confuse the user.
On devices with a clean system Android One the settings are usually located in the "Network and Internet" section. At the same time, on shells like One UI from Samsung, data management is placed in a separate large block of connection settings.
If you cannot find the item you need, use the built-in settings search. Enter the word "MMS" or "Mobile data" in the search bar at the top of the settings screen, and the system itself will show the desired section.
- 🔍 Android 10-11: Settings → Applications and notifications → Messages → Mobile data.
- 🔍 Android 12-14: Settings → Applications → Messages → Mobile data and Wi-Fi.
- 🔍 Shells (MIUI, OneUI): Often you need to go to the messages application itself, then to three points → Settings.
⚠️ Attention: After major system updates, settings may be reset to factory settings. Periodically check the MMS startup status after updating the firmware of your smartphone.
☑️ Checking settings after updating
Frequent problems and ways to solve them
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where, it would seem, all the settings are made correctly, but write-offs still continue. This may be due to data caching on the operator's side or the way group chats work.
In group mailings, a message may arrive in a format that the system recognizes differently than regular MMS. It is also possible that you have activated the "Unlimited Messages" service, which actually has hidden conditions or limits.
If the problem cannot be solved by standard methods, it is recommended to reset the network settings. This will delete saved APN access points and return Internet settings to their original state, which often eliminates software conflicts.
Don't forget that tariff conditions may change. Always check the latest information in an official source or personal account, since old instructions from the Internet may not correspond to the current operator rules.
Why do I receive empty messages after disconnecting?
If you have disabled MMS on the operator's side, but left your phone settings unchanged, you may see notifications about messages that do not open. This is normal behavior: the phone sees the header, but cannot download the body of the message.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Will I be charged for incoming MMS if I do not open them?
It depends on your tariff plan. On some tariffs, the fee is charged when the message is delivered to the server, regardless of whether it is opened. On others - only when downloading content. The safest way is to disable the service completely through your operator.
Is it possible to send photos via SMS after disabling MMS?
No, SMS technology only supports text. To send images, the MMS protocol or Internet messengers are used. If MMS is disabled, sending photos through the standard messaging application will not be possible or will result in an error.
Does disabling MMS affect the operation of WhatsApp and Viber?
No, these applications use Internet traffic (3G/4G/Wi-Fi) and do not depend on the operator's MMS service. They will work correctly as long as you have access to the Internet.
How to learn how much money was charged for MMS?
Order expense details in the application My MTS or via USSD command. The details will indicate all paid services and communication services, broken down by date and amount.
What is WAP content and how is it related to MMS?
WAP content is paid subscriptions and downloads via the mobile data, which are often disguised as MMS. Disabling data transfer or setting a ban on WAP content through the operator will help protect against such write-offs.