User profile for user: Suekav63
Suekav63 Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Messaging word count.

I have been charged for mms messages by my provider because my messages have gone over 160 characters. As I’ve not had this issue before and I’m sending longer messages because of UK lockdown, I have turned on character count in settings. The word count only appears if IMessage is turned off. Should the count not work if the message is being sent to a non iPhone recipient as that is where my charges will be applied?


how can I see the character count without turning off iMessage?


thanks

iPhone XR

Posted on Jan 21, 2021 5:45 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Brian_P7
Brian_P7
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Jan 23, 2021 6:05 PM

Hi Suekav63,


We see you're looking for help with the 'Character Count' feature in Messages. We can understand wanting to avoid any extra chargers from your mobile carrier, and we'd like to help out.


You can ensure this feature is enabled in Settings > Messages > Character Count. If it looks like it's already on, as you had mentioned enabling it, try toggling it off and then back on. You may also wish to try force closing the Messages app, and then relaunch it, after taking the prior step: How to force an app to close on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch


Another helpful step in general can be to refresh the device with a quick restart: Restart your iPhone


Then, try heading into one of the messages with someone that you know doesn't use an Apple device. When sending the SMS, the character count may only appear after typing after typing 24 characters or more. Then, it should show as expected above the send button.


We hope that helps!

Take care.

View in context

Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Brian_P7
Brian_P7
User level: Community Specialist

Jan 23, 2021 6:05 PM in response to Suekav63

Hi Suekav63,


We see you're looking for help with the 'Character Count' feature in Messages. We can understand wanting to avoid any extra chargers from your mobile carrier, and we'd like to help out.


You can ensure this feature is enabled in Settings > Messages > Character Count. If it looks like it's already on, as you had mentioned enabling it, try toggling it off and then back on. You may also wish to try force closing the Messages app, and then relaunch it, after taking the prior step: How to force an app to close on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch


Another helpful step in general can be to refresh the device with a quick restart: Restart your iPhone


Then, try heading into one of the messages with someone that you know doesn't use an Apple device. When sending the SMS, the character count may only appear after typing after typing 24 characters or more. Then, it should show as expected above the send button.


We hope that helps!

Take care.

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Messaging word count.

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.
Learn more Sign up