Find out what PXT messages are, how they’re charged, why some TXTs may be sent as PXTs, and what to do if you’re having trouble sending or receiving them.
What is a PXT?
A PXT, also known as an MMS or picture message, lets you send more than a standard TXT.
Depending on your device, a PXT can include:
- pictures
- animations
- sounds
- videos
- longer messages.
PXTs aren’t used as commonly as they once were, as many messaging apps now send pictures and other content using mobile data instead.
How much does a PXT cost?
There may be a charge for sending a PXT.
The price depends on your plan. You can check your PXT rates in My One NZ under Plan & Add-Ons Rates.
Any PXT charges will appear separately on your bill or in My One NZ
.
Sending and receiving PXTs
How you create and send a PXT depends on your mobile .
On most devices, you can send one from the same messaging app you use for TXTs.
Your phone needs a mobile data connection to send or receive a PXT. You can use our Device Guides for instructions specific to your phone.
PXTs can be a maximum of 300 KB. If the message is larger than this, it may fail to send.
Why did my TXT turn into a PXT?
Some phones automatically convert a TXT into a PXT.
This can happen when:
- your message contains certain emojis
- your message becomes too long
- you use an emoji or feature from a third-party app
- you send a group message.
Whether a message is converted is controlled by your device and operating system rather than the One NZ network.
Because PXTs may not be included in your TXT allowance, this can sometimes result in an additional charge.
Emojis and PXT charges
Messages containing emojis may sometimes be sent as PXTs.
With your device's built-in emoji feature, the way the message is sent can depend on the overall length of the message. Emojis added using some third-party apps may cause the message to be sent as a PXT regardless of its length.
If you use iMessage between compatible Apple devices, the message is sent using data rather than as a TXT or PXT.
Other messaging apps can also send pictures and emojis using your mobile data allowance instead of PXT.
Group messages
Some devices may convert a group TXT into a PXT.
Your phone may have a setting that controls how group messages are sent. Check your device settings or use our Device Guides for instructions for your phone.
Having trouble sending or receiving a PXT?
If a PXT isn’t working, check that:
- Your account payments are up to date, or you have enough credit if you’re on Prepay
- There are no known network issues in your area
- Your phone can connect to mobile data
- Your mobile data and APN settings are correct
- The PXT is no larger than 300 KB
When testing your mobile data connection, turn Wi-Fi off first.
If you’re still having trouble after completing these checks, contact us for help.
Switching off PXT messages
Most phones let you turn off PXT or MMS messaging in your messaging settings.
If PXT messaging is switched off and you try to send a PXT, the message won’t be delivered and you won’t be charged.
Check our Device Guides for instructions specific to your phone.