How to use Advanced Messaging

Advanced Messaging is the next generation of messaging available over the Bell LTE network and while roaming (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and several international destinations.

Advanced Messaging builds on traditional text messaging (SMS) and picture/video messaging (MMS) by adding a variety of new features, including:

• Messages up to 8000 characters
• File transfers to support high-quality pictures, longer videos and additional file types (e.g., PDF, XLS, ZIP)
• Group chats with up to 100 participants
• Enhanced delivery notifications to show if your message has been delivered or read, and if the other party is typing
• Unified inbox that merges all Advanced Messaging, SMS and MMS messages with the same contact into one conversation history

If you have a Samsung device released in or after 2021, or any other Android device running OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, check out Messages by Google.

Advanced Messaging is available automatically within the default messaging app on the following smartphones:

• Samsung Galaxy Note8, Note9, Note10,Note10+
• Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, S8, S8+, S9, S9+, S10, S10+, S10e, S20 5G, S20+ 5 G, S20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017), A8, A10e, A20, A50, A51, A70, A71
• Samsung Galaxy J3 Prime, J3 (2018)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 5G

Advanced Messaging also requires:

• A post-paid Bell Mobility rate plan (e.g., a Share plan) with data and text messaging enabled
• A Bell LTE SIM card
• Advanced Messaging network coverage (same coverage area as Voice and Video over LTE)
• Voice and Video over LTE enabled on the smartphone (already enabled by default)

To use Advanced Messaging, both parties must have Advanced Messaging available on their smartphones. Messages are sent automatically in the format available, i.e., messages to a non-Advanced Messaging phone will default to SMS/MMS. The experience is seamless to you – all messages will still appear in the same inbox and conversation history.

To see if you’re using Advanced Messaging, look for enhanced delivery notifications in your conversation history (e.g., delivered, read, if the other party is typing).

For Samsung Galaxy Note8, S7 and newer, A5 (2017), A8, J3 Prime and J3 (2018)

For Samsung Galaxy S9/9+

To send a message via Advanced Messaging, just follow the same steps as sending a regular text message.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Select the compose icon.
3. Select a contact or enter the recipient’s phone number.
4. Enter your message.
5. Select Send or Blue Arrow on GS9/9+

For Samsung Galaxy Note8, S7 and newer, A5 (2017), A8, J3 Prime and J3 (2018)

If a message appears in a green bubble, it was sent via Advanced Messaging. A yellow bubble indicates a message sent via SMS or MMS.

For Samsung Galaxy S9/9+

If a message appears in a blue bubble, it means the message was sent via Advanced Messaging. A teal bubble indicates a message sent via SMS or MMS.

For Samsung Galaxy Note8, S7 and newer, A5 (2017), A8, J3 Prime and J3 (2018)

To send a file via Advanced Messaging, just follow the same steps as sending a regular picture/video message.

1. In the message screen, select the paperclip icon.
2. Select the item you would like to attach:
   • To send an existing photo or video, select Gallery.
   • To take a new photo or video, select Camera.
   • To record an audio message, select Voice Recorder.
   • To send a previously recorded message, select Audio.
   • To send a contact card, select Contacts.
3. Select Send.

For Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

To send a file via Advanced Messaging, just follow the same steps as sending a regular picture/video message.

1. In the message screen, select the “+” icon on SSGS9/9+
2. Select the item you would like to attach:
• To send an existing photo or video, select Photo image.
• To take a new photo or video, select Camera.
• To draw your own message, select Pen.
• To share your location, select Arrow.
• To record an audio message, send a previously recorded message, send a contact card, share your calendar or send Samsung notes, select the Three Dots.
3. Select Blue Arrow to send

Files are received in a thumbnail format. You must select the thumbnail – which will expire after seven days – to download the entire file. This allows you to better manage the amount of data being sent to your phone.

You also have the option to download files automatically. By default, the auto download feature is turned off, but you can turn it on in the settings.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Select the menu icon (top-right corner).
3. Select Settings.
4. Select Chat settings.
5. Switch Auto download on or off as desired.

Reminder: auto download for file transfers is turned off by default. To download a file, simply select the thumbnail within seven days of receipt, after which it will expire.

For Samsung Galaxy Note8, S7 and newer, A5 (2017), A8, J3 Prime and J3 (2018)

For Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

For Samsung Galaxy Note8, S7 and newer, A5 (2017), A8, J3 Prime and J3 (2018)

With group chat, you can send messages and files to multiple people at the same time. All responses will be available to everyone in the group.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Select the menu icon (top-right corner).
3. Select Start group chat.
4. Select contacts to add to the chat.
5. Enter a message and/or attach a file.
6. Select Send.

Please note: only contacts with Advanced Messaging can be added to the group.

For Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+

With group chat, you can send messages and files to multiple people at the same time. All responses will be available to everyone in the group.

1. Open the Messaging app.
2. Tap the message bubble icon (bottom right corner)
3. Select contacts to add to the chat (marked with a blue dot)
4. Press the “Start” button (top right corner)
5. Enter a message and/or attach a file.
6. Select the blue arrow to send

Please note: only contacts with Advanced Messaging can be added to the group.

In Canada

Standard text/picture/video message rates apply when using the chat message or file transfer features. Any chat messages sent or received and any file transfers sent will come out of your rate plan or add-on, or at pay-per-use rates as applicable.

Roaming

When roaming in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and several international destinations, Advanced Messaging is charged as data, which is deducted from your Travel Pass or roaming add-on, if applicable. Otherwise, pay-per-use data roaming rates apply.

You can use Advanced Messaging on select devices while roaming in the U.S.(including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and several international destinations:

• Samsung Galaxy A10e, A11, A20, A21, A50, A51, A70, A71, S9, S9+, S10, S10+,S10e operating on Android 10 or later
• GS20 5G, GS20+ 5G, GS20 Ultra 5G and S20 FE 5G
• Samsung Galaxy, Note 9, Note 10 and 10+ operating on Android 10 or later
• Samsung Galaxy Note 20 5G and Note 20 Ultra 5G
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z Flip 5G, Z Fold2 5G

When roaming in an eligible destination, Advanced Messaging is charged as roaming data, which will be deducted from your roaming add-on or Travel Pass, if applicable. Otherwise, pay-per-use roaming data rates will apply.

Note: if data roaming is turned off on your device, Advanced Messaging will not work.