We find that the most common issue for people when first downloading MailTXT is that the settings in their phone are not complete. You will need both WAP settings (to be able to download MailTXT) and Java connection settings to the internet (to allow MailTXT to connect with our servers). These issues can usually be fixed quickly by your phone provider, and some handset manufacturers' web sites even have a settings service. We have included contact details and links for your convenience.

Getting your friends and family to join MailTXT is a great way of saving money as fellow users can text each other for free. Either tell them to visit this site or send them a personalised invite from your phone. Here's how:

1. Open up MailTXT, select 'Options' and then scroll down to 'Invite a friend to join'
2. You can then either a) key in your friend's mobile phone number into the blank field or b) click into the blank field, select 'More' and then 'Look Up' - this will then allow you to access your phone's own contacts. (Please note that some models of phone may not immediately show the 'More' menu - but there's usually an easy way round this. Simply input any single number into the field and this should activate the 'More' menu. Then you can browse your phone's contacts and choose who you want to invite).
3. Remember if you're sending an international invite, the number should start with the country code (e.g. 0033 for France)
4. We will then send your friend the same 'Instruction' SMS message that we sent you when you joined with a note of who has invited them to join.

Most phones put the 'download' message we send into your normal text (SMS) inbox - just like a regular text message. Others models put it somewhere else. Have a look for an area called a 'Service Inbox', or in a folder called 'Browser Messages'. If all else fails, it may be worth having a look at your phone manual. Once you've found it, just follow the simple instructions, clicking 'accept' when you're asked.

MailTXT is something called a Java Application, like many games. Some phones put this in the Games sub-menu. Others will have dedicated areas: Nokia "Collection", Sony Ericsson "Applications" etc. Have a look in there and see if you can find it! If you are anything like us, you will soon find you are using MailTXT a lot, so it is worth finding out how to put a shortcut that gives an easy way of opening up the application. See your phone manual for details of how to do this

We give you 10 free invites to start with. If these are all taken up by your friends simply go to 'My Profile'. On your profile it details how many invites you have left - if you've run out, hit 'Request More' and we'll update your profile as soon as possible. You will never have to pay for extra free invites, so just let us know when you've run out.

When someone sends you a MailTXT, your phone will receive a missed call from the following number: 020 313 7777. We suggest that you give this number a name in your Contacts such as 'New MailTXT waiting'. You can even give it a different ring tone to let you know without looking that you have a new MailTXT!

You'll have realised that this is a different notification process compared with when you receive a standard SMS message and that's because MailTXTs come to you via the internet. Like us, you'll quickly get used to this and it's one of the ways through which we've been able to make MailTXT a free service.

Simply go to 'My Profile' on this site and on the line that says 'Last downloaded to phone' you will see an 'Reinstall' button. Press this button and follow the instructions and an SMS will be sent to your phone with installation instructions. Remember to check the phone number you have listed on your profile matches the number for your new phone.

Yes, provided you can connect to the internet, your MailTXT inbox should be fully accessible and you should be able to easily send and receive MailTXTs. In fact this is one of the greatest benefits of MailTXT for those who may have hundreds of free UK SMS as part of their mobile contract. It often costs considerably more to send an SMS in a foreign country due to roaming charges. MailTXT only connects momentarily to the web to send or receive messages - therefore the data transfer cost associated with accessing the service abroad should be considerably cheaper than a regular 'roaming' SMS.

Remember, that MailTXT users can sign up anywhere in the world - if you have friends and family abroad it's a great way of keeping in touch!

In the UK we have thoroughly tested MailTXT on Vodafone, Virgin, T-Mobile, 3 and Orange, on both Pay as you Go and contract. 3 has its own ways of doing things, but it DOES allow its users to use services like MailTXT only if you accept the option to surf the entire web. O2 Contract customers can use MailTXT, however O2 pay as you go customers cannot yet because they do not allow their customers to connect freely to the internet. We'll keep this area updated should any of this change.

MailTXTs are sent to and from your phone via the internet, bypassing the standard networks. You only connect momentarily to the web to send a MailTXT or to refresh your MailTXT inbox. This means that when you send a message your network operator will only charge you for a small amount of data transfer (as opposed to the cost of a standard text message).

Ideally, we'd like there to be no charge for the data transfer, but we can't control your connection to the network - that's why we have a policy of crediting MailTXTs users 0.5p for every message sent and received on your phone. Each February we will count the number of messages you've sent and received and give you a choice of credit for Mailshop or vouchers for buying the Daily Mail.

Like us, you may have some contacts that aren't MailTXT users - therefore we have introduced regular SMS credits that you can use to message non MailTXT users via the MailTXT service.

You might be wondering what the benefit of this is? Firstly, you may currently pay more than 5p per message if you're on a PAYG tariff, and these SMS credits could save you money. Secondly, as these SMS messages cost only 5p (no matter to who you send them or where they are in the world) you may find this a considerable saving if your inclusive texts are for UK contacts only.

Remember, that MailTXT users can sign up anywhere in the world - if you have friends and family abroad it's a great way of keeping in touch!

The free text element of MailTXT is the first step towards building a way for our customers to access all sorts of content from the Daily Mail through their mobile phones. In the future you will be able to read the latest news from the Daily Mail, enter competitions, sign up to text alerts and even buy from Mailshop - all through MailTXT.

We believe in being open and honest with our customers with regards to what MailTXT entails. The texting service is free, without commitment or subscription. The only charge you may get is for data transfer from your operator, but you may find that this is covered by your existing phone package anyway. Our aim is to provide our customers with a platform on your mobile phone where you can get the latest news, enter competitions etc. From time to time we may take the opportunity to let you know about new products, services and exciting offers.

Hopefully you won't want to unsubscribe from MailTXT as you'll be enjoying the free texts and other services that we offer. However, if you're having any problems with the service, please let us know by using the 'CONTACT MailTXT' form on the 'HELP' tab of this site. If you really want to unsubscribe, simply use the 'Unsubscribe Me' option from the 'CONTACT MailTXT' form and we'll remove you as soon as possible.