What is RCS messaging ?
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, a standard international protocol used in the telecommunications industry to improve SMS/MMS messaging.
RCS inspired by popular instant messaging apps, is easy to use and provides a rich multimedia experience using many chat features that weren’t available with traditional text messaging.
Available features
- Private and group conversations
- Delivery and read receipts
- File sharing, high-resolution pictures and videos
- Audio and video message sharing
- Location sharing
Good to know
Chat features are only available through the Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi). Make sure you have a data plan or a Wi-Fi connection to avoid additional fees.
How to access RCS messaging?
To use RCS, you need:
- A Mobile plan that includes text messaging and access to mobile data or Wi-Fi
- A compatible mobile device running on Android (version 5.0 or higher) or on iOS (version iOS18 or higher)
- An updated Google, iPhone (iOS18 or higher), or Samsung (Galaxy S20 or later, using Android 11 or higher) Messages app
Enabling or disabling RCS messaging with the iPhone Messages app
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Apps, then Messages.
- Select RCS Messaging.
- Use the toggle button to enable or disable RCS messaging
Enabling or disabling RCS messaging with the Google Messages app
- Open the Messages app.
- Tap the “User” icon at the top right to display the context menu.
- Select Messages Settings.
- Choose RCS Chats, then use the button Turn on RCS + Chats.
Enabling or disabling RCS messaging with the Samsung Messages app
- Open the Samsung Messages app.
- Tap the three dots (…) or the avatar icon at the top right to display the context menu.
- Select Settings, then Chat settings.
- Use the Chat features toggle button to enable or disable RCS messaging.
RCS messaging features are used by default once enabled. You’ll be able to use these features by having conversations with other devices who also have it enabled.
Good to know
RCS features work with most mobile providers in Canada, the United States, Mexico, England and France.
How to report a problem or comment on the service?
You can report a problem or comment on the service using the corresponding form in the Google Messages app.
- Access the Menu.
- Tap on Help and Comments.
- Tap on Send Comments.
Your comments are sent to Google and the information may be read without Google contacting you directly. Find more information and support on chat features on Google Messages Support.