How can I check if RCS (Rich Communication Services) is active on my device?

Question

How can I check if RCS (Rich Communication Services) is active on my device?

Applies To

• Rich Communication Services
• Messaging

Answer

RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is a next-generation messaging protocol aimed at enhancing traditional SMS by adding features similar to those found in popular messaging apps. It’s available for both Android devices and iPhones running iOS 18 (with specific carrier support). Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to ensure RCS is active on your device, along with some additional insights on RCS functionality.

Is RCS available on my Android device, and how can I enable it?

Yes, RCS is available on many Android devices, but you’ll need a compatible messaging app to use it. Currently, Google messages app support RCS on Android : 

1. Google Messages ( Download the app from here )

To enable RCS on your Android device:

1. Ensure you’re using either Google Messages or Samsung Messages as your default messaging app.
2. Open the messaging app, go to Settings, and look for an option labeled Chat Features or RCS. Here, you should be able to enable RCS functionality if it’s supported by your carrier and device.

If you’re using Google Messages and need more detailed instructions, you can refer to Google’s support documentation here.

Is RCS supported on iPhones?

RCS support on iPhones began with iOS 18, but it’s only available through specific carriers in certain countries. The rollout is gradual, so Apple may add support for more carriers over time. Below is a list of countries and carriers currently supporting RCS on iPhones:

• Belgium: BASE, Proximus, Telenet
• France: SFR
• Germany: O2, Telekom, Vodafone
• Spain: Masmovil, Movistar, O2, Orange, Pepephone, Vodafone, Yoigo
• United Kingdom: BT / EE
• Canada: Bell, Chatr, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Lucky Mobile, Rogers, Telus, Videotron, Virgin Mobile
• United States: AT&T, C Spire, Consumer Cellular, Cricket, FirstNet, Metro by T-Mobile, PureTalk, Red Pocket, Spectrum, T-Mobile USA, TracFone / Straight Talk, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Visible, Xfinity Mobile

To keep track of the latest list of carriers that support RCS , please refer to this link and search for RCS.

To enable RCS on your iPhone:

1. Make sure your iPhone is updated to iOS 18.

Go to Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging and toggle the setting to activate RCS features.

If you’re using Apple Messaging App  and need more detailed instructions, you can refer to Apple’s support documentation here.

Note that while RCS allows for enhanced messaging with Android users, conversations between iPhone and Android users will still appear as green bubbles on iOS. RCS uses data rather than SMS, but SMS will remain the fallback option if no data connection is available.

Does RCS cost anything to use?

Typically, RCS does not come with any additional charges. Like other messaging apps, RCS relies on either Wi-Fi or mobile data to send messages. However, during the initial setup, your carrier may use a text message to verify your number, which could incur a small fee depending on your plan. For regular RCS messaging, you’ll only use data, similar to using WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

How do I know if my messages are RCS or regular SMS?

In Google Messages or Samsung Messages, you’ll generally see additional features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-resolution media sharing if RCS is active. Messages sent via RCS will typically indicate their status (e.g., “Sent via Chat” or “Read”) rather than just “Sent” or “Delivered,” which is common with SMS. If RCS is unavailable, your messages will default to SMS or MMS.

On iPhones, the difference may be less obvious, as messages from non-iPhone users (including Android users using RCS) will still show as green bubbles. If you’re on a compatible carrier and have enabled RCS in settings, messages should use RCS whenever possible.

What is RCS Business Messaging (RBM), and how is it different from regular RCS?

RCS Business Messaging (RBM) is an extension of RCS tailored for brands and enterprises, enabling them to communicate with customers through secure, branded, and interactive messages. Here’s how it differs:

• Audience: RBM is intended for businesses reaching out to customers, while standard RCS is for personal communication.
• Features: RBM includes advanced features like branded sender profiles, verified business status, carousels, rich media (images, videos, documents), location sharing, and suggested replies.
• Usage Examples: RBM can be used for sending order confirmations, delivery updates, promotional content, and customer support messages, allowing businesses to engage customers more dynamically and securely.

As of October 28, 2024, RBM is available on Apple devices with iOS 18.1 and up, but only through carriers that support RCS Business Messaging. When using RBM, customers with RCS enabled will receive these messages by default without any additional setup.

How can RCS improve communication between iPhone and Android users?

RCS brings rich messaging capabilities (such as multimedia sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts) to Android and iOS. However, while RCS supports these features between Android and iPhone users in supported regions, Apple still designates these conversations as green bubbles on iOS, meaning they won’t have the same level of integration as iMessages.

As RCS adoption continues and more carriers support the protocol globally, users can expect smoother and richer cross-platform messaging experiences. However, SMS remains the fallback when only basic cellular connectivity is available.

Summary

RCS provides a modern messaging experience, available on Android and iOS (with limited support on iPhones via specific carriers). With RCS, users enjoy enhanced messaging features comparable to those found on popular apps, and with RCS Business Messaging, brands can securely engage customers through verified, branded content. Make sure your device has RCS enabled by checking settings on Google Messages or Samsung Messages (for Android) or updating your iPhone to iOS 18, if applicable.