Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a feature that allows you to send emojis, images, videos, embed web pages, and even use group messages, all from your main messaging app.
It enhances messaging with features like read receipts and media sharing.
Android
Android
To get started, just download the Google Messages app and accept their terms and conditions.
When you open it for the first time, you'll be prompted to turn on 'Active Chat', which is Google’s more user-friendly name for RCS.
Didn't get the prompt?
Tap the 'Menu icon' within the app
Tap 'Settings' from the drop-down menu
Tap on ‘Chat features’
Tap the toggle to enable chat features
You should now be able to use RCS on your phone. Easy peasy.
Note: RCS messaging is only available on Android devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later. If your device is running an earlier version, you may not be able to access RCS features.
Apple
Apple
To use RCS with your iPhone, you’ll need iOS 18.2. If you’re not using iMessage, you can use RCS. RCS text messages can be sent to non-Apple devices as well as another iPhone or another Apple device.
To enable or disable RCS, here's some quick steps:
The 'Settings app'
Tap 'Apps'
Then tap 'Messages'
Toggle RCS Messaging 'On' or 'Off'
There may be a delay of a few hours when activating RCS.
Note: Apple’s implementation of RCS is based on the industry’s standard. RCS messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third-party reading them while they’re sent between devices.
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