How to enable/disable RCS Chat in Google Messages

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Mar 19, 2023, 3:06 PM EDT

Messaging is undoubtedly the most widely used form of communication in the world, and for a good reason. It’s convenient, fast, and allows us to stay connected with people even if they’re miles away. However, traditional texting has its limitations, which is where Rich Communication Services (RCS) comes in. RCS is a new texting standard from Google, designed to improve the traditional texting experience and add modern messaging features to it.

So, what exactly is RCS, and how is it better than traditional texting? RCS is a new texting standard from Google that aims to unify around the GSMA’s Universal Profile. It provides enhanced messaging features such as encrypted messaging, typing indicators, and improved media sharing. Most modern Android phones come with Google Messages as the default texting app, which includes RCS. Therefore, if you’re texting someone who also has a modern Android phone, chances are you’re using RCS.

However, if you’re texting someone with an iPhone, the issue arises as Apple has yet to adopt RCS, despite Google publicly calling them out to do so. To enable RCS Chat in Google Messages, follow these simple steps:

Open the Messages app
Tap the profile icon in the upper-right corner
Select the Messages settings option
Tap the RCS chats option
Tap the Turn on RCS chats toggle to turn it on

Most of the time, the Messages app will prompt you to enable RCS if you haven’t already. You can tell that you’re sending RCS Chat messages when the input dialog box says Chat message.

On the other hand, if you want to disable RCS Chat in Google Messages, you can follow these steps:

Open the Messages app
Tap the profile icon in the upper-right corner
Select the Messages settings option
Tap the RCS chats option
Set the Turn on RCS chats option to off
In the pop-up window, tap Turn off

Once you’ve disabled RCS, your messages will revert to traditional SMS/MMS until you enable RCS again. It’s also a good idea to disable RCS before getting a new phone to avoid potential messaging issues from the previous device.