Updated: August 2025
What Is RCS?
RCS is the next generation of SMS. It upgrades your messaging experience with:
Typing indicators
Read receipts
High-resolution images & videos
Wi-Fi & mobile data messaging
End-to-end encryption (where supported)
Group chat improvements
It works right inside your device’s default messaging app, no need to download anything new.
Who Will Benefit?
If you’re an Android user, RCS will enhance your messaging experience, especially when chatting with other users who also have RCS enabled.
Samsung Messages and Google Messages both support RCS.
iPhone users: Apple now supports RCS messaging. Your experience has improved with enhanced messaging features when texting Android users, while iMessage and SMS continue to work as usual.
How to Prepare (Android)
Make sure you’re ready for RCS by following these steps:
Using Google Messages
Open the Messages app
Tap on your Google Account's Image, then tap Messages Settings.
Select RCS chats and toggle “Turn on RCS chats”
Verify your phone number if prompted.
You’re good to go once it says “Status: Connected”.
Is RCS Secure?
RCS supports end-to-end encryption for 1:1 chats in supported apps like Google Messages. Group chat encryption is being rolled out gradually.
🔐 You’ll see a lock icon when a message is encrypted.
FAQs
Do I need to do anything?
If you’re using a supported messaging app and RCS is enabled, no further action is needed.
Will RCS replace SMS?
Not entirely. SMS/MMS will still work as a fallback, especially when RCS isn’t available.
Does it cost anything?
RCS uses Wi-Fi or mobile data, just like messaging apps. No additional fees apply.