RCS message explained: What it is and how it works

What is an RCS message? 

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. It's a modern messaging protocol designed to upgrade standard text messages by adding more features, similar to what you'd find in apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage.

Instead of sending messages over the old cellular network like SMS or MMS, RCS uses your internet connection (mobile data or Wi-Fi). This technology allows for enhanced features like high-resolution photos, typing indicators, and interactive buttons in business messages. But unlike messaging apps that require logins or separate accounts, RCS is tied to your phone number and works right from your phone's default messaging app.

How common is RCS messaging, and where is it used?

RCS has lately gone mainstream. Over 1.2 billion Android devices support it, and adoption grew further after Apple rolled out RCS support in iOS 18, finally making texting between Android and iPhone users less frustrating. 

As of mid-2025, Google Messages is the go-to RCS app on Android, with universal support baked into nearly every new Android phone. Samsung Messages started dropping RCS support earlier this year, nudging users toward Google's app.

Major carriers worldwide (especially in the US, UK, Germany, France, Japan, India, and across Latin America) now fully support RCS on both Android and iOS.

RCS isn't just for chatting with friends either. Businesses also use it to connect with their customers, especially in industries like retail, banking, and travel.

How does RCS messaging work? 

RCS sends your messages over the internet instead of using the old-school SMS network. That's what makes all the extra features possible. In plain terms, sending an RCS message involves three main parts:

1. 1.The app. You use a compatible messaging app.
2. 2.The network. Instead of going through SMS servers, your message is routed through your carrier's IP-based messaging service or Google's Jibe platform.
3. 3.The recipient. If the other person also has RCS enabled and is online, they receive the message in RCS format. Otherwise, it defaults to SMS/MMS.

Key features of RCS messaging

RCS brings texting into the modern era — it works more like a chat app than old-school SMS. Key RCS features include:

• Typing indicators. See when the other RCS user is typing.
• Read receipts. Know when your message has been read, just like in WhatsApp or iMessage.
• High-res media sharing. Send high-resolution photos, videos, and files without the ugly compression of MMS.
• Wi-Fi messaging. Send and receive messages over Wi-Fi when available.
• Group chats. Create and manage group conversations with advanced controls.
• Business messaging. Brands can send messages with interactive options like buttons, links, or carousels.
• End-to-end encryption. It’s built-in for one-on-one and group chats, as long as everyone's using compatible versions. Business messages aren't encrypted yet, though.

RCS message vs. SMS, MMS, iMessage, and OTT messaging apps 

RCS closes the gap between SMS and chat apps like WhatsApp or iMessage, but it still depends on the app and whether all users are on compatible versions. It's a big step up from SMS and MMS, but it’s still not as seamless or private as fully encrypted OTT (over-the-top) apps.

Advantages of RCS messaging

If you're still using plain old SMS, RCS is a major upgrade. It brings your default texting app closer to the experience you'd get with apps like WhatsApp or iMessage without needing to switch platforms and has various other benefits. 

• More modern features: Chat-like experience with typing indicators, read receipts, and the ability to share high-resolution photos.
• No extra app needed: Built into your phone's default messaging app.
• Works over Wi-Fi: Handy when the cellular signal is poor.
• Better for businesses: Allows sending interactive branded messages.
• Encryption support: In one-on-one chats on Google Messages.

Limitations of RCS messaging

RCS is a step forward, but it's not flawless. You should keep a few things in mind before relying on it fully:

• Limited encryption. Business messages aren't encrypted, and group chats only are if everyone uses an up-to-date version of the Google Messages app with RCS turned on.
• Carrier-dependent. RCS relies on your carrier's support, which can still be spotty in some regions.
• Fallback to SMS. If the recipient doesn't have RCS, the message reverts to SMS, often without a notification.
• Inconsistent across apps. Google Messages is fully on board, but Samsung Messages still varies in reliability and features.

Using RCS messaging on different devices

RCS runs on most Android phones and is finally making its way to iPhones (with iOS 18). Whether it works for you depends on your device, carrier, and messaging app.

If you want a smoother, more modern texting experience, RCS is worth keeping on. But if privacy trumps convenience, and you'd rather use fully encrypted apps like Signal or WhatsApp, you may want to turn RCS off. Just know that doing so strips your messages back to basic SMS and MMS.

How do you turn RCS messaging on and off on an iPhone? 

To turn on RCS on an iPhone, you'll need iOS 18 and a carrier that supports RCS. Follow these steps:

1. 1.In the Settings app, tap "Apps." 
2. 2.Tap "Messages" > "RCS messaging."
3. 3.Toggle "RCS messaging" on or off. 

If you don't see the option, your carrier or region probably doesn't support it yet. After you turn on RCS, it may take a few minutes to activate.

Want to stop getting business messages over RCS?

1. 1.In the Settings app, tap "Apps." 
2. 2.Tap "Messages" > "RCS messaging."
3. 3.Toggle "RCS business messages" on or off.

You can also report spam directly from a conversation. Tap "Report junk," then "Delete and report junk."

How do you turn RCS messaging on and off on Android?

Most Android phones come with RCS messaging built in, but setup can depend on your carrier and device.

To turn RCS on or off:

1. 1.Open the Messages app.
2. 2.Tap your profile icon in the top right.
3. 3.Tap "Messages settings" > "RCS chats" (or "Chat features" on some devices).
4. 4.Turn on RCS chats or switch them off.

If the RCS setup isn't working, you may get a text from Jibe Mobile by Google to verify your number. Still stuck? You can disable RCS remotely using Google's deactivation tool, especially if the app is stuck on "Trying to verify."

Not all carriers support RCS, so if you don't see these settings, it may not be available on your device.

RCS messaging and privacy concerns 

RCS improves the messaging experience, but it's still playing catch-up when it comes to privacy. Some privacy concerns include:

• No default end-to-end encryption. Only one-on-one and group chats in Google Messages are encrypted — business messages aren't protected.
• Data handled by carriers. Carriers and partners like Google may process your message data.
• User tracking. RCS doesn't block metadata tracking or profiling. Who you message, when, and how often can still be logged.
• Implementation issues. Some carriers have patched-together systems with security flaws.
• No control over retention. You can't always tell where your data is stored or for how long.

How to keep RCS messages secure 

If you're using RCS, you'll want to take a few extra steps to protect your data and stay in control:

1. 1.Use a trusted messaging app. Stick with Google Messages if you're using RCS because it's the most reliable option with encryption support. But if privacy is a top concern, switch to secure messaging apps like Signal or WhatsApp, where end-to-end encryption is the default.
2. 2.Enable device-level security. Use a strong passcode, biometric lock, and enable screen lock notifications.
3. 3.Consider using a VPN. While a VPN doesn't encrypt your messages directly, it does help shield your IP and traffic from ISPs and public Wi-Fi threats. Tools like Threat Protection Pro also block trackers, malicious websites, and unwanted ads while you browse or message online.
4. 4.Stay updated. Keep your messaging app and device OS up to date to avoid known vulnerabilities.
5. 5.Avoid sharing sensitive data. Don't share personal info like Social Security numbers, passwords, or credit card numbers over RCS.
6. 6.Turn off RCS if needed. If privacy is a priority and you're not getting end-to-end encryption, consider disabling RCS and switching to a more secure platform.