RCS is the modern upgrade to SMS in Google Messages. It adds read receipts, typing indicators, better media sharing, and messaging over Wi-Fi when both people in the conversation have RCS active.
These steps apply to Google Messages on Android, including Samsung phones where Google Messages is the default texting app.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if texts to Android users still behave like basic SMS, or if Google Messages says RCS is connecting and never finishes.
Turn On RCS Chats
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture or the three-dot menu.
- Tap Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats or older Chat features.
- Turn on Enable chat features.
- Wait for the status to change to Connected.
Make Google Messages the Default SMS App
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps > Default apps.
- Tap SMS app or Messaging app.
- Choose Messages by Google.
- Return to Google Messages and check RCS chats again.
Know When RCS Is Active
Open a conversation and look at the compose box. It may say Chat message when RCS is active for that person, and Text message when the conversation is using SMS or MMS. Both people must have compatible RCS enabled.
Troubleshooting and Notes
iPhone or Non-RCS Contacts May Still Use SMS
If the other person is on iPhone, has RCS off, or uses an unsupported app or carrier setup, the conversation can fall back to SMS/MMS.
Wi-Fi Messaging Is a Benefit
When RCS is connected, Google Messages can send over Wi-Fi, which helps in buildings or areas with weak cellular service.
Connecting Can Be Carrier-Side
If the status stays on Connecting after restarts and app updates, the carrier verification system may be delayed. Try again later or contact the carrier.
Samsung Messages Is Separate
Samsung Messages may have its own RCS setting. Google Messages is generally easier to troubleshoot because the same app is used across brands.
Sources
- Google Support: About RCS chats in Google Messages
- Google Support: Enable RCS chats in Google Messages
- Google Support: Change default apps on Android