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How to enable RCS messaging on your phone
July 01, 2025
Update, August 20, 2025 (01:05 PM ET):We’ve updated the article with the updated instructions on how to enable RCS messaging on your device now that Google isofficially rolling out supportto itsMessagesapp. We’ve also confirmed that those who unofficially gained RCS support will get official support down the line.
RCS messagingis meant to be the next evolution of SMS, bringing a variety of nifty features to the table to rival Apple’s iMessage. The truth is, many carriers around the world aredragging their feetin implementing the feature.
Previously, atutorial on Redditshowed users how to enable RCS on almost any smartphone before its official availability, regardless of carrier. But now, Google has officially released RCS support in itsMessagesapp, and activating it is as simple as it gets. Here’s how to enable RCS messaging on your Android phone.
Alternatively, when Google rolls out RCS features to your device, you should receive a notification in the app telling you that the features are available. Just follow the instructions in that notification and RCS features will be enabled. In fact, a Google representativetweetedthat people who used the unofficial method to gain RCS functionality will automatically get official support.
Keep in mind that Google is in the process of rolling out RCS support to its messaging app, so it could be a while before you see it available on your device. If you don’t have access and want to enable it right now,follow these instructions.
RCS is the next generation of text messaging, delivering high-quality image sharing, typing indicators, location sharing, group chats, and video calls. Carriers have been slow to adopt the standard though, making for a frustrating roll-out. Nevertheless, it’s still a rather cool addition to smartphones, even if it’s essentially duplicating functionality seen in popularIM apps.
Have you tried RCS messaging yet? Let us know how it went in the comments section!
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