In Google Messages, read receipts and typing indicators work through RCS—not SMS or MMS. You can enable them in the RCS settings, but seeing a read receipt also requires the other person to have RCS and enable read receipts. If RCS is unavailable, messages can still go as SMS or MMS, either through an automatic resend option you configure or by switching an undelivered message manually.
How do I turn on read receipts in Google Messages?
- Open Google Messages and tap your profile picture or icon.
- Tap Messages settings, then RCS chats.
- Turn on Send read receipts. If you do not see RCS chats, look for Chat features instead.
To see whether someone has read your message, that person must also have RCS available and read receipts enabled. The status icons apply to RCS messages; they do not appear on SMS or MMS. A read receipt reports the read status provided by the feature, not whether the recipient paid attention to or understood the message. Google’s RCS FAQ explains the status indicators.
Can I tell when someone is typing?
Yes, when the conversation is using RCS and the other person’s setup supports the feature. In Google Messages, tap your profile picture or icon, then go to Messages settings → RCS chats and turn on Show typing indicators. On some versions, the section is called Chat features. Typing indicators are not available for SMS or MMS conversations. See Google’s RCS FAQ and RCS settings guidance.
What needs to be true for RCS indicators to work?
RCS features require a compatible RCS conversation: Google says all participants need RCS turned on. Support can also vary by device, carrier, and region. RCS messages use Wi-Fi or mobile data rather than being sent as carrier SMS/MMS. The indicators therefore depend on the conversation actually using RCS, not simply on having Google Messages installed. Google’s FAQ describes availability requirements.
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Why did my RCS message send as SMS or MMS?
RCS may be unavailable for that conversation or at that moment—for example, the recipient may not have RCS chats, or the RCS connection may not be available. Google Messages can send as SMS or MMS instead, but automatic resend behavior depends on your setting; do not assume every failed RCS message switches automatically.
Check the delivery method before sending
Look at the compose bar or the text beneath the send icon. Google Messages indicates whether the message will go by RCS over Wi-Fi or mobile data, or by SMS or MMS. RCS requires an internet connection; SMS/MMS is delivered through the carrier. Google’s settings guidance describes the displayed method.
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Choose automatic resend or switch an undelivered message
In Google Messages settings, you can configure whether messages are automatically resent as SMS/MMS if RCS is unavailable. For a particular undelivered message, tap its timestamp and choose Switch to text (SMS/MMS). The option is a fallback for that message; it does not make SMS/MMS use RCS indicators. Google’s message-delivery guidance covers the manual switch.
What changes when a message goes by SMS or MMS?
| Feature | RCS | SMS/MMS |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Uses Wi-Fi or mobile data and requires RCS support across the conversation. | Sent through the carrier; carrier plan terms apply. |
| Read receipts and typing indicators | Available when supported and enabled; read receipts also require the recipient’s setting. | RCS read receipts and typing indicators do not appear. |
| Encryption | Google says RCS messages between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. Google says cross-platform Android/iOS RCS chats are not end-to-end encrypted. | Not end-to-end encrypted. |
| Potential charges | Mobile-data use may count against your data plan. | Charges depend on your carrier plan and terms; SMS/MMS is not necessarily free. |
These encryption statements describe Google’s documented cases, not every RCS provider or platform. For Google’s details on transport and security, see How RCS chats keep your conversations secure and the RCS FAQ.
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One specific media-link warning
If you choose the resend option called SMS with a link, Google warns that the media may be accessible through a public link not controlled by Google. This warning applies to that option; it should not be generalized to every SMS or MMS message. Google’s control-message-delivery guidance describes the option.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What if the RCS option is missing or will not connect?
Check the prerequisites and connection status in Google Messages. Google lists statuses including Connected, Connecting, Trouble connecting (awaiting retry), and Not supported. A carrier restriction or lack of support for your device or region can prevent RCS from being enabled.
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- Confirm Google Messages is set as your default SMS app.
- Check that you have internet access and can receive SMS.
- Open Google Messages settings and review the RCS status.
- If your status indicates a connection problem, consult Google’s RCS FAQ and troubleshooting guidance for turning on RCS.
RCS availability depends on device, carrier, and region, so an absent option does not by itself indicate a problem with the phone.
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