To turn on RCS in Google Messages, tap your profile picture or initial, then go to Messages settings > RCS chats and switch on RCS. If your version shows Chat features instead, open that option. Then check the status on the same screen; RCS availability depends on your device, carrier, SIM configuration and region.
Turn on RCS chats
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats. Some versions or Google instructions call this Chat features. If neither option appears, RCS may not be supported for your device or carrier.
- Switch on RCS chats.
- Return to the RCS chats screen and check the status shown there.
Google’s setup instructions are in Google Messages Help: Turn on RCS chats in Google Messages.
Check the status and follow the matching fix
The status on the RCS chats screen helps identify whether setup is still verifying your number or whether carrier support is an obstacle. Google explains these statuses in its RCS chats FAQ.
Connecting or Awaiting retry
Connecting means number verification is in progress. If Awaiting retry lasts more than 30 minutes, Google says there may be a phone-number verification problem. Check that the number and SIM you intend to use are active, that the phone can receive SMS, and that it has an internet connection. Use the retry option on the RCS chats screen when available.
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#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Carrier disabled or unsupported
If Google Messages says your carrier disabled RCS, contact the carrier and retry after it resolves the issue. If the status says the carrier does not support RCS, changing app settings repeatedly will not enable it; service availability must come from the carrier and region.
RCS chats option is missing
Look for Chat features if RCS chats is not listed. If the setting is still absent, RCS may not be available for the device or carrier. Google’s guidance does not indicate that installing a different app setting or changing unrelated phone options can override unsupported service.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
Work through the common setup checks
- Make Google Messages the default SMS app. Google Messages Help says, “Make sure that Google Messages is your device’s default app for SMS.”
- Check internet and SMS access. Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data and make sure the phone can receive SMS messages, which may be needed for number verification.
- Update the required apps and services. Update Google Messages and Google Play services.
- Check Android compatibility. Google’s activation troubleshooting lists Android 5.0 or higher as the requirement for RCS chats.
- Check dual-SIM configuration. On a dual-SIM phone with both slots occupied, Google’s FAQ says to check that the call SIM is configured as the data SIM.
- If you recently switched from iPhone, deactivate iMessage for your phone number. See Google’s general messaging troubleshooting.
- If you changed messaging apps, check whether RCS needs to be turned off. Google notes this may be necessary to resume receiving messages; its RCS encryption information also explains RCS behavior in Google Messages.
If those checks do not resolve the issue, Google directs users to submit feedback from the RCS details screen or consult its RCS FAQ and community.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What changes when RCS is on
RCS uses Wi-Fi or mobile data and can support typing indicators, read receipts, and high-resolution photo and file sharing. These features work in an RCS conversation when the participants have RCS available. If it is unavailable, Google Messages may send or resend a message as SMS/MMS, depending on your resend setting. SMS/MMS does not provide the RCS encryption described below.
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Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
RCS is available between Android and iPhone where supported, but iPhone availability depends on region and carrier. Google says RCS chats with iPhone users are not end-to-end encrypted. In contrast, Google Messages automatically end-to-end encrypts eligible RCS conversations when all participants use Google Messages with RCS enabled; a lock icon indicates encryption in the app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
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