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If Google Messages RCS is stuck on “Connecting” or “Setting up,” first check whether your phone can receive SMS and whether the displayed number is correct: Google uses SMS to verify your number. Then check the RCS status, carrier support, default messaging app, network, updates, and SIM settings in that order. If the status says the carrier disabled RCS, the carrier must resolve it.
Check what the RCS status says
In Google Messages, open profile picture or initials → Messages settings → RCS chats. Depending on the app version, the setting may instead be called “Chat features.” The exact message helps distinguish a verification delay from a carrier or setup problem.
- Connecting: Google Messages is trying to verify your phone number.
- Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry…: Google’s FAQ says that if this remains for more than 30 minutes, number verification is having trouble. This is a troubleshooting threshold, not a guarantee that every carrier or device will behave identically.
- Setting up: Google Messages Community Manager guidance says that if this remains for more than a day, the app cannot verify the number. The guidance was posted on February 20, 2025, and is not a guarantee about every carrier or device.
- Carrier disabled or RCS not supported: This points to availability or carrier support, rather than a setting you can fix solely in Messages.
See Google’s RCS chats FAQ for status details.
Verify your number and make sure SMS works
RCS activation depends on verifying the phone number by SMS. If you see Verify your number, open it, confirm the displayed number is correct, and follow the prompt. If you see Retry, use it after checking that SMS can reach the phone.
- Ask someone to send you a regular text message, or otherwise confirm that the number can receive SMS.
- Check that the SIM or eSIM for the number is active and that the phone has cellular signal.
- Make sure airplane mode is off. Internet access is also required for RCS setup.
- If ordinary SMS cannot arrive, resolve that service issue with your carrier before repeating RCS verification.
Google’s RCS setup guidance and connectivity troubleshooting both identify phone-number verification and SMS reception as relevant checks.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Check carrier support, app settings, and updates
RCS availability depends on the carrier and region. Confirm that both your device and carrier support RCS where you are using the number. If Google Messages says the carrier disabled RCS, contact the carrier and retry only after it confirms the service is available for your line.
- Set Google Messages as the phone’s default SMS app.
- Confirm the phone has internet access and cellular signal, and that airplane mode is off.
- Update Google Messages and Google Play services.
- Google’s setup troubleshooting page lists Android 5.0 or higher as a requirement.
Use Google’s setup and troubleshooting page to check the current supported-device and carrier guidance for your region.
Rank #2
- 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.
Check dual-SIM settings and recent number changes
If both SIM slots are occupied, Google’s RCS FAQ says to configure the Call SIM as the Data SIM. Menu names may vary by phone, so look in the device’s SIM or mobile-network settings.
If you recently moved or ported the number, first confirm that SMS service for it is working. If verification still fails, ask the carrier to check messaging and RCS provisioning for that number; a recent transfer is a reason to check provisioning, not a confirmed cause in every case.
Rank #3
- 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.
If you switched from an iPhone, deactivate iMessage for that phone number as applicable. Google’s Messages troubleshooting guidance also covers delivery checks for problems involving only one contact, such as confirming the contact’s number and country code and checking that the contact is not blocked. Those checks address message delivery, not a global RCS setup failure.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Escalate if verification still will not complete
If the carrier has not disabled RCS but the checks above do not help, use the reporting option in Google Messages: open RCS chats → RCS Details → Submit feedback. If you see a carrier-disabled message, contact your carrier about support or line provisioning instead.
Rank #4
- 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.
A Google Messages Community Manager suggests trying a retry first and then clearing Google Messages storage or cache if setup remains stuck. Treat this as optional community guidance, not a guaranteed fix: clearing storage can reset the app’s state. Avoid assuming that buying a phone or accessory, replacing a SIM, or clearing data will solve a number-verification or carrier-support problem.
Google’s RCS FAQ and connectivity troubleshooting page provide the primary troubleshooting routes.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
