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If RCS chats are stuck on “Connecting,” show “Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry,” or fail to send, start by checking the status in Google Messages. It points to the right fix: number verification, app or connection setup, a dual-SIM setting, or carrier availability. Avoid repeatedly switching RCS off and on; Google says that is not advised.

1. Check the RCS status in Google Messages

Open Google Messages, tap your profile picture or initial, then go to Messages settings > RCS chats. Read the status before changing settings:

  • Connected: RCS is ready for chats with people who also have RCS enabled. This status does not mean every recipient or message will use RCS.
  • Connecting: Google Messages is verifying your phone number.
  • Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry: Number verification has run into a problem and needs attention if it persists.
  • Not supported: RCS is unavailable in your current setup, which may be due to carrier or regional availability.

Google’s RCS setup guidance says, “It’s not advised to turn RCS chats on and off.” Treat toggling as a limited remedy for situations such as changing messaging apps or devices, not as a routine connection reset.

2. Check the basic setup requirements

RCS setup depends on the phone, app, connection, and ability to verify your number. Check these before trying advanced fixes:

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  • Set Google Messages as the default SMS app.
  • Confirm the phone has working internet access.
  • Make sure the phone can receive SMS messages, since number verification may require a verification text.
  • Google’s troubleshooting guidance specifies Android 5.0 or higher and recommends updating Google Messages, Android, and Google Play Services.

3. Resolve a stuck phone-number verification

If the RCS settings screen offers Verify your number, follow the prompt and confirm that the number shown is correct. Check that the phone can receive SMS; if ordinary texts are not arriving, resolve that first with the carrier or through the general messaging checks below.

If the status remains “Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry” for more than 30 minutes, Google advises sending feedback from the app: in the RCS settings, tap Details > Submit feedback. That threshold is Google’s support guidance, not a reason to keep toggling RCS in the meantime. See Google’s status instructions.

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4. Check SIM settings or carrier availability

On a dual-SIM phone

If both SIM slots are populated, Google’s RCS FAQ advises setting the Call SIM as the Data SIM. Menu names and locations can vary by phone, so look in the device’s SIM or mobile-network settings.

If the carrier has disabled RCS

If Google Messages reports that RCS is disabled by your carrier, contact the carrier; changing app settings cannot enable a service the carrier has restricted. When the carrier issue is resolved, tap Retry in Google Messages.

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If RCS is not supported

RCS availability depends on carrier and region. If the app reports “Not supported,” ask your carrier whether RCS is available for your line and location. Google’s setup page and RCS FAQ describe these availability limits.

5. If SMS or MMS also fails, check ordinary messaging

When standard texts are failing too, the problem may not be specific to RCS. Google’s general Google Messages troubleshooting guide recommends checking:

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  • Whether the SIM is inserted and positioned correctly.
  • Whether the carrier supports messaging and your plan or account has the required service or credit.
  • Signal strength and whether Airplane mode is on.
  • If only one contact is affected, whether their number and country code are correct.
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6. Choose whether to wait for RCS or resend by SMS/MMS

If delivery is urgent and the recipient can receive ordinary messages, Google Messages can resend failed RCS messages as SMS/MMS. In RCS settings, use the option for how messages are resent when they can’t be sent as RCS; the available labels may vary. SMS/MMS can deliver a message without RCS, but it does not provide the same RCS features, and RCS delivery indicators do not appear on SMS/MMS messages.

Review the fallback option before enabling it. Google warns that choosing SMS with a link can make media accessible through a public link not controlled by Google. SMS/MMS availability or charges may also depend on your carrier plan. See Google’s RCS FAQ and resend settings guidance.

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7. Know where to escalate

  • Number verification is still awaiting retry after 30 minutes: Submit feedback from Details > Submit feedback in RCS settings.
  • RCS disabled by the carrier, or availability is unclear: Contact your carrier, then tap Retry if the carrier resolves the restriction.
  • SMS/MMS also fails: Work through Google’s general messaging checks and contact the carrier for SIM, plan, or network issues.

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