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You can still send photos and videos when RCS is unavailable: send the attachment as a carrier MMS, or switch an undelivered RCS message to SMS/MMS. MMS depends on a working data connection and your carrier’s support, and SMS/MMS messages are not end-to-end encrypted.
Send a photo or video in Google Messages
- Open an existing conversation in Google Messages, or start a new one.
- Tap Gallery, choose a photo or video, and review the attachment. You can also take a photo or video from the attachment flow.
- If Google Messages offers a media-quality choice, select HD for media optimized for chat, or HD+ for original resolution, then tap Send. Google says the choice is saved for future attachments, but you can change it each time. Google explains photo and video sending options.
The app may send the attachment using RCS or MMS, depending on availability and the conversation. Google says carrier MMS compression can affect image quality; RCS supports high-resolution media. The quality and limits available through MMS depend on your carrier and device.
Switch an undelivered RCS message to SMS/MMS
- Open the conversation containing the undelivered RCS message.
- Tap the message’s timestamp.
- Choose Switch to text (SMS/MMS), if that option appears.
Privacy note: SMS/MMS messages are not end-to-end encrypted, according to Google’s message-delivery guidance.
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To let Google Messages try SMS/MMS automatically when RCS is unavailable, open your profile picture or icon, then go to Messages settings → RCS chats and turn on Automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS), if available. Labels and availability can vary by app release, Android version, carrier, and region. Google’s RCS FAQ describes the setting and RCS availability.
#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.
If RCS will not connect
Check the RCS status at profile picture or icon → Messages settings → RCS chats. If it shows connecting or trouble connecting, check the following:
- Your phone has an internet connection, through Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- You can receive SMS messages, which may be needed for verification.
- Google Messages is up to date and is set as the default SMS app.
- Your device and carrier support RCS in your region.
If the status says your carrier disabled RCS, contact the carrier and try again after the issue is resolved. RCS availability varies, and everyone in a conversation must have RCS available for RCS chat behavior. Google’s pages on Google Messages connection problems and RCS activation issues provide further checks.
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.
If an MMS will not send
MMS requires a data connection and carrier support. Check these items:
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- Mobile data or another data connection is active.
- Your signal is adequate and airplane mode is off.
- Your carrier supports MMS on your account, and your plan has any required balance or credit.
- Your APN settings are correct. Google recommends resetting APN settings to their default values for MMS problems.
Phone menus, plan requirements, charges, and MMS limits vary by carrier, country, Android version, and device. Google does not specify a single maximum attachment size that applies to all carriers and phones. If the MMS settings or APN menu differs on your device, use the handset maker’s or carrier’s instructions rather than guessing at a menu path. See Google’s MMS troubleshooting steps.
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.
What happens in an RCS group chat?
If someone in a group temporarily loses RCS, Google says messages may split into individual SMS/MMS conversations. The group behavior usually returns when the sender reconnects to RCS. SMS/MMS delivery and privacy characteristics still apply to messages sent through that fallback.
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.
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.
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.
