To turn RCS chats on or off, open Google Messages and go to Profile picture or initial > Messages settings > RCS chats, then switch the setting. Some versions label this menu Chat features. Before switching repeatedly, note that Google warns doing so can remove you from group chats.
Turn RCS chats on or off
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats. If you do not see it, look for Chat features.
- Switch RCS chats on or off.
When it is on, check the status on the RCS chats page. Google lists statuses including Connected, Connecting, and Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry. If phone-number verification remains in the trouble state for more than 30 minutes, Google advises tapping Details and submitting feedback. See Google’s RCS setup instructions.
What changes when RCS is on
RCS works only when the device and carrier support it and the conversation participants have RCS enabled. Availability varies by carrier and region. RCS messages use Wi-Fi or mobile data; when RCS is unavailable, Google Messages can send as SMS or MMS instead. In RCS settings, you can choose whether to automatically resend messages as SMS/MMS.
RCS can support typing indicators, read receipts, and sharing high-resolution photos and files. Which features work depends on compatible participants, devices, region, and carrier. Google describes end-to-end encryption as automatic for eligible conversations when everyone uses Google Messages with RCS enabled; the described RCS conversations with iPhone users are not end-to-end encrypted. See the RCS chats FAQ and Google Messages encryption information.
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If the RCS setting is missing or will not connect
Check the app and device requirements
- Make sure Google Messages is your default SMS app.
- Confirm the phone is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data and can receive SMS.
- Update Google Messages and Google Play services.
- Google’s troubleshooting guidance requires Android 5.0 or later.
For setup steps and status-specific guidance, see Google’s RCS troubleshooting page.
Check carrier support and SIM configuration
If the status says your carrier disabled RCS, contact the carrier. After the carrier resolves the issue, tap Retry. If Google Messages says the carrier does not support RCS, Google says RCS is not currently supported by that carrier. On a dual-SIM device with both slots occupied, Google says to configure the Call SIM as the Data SIM.
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After switching devices or messaging apps
If you changed messaging apps and have stopped receiving messages, Google says turning RCS chats off may help. Also check that the carrier supports the messaging service, the SIM is active, the phone has signal, airplane mode is off, and the correct default texting app is selected. See Google’s general messaging troubleshooting steps.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When to turn RCS off—and what to avoid
Google identifies changing to a messaging app that does not receive messages, moving to a device without RCS, or losing or breaking a phone while keeping the same number as situations where turning RCS off may be relevant. If you no longer have access to the device, Google points users to its RCS deactivation portal; the available instructions here do not establish the portal’s full procedure.
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- 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.
Google explicitly advises against repeatedly turning RCS chats on and off because you may be removed from group chats. Make the change when needed rather than toggling it back and forth.
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