Turning off RCS stops RCS-specific features, but it does not automatically turn off SMS or MMS. In Google Messages, texts may still go through as SMS/MMS if the app’s resend setting is enabled and your carrier supports them. Google also warns that you may leave RCS group chats; its stated 30-day removal rule applies to Google Messages, not necessarily to iPhone or every carrier.
What changes when you turn off RCS?
RCS messages use Wi-Fi or mobile data and can include features such as typing indicators, read receipts and high-resolution file sharing. When you deactivate RCS in Google Messages, Google says those RCS features are suspended. A message sent afterward may use SMS/MMS instead, but that is a different message path and does not preserve RCS features.
Turning off RCS does not, by itself, disable SMS, MMS or iMessage. Nor do the cited Google instructions say that deactivation deletes your existing message history.
Will you still get or send texts?
Possibly. Google Messages can resend a message as SMS/MMS when RCS is unavailable, but automatic resend must be enabled in the RCS settings. If fallback is off or SMS/MMS is unavailable, a message may not be delivered. Carrier support, coverage and plan terms affect SMS/MMS availability and cost; do not assume fallback is guaranteed or free.
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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.
| What happens after RCS is off | Can the message be sent? | RCS features | Group-chat effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMS/MMS fallback is available and enabled | It may send as SMS/MMS, subject to carrier availability. | RCS features such as typing indicators and read receipts do not carry over. | Google warns that turning RCS on and off can remove you from RCS group chats. |
| Fallback is unavailable or disabled | The message may not be sent successfully. | RCS features are not available while RCS is off. | Google’s stated group-chat warning still applies; the timing is described below. |
Will turning off RCS remove you from group chats?
Google warns that switching RCS on and off can remove you from RCS group chats. Its deactivation portal states: “Deactivating RCS chat will suspend RCS features. You will be removed from all RCS group chats if RCS is not turned back on within 30 days.” That is Google’s rule for its service, not a universal guarantee for every messaging app, carrier or platform. Apple’s published iPhone guidance does not specify the same group-chat outcome or 30-day timing, so do not assume Google’s rule applies to iPhone conversations.
How to turn RCS off or deactivate it remotely
If you can use your Android phone
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture or initials, then tap Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats and turn off RCS chats. Labels may vary slightly by app version.
If you cannot access your old phone
Google provides a web deactivation portal for cases such as a lost or broken phone or a switch to another device or messaging app. Verify your phone number through the portal; Google says it uses a six-digit verification code. Use the portal at https://messages.google.com/disable-chat.
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.
How to turn RCS back on
In Google Messages, go to your profile picture or initials → Messages settings → RCS chats, then turn RCS chats on. Google’s group-chat guidance says to turn it back on within 30 days to avoid removal from all RCS group chats under its stated rule.
What iPhone users should know
Apple supports RCS on eligible iPhones and with supported carriers. Apple lists delivery receipts, read receipts and typing indicators among RCS capabilities. Availability depends on device and carrier support. Apple’s guidance does not establish what happens to an existing RCS group conversation after RCS is disabled, so the Google Messages settings and 30-day group-chat rule should not be treated as iPhone instructions.
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.
Why RCS may not be available
RCS availability can depend on your device, carrier and region. Google Messages’ resend behavior also depends on the SMS/MMS option being enabled and your carrier supporting text delivery. For details, consult Google’s instructions for turning RCS chats on or off, its RCS deactivation portal, and the Google Messages RCS FAQ. For iPhone availability and setup, see Apple’s RCS messaging support page.
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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