Advanced Messaging Phones - AT&T

Advanced Messaging is the AT&T next-generation RCS messaging service that allows you to send high-resolution photos and larger video files than MMS, with group chats up to 100 participants. You’ll see when your messages have been delivered, when they are read, and even when others are typing a response.

With the Google Messages application, your RCS chat messages and files transfers are now encrypted, for additional privacy and security.*

For a better Android RCS messaging experience offering more features and RCS interoperability with more devices, we recommend that you use Google Messages on your Android smartphone.

Have an iPhone? Learn about RCS messaging for iPhone.

* Requires message participants to all be using the Google Messages application

Advanced Messaging is available on most Android smartphones and may not be compatible with certain rate plans. To enjoy the benefits of Advanced Messaging, you and the person you’re messaging will need Advanced Messaging (also referred to as RCS) capable devices. The ability to share larger files than MMS, along with group messages with up to 100 participants, will vary depending on the smartphones being used. AT&T reserves the right to change the message size limit at any time without notice.

You can use Advanced Messaging if you :

Are an AT&T postpaid wireless customer
Have an Advanced Messaging (RCS) capable device
Are within AT&T-owned and operated network coverage
Note: RCS is available outside of network coverage with Wi-Fi data if Wi-Fi Calling is enabled.
Do not have a conflicting feature on your account, including the following:
 

If you have one of these features, they must be removed from your account for Advanced Messaging to work.

No. As long as you and people you’re messaging with have RCS capable devices, you don’t need to do anything on your phone or account to enjoy Advanced Messaging. As a general rule, please be sure that your phone is updated to the latest software. If using a newer device featuring Google Messages as the default messaging application, please be sure to keep it updated via Google Play Store.

You can use Advanced Messaging when you're in AT&T-owned and operated domestic coverage areas.

With Advanced Messaging, you can group chat with more people than standard SMS/MMS. Also, you can send and receive messages with larger file attachments than AT&T standard messaging service. You can also see when your message has been delivered, when it’s been read, and when a response is being typed.

Standard MMS and SMS rates apply based on your current AT&T rate plan. If you are on a plan that includes an unlimited number of texts, you will not incur any additional charges when you use Advanced Messaging.

For capped Messaging plans or Pay-Per-Use customers, you will also be billed at your current messaging rates. But please note, if you send a message with multiple attachments with Advanced Messaging, each file you attach as well as your text will be counted and billed as individual messages.

For example, if you type a text message and attach 2 photos, those would count as 3 separate messages (1 SMS and 2 MMS) for billing purposes. Files can be photos, videos, contacts, calendar items, or anything else you attach to your text message.

You can manage Advanced Messaging, including turning it off, in the messaging Settings menu. In your phone’s messaging app, go to Settings and tap Advanced Messaging to turn Advanced Messaging on or off.

For Google Messages, please see their Messages support for more information.

Yes. You can send group chats as long as all participants meet the requirements for RCS Advanced Messaging.

Go to your Messaging settings menu, select Advanced Messaging, and turn off Read Receipts.

For Google Messages, please see their Messages support for more information.

As with all smartphones with AT&T services, your devices can be used internationally, but not all features and services may be available. Learn more.

Advanced Messaging RCS is available over Wi-Fi as long as Wi-Fi Calling is enabled.

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services and is a set of technology rules and global standards that offer even more powerful Advanced Messaging possibilities. For a better Android RCS messaging experience offering more features and RCS interoperability with more devices, we recommend that you use Google Messages on your Android smartphone. 

Yes! The Advanced Messaging enhancements being introduced to Android smartphones adhere to RCS standards. AT&T has made a number of network updates to support Advanced Messaging. We continue to bring RCS to devices within our network, and provide RCS interconnectivity between major mobile carriers.

Read our Advanced Messaging support article.