Set up Advanced Messaging RCS for Android

Advanced Messaging (also called Rich Communication Services or RCS) lets you send higher-res photos and longer videos. Learn how to set it up on Android. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Advanced Messaging RCS vs. traditional messaging

Advanced Messaging Rich Communication Services (RCS), offers features like read and delivery receipts, “is typing” notifications, large file transfers, and larger group chats.

Advanced Messaging RCS varies by smartphone and software version.

FeatureText messagingRCS messaging
Delivery receipts Yes
Read receipts Yes
Typing notifications Yes
File sharing up to 1MBYes 
File sharing > 1MB Yes
Group message up to 20 contactsYes 
Group chat up to 100 contacts Yes
Open group chat (others can leave or be added to the same thread) Yes

When you upgrade from a current Advanced Messaging RCS for Android smartphone to a new smartphone featuring Google Messages:

  • We suggest you use Samsung Smart Switch or other transferring applications to move messages from your current Samsung device to your new one if you don’t choose Copy apps & data during initial device setup. Smart Switch is in the app section in the Samsung folder.
  • You can copy text, picture, multimedia, and RCS messages from your old Samsung device to your new one.

Good to know: If you recently upgraded to a new smartphone using the same phone number from your previous phone and you're having issues, such as missing text messages (SMS/MMS), you may need to turn off RCS chats on your previous phone:

  1. Enter your phone number at Google Messages' Disable Chat page.
  2. Open the Messages app, go into Messages settings, then RCS Chats, features, and toggle on Turn on RCS Chats.

See all important details

Last updated: September 16, 2024

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