What is RCS chat?

For years, SMS and MMS have been the default choice for texting, but in recent times, RCS (Rich Communication Services) has started to emerge as a fresh, smarter option. If you’re scratching your head wondering what RCS is and what its features are, you’re not alone.

Text messaging has come a long way, from simple text-only SMS to MMS, which added photos and videos. RCS, on the other hand, offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, and group chats that feel way more dynamic.

In a way, RCS brings some of the coolest features of apps like WhatsApp and iMessage straight to your phone’s default messaging app, with no downloads or extra accounts needed. Sounds good? Here’s everything you need to know about RCS chat, how it works and how you can start using it.

What is RCS chat and how does it work?

In a nutshell, RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a messaging protocol that’s designed to bring advanced chat features to Android and iOS users. It’s developed and defined by the GSM Association (GSMA) and offers features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality photo and video sharing, and more interactive group chats. Unlike third-party apps like WhatsApp or Telegram, RCS works directly in your phone’s default messaging app, like Android Messages or iMessage.

RCS chat bridges the gap between traditional SMS and modern messaging, therefore letting you chat with friends and family in a much more fun and interactive way. You can send not only text messages but also photos, videos, and even links to websites. Furthermore, unlike SMS, which is limited to plain text and basic media, RCS lets you send high-quality photos and videos, see when someone is typing, and know when your messages have been read.

How to turn on RCS chat

Getting RCS up and running is easy, whether you’re using an Android or iOS device. Here’s how:

Turn on RCS chat on Android

Most Android phones already support RCS, provided your mobile carrier offers it. However, if the RCS chat option isn’t enabled by default, all you need to do is open your default messaging app and tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.

ALSO READ: Apple to bring in RCS messages for iPhones in 2024

From there, go to Messages settings and then tap RCS chats. If the toggle for Turn on RCS chats is off (the circle will be on the left), just tap it to turn it on. You might be asked to verify your phone number by following the prompts, and once you’re done, you’ll see Status: Connected. That means RCS is good to go!

Turn on RCS chat on iPhone

For years, RCS was mainly available for Android users, but in September 2024, Apple made a big move. With the release of iOS 18, RCS was introduced for person-to-person messaging in select regions. If your carrier supports it, you can turn on RCS in your iPhone’s Message Settings. To turn on RCS chat on iPhone, first, make sure you’re using iOS 18 or later. 

Then, open Settings on your iPhone, scroll down and tap Apps, then choose Messages. You’ll see RCS Messaging listed under the Text Messaging section. Toggle RCS Messaging on to enable it.

ALSO READ: Google’s RCS Chat celebrates a billion monthly users with 7 new features

Once you’ve done that, messaging Android users will feel like you’re chatting with another iPhone (though you’ll still see those green bubbles).

How to turn off RCS chats

If RCS isn’t your thing or you’re having trouble, turning it off is just as simple. Here’s how to disable it on both Android and iOS:

Turn off RCS chat on Android

Open the Messages app and tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner again. Head to Messages settings, then tap RCS chats. If you see that Turn on RCS chats is switched on (circle on the right), just toggle it off. A pop-up will warn you that you’ll be removed from group RCS chats, but don’t worry, just tap Turn off to confirm.

Turn off RCS chat on iPhone

If you want to turn off RCS on your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages. Then, toggle off RCS Messaging under the Text Messaging section. Once disabled, your messages will revert to SMS/MMS until you decide to turn RCS back on.

Thus, make use of modern messaging tech instead of plain SMS using RCS chat.