Google is pushing Android telephone customers clear of the use of SMS messaging so they may be able to as an alternative use its new and upgraded RCS messaging protocol, however what’s it?
The RCS messaging protocol is utilized by the Google Messages app and has lately been made the default option for all of its customers – this is except they choose out and come to a decision to stay with common SMS. And through 2026, it is anticipated that kind of half of all phones will use RCS.
Right here you’ll to find solutions to a host of not unusual questions you will have about RCS messaging together with what RCS stands for, what advantages it provides, and which units have get admission to to it.
What does RCS stand for?
RCS stands for Wealthy Conversation Products and services as it supplies a ‘richer’ (learn: higher) conversation enjoy in comparison to conventional SMS or MMS messaging. The messages are despatched the use of the Wealthy Conversation Products and services protocol over Wi-Fi and cellular information.
What’s RCS messaging?
So what does RCS being an upgraded model of SMS and MMS messaging imply nearly? The largest development is that RCS messaging allows you to ship high-resolution pictures, movies, and GIFs. On best of that, you’ll be able to ship a lot of other record sorts in addition to the standard text-based messages. For all these kind of messages, you’ll be able to additionally use learn receipts – little notifications that seem underneath what you’ve despatched to turn when it’s been delivered, and when it’s been learn. Some other useful characteristic that includes the use of RCS is that you’ll be able to see when any individual else is typing.
Maximum lately Google has added progressed end-to-end encryption for RCS messages despatched the use of its Google Messages app. Now whether or not you’re messaging one-to-one or in a bunch chat, if everyone seems to be the use of RCS you’ll be capable to get pleasure from progressed privateness.
For those who suppose all of this appears like options you’ll be able to to find in messaging apps like WhatsApp or Apple’s iMessage then you definitely’d be proper. Google is not breaking any new floor. That mentioned, as a result of RCS is a messaging protocol moderately than a messaging provider there is a likelihood that we would see WhatsApp, or different messaging apps, upload RCS toughen at some point – which means we may even see RCS at the best iPhones; simply do not dangle your breath.
Which units paintings with RCS?
Recently, if you wish to ship and obtain RCS messages you’ll want the Google Messages app which is best to be had on Android units just like the Google Pixel 7, Samsung Galaxy S23, and different best Android phones amongst others.
You’ll additionally want to be sending and receiving messages in a supported area – for Google Messages that’s just about international except for for a couple of exceptions (corresponding to China and Russia).
When you’ve got an Android tool and are in a supported area however you don’t have the Google Messages app, you’ll be able to obtain it from the Play Store at no cost to begin sending RCS messages.
Google has it sounds as if been looking to deliver Apple and iMessage over to RCS however it seems that Apple is not . This loss of collaboration most probably stems from the details that iMessage provides all of the advantages of RCS and it is owned through Apple; this implies Apple has complete regulate over how iMessage works. If it converted to RCS, Apple would have so much much less regulate over its platforms.
Methods to activate RCS Messaging
When you’ve got the Google Messages app you don’t want to activate RCS messaging, it’s now became on through default for all new and present customers. This is except you’ve became it off manually on your Messages settings.
To search out your Settings and switch RCS on or off manually open the Messages app and faucet for your profile image within the best proper nook; the highest choice must be RCS Chats and should you press it you must see if RCS chats are became on, along settings like learn receipts and typing signs.
Has RCS changed SMS?
Now not utterly, however it’s now the default for Google Messages except you manually transfer it off. You’ll additionally give you the option to make use of SMS should you don’t have get admission to to a powerful sufficient Wi-Fi or information connection.
Do RCS messages use cellular information?
Except you’re hooked up to a Wi-Fi community then sure, your RCS messages will in all probability be the use of your cellular information. Which means that moderately than consuming thru your textual content allowance you’ll as an alternative be burning thru your information restrict.
Some carriers, like Google Fi, be offering contracts that don’t rely RCS messages in opposition to your information restrict whilst others do – you’ll have to have a look at your personal telephone contract to grasp in the event that they rely in opposition to your allowance or no longer.
