Rich Communications Services RCS is the latest technology standard for mobile device messaging: RCS has many more advanced features than previous texting methods (i.e., SMS and MMS). SMS and MMS messages are sent over a cellular voice network. RCS messages are sent over cellular data networks and internet-based networks like WiFi.

Verizon RCS is a messaging service upgrade for Android and iPhone users. With Verizon RCS, whether you use Google Messages or Apple Messages, you can enjoy: High-resolution file sharing Improved group chats Typing indicators Read receipts Emoji reactions And more RCS is enabled by default in the latest versions of the Google Messages app and Apple Messages apps.

Verizon RCS messaging service FAQs

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Learn about Verizon Rich Communication Services (RCS), our messaging service for devices with iOS 18 or later and Android 5.0 or later. Enabled by default in the latest versions of the Google Messages app and iOS messaging apps.

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What is RCS?

Rich Communications Services RCS is the latest technology standard for mobile device messaging:

RCS has many more advanced features than previous texting methods (i.e., SMS and MMS).
SMS and MMS messages are sent over a cellular voice network. RCS messages are sent over cellular data networks and internet-based networks like WiFi.

What is Verizon RCS?

Verizon RCS is a messaging service upgrade for Android and iPhone users. With Verizon RCS, whether you use Google Messages or Apple Messages, you can enjoy:

High-resolution file sharing
Improved group chats
Typing indicators
Read receipts
Emoji reactions
And more

RCS is enabled by default in the latest versions of the Google Messages app and Apple Messages apps.

Does using Verizon RCS count against my texting plan?

Verizon RCS doesn't count against your texting plan. Data charges may apply.

Am I eligible to opt-in to Verizon RCS?

Verizon customers can opt-in to Verizon RCS when you have a compatible device:

Android device running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later
iPhone running iOS 18 or later

Good to know: RCS is enabled by default in the latest versions of Google Messages and Apple Messages apps.

If I bring a smartphone to Verizon from another carrier, will I be able to use Verizon RCS?

Yes, compatible devices you bring to and activate on Verizon (BYOD) support Verizon RCS.

Will Verizon RCS work on all Wi-Fi connections?

Verizon RCS is designed to work over a Wi-Fi connection. However issues may occur when connected to some corporate, business or international Wi-Fi connections that have a firewall.

Will Verizon RCS work while I'm roaming off of the Verizon network?

Yes, Verizon RCS will work on roaming networks if you have an internet connection.

When I use Verizon RCS, can I see the messages I have on other messaging apps?

No. Messages from other apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, etc.), won’t appear in the Apple Message or Google Messages apps.

Here’s what shows and won’t show when using Verizon RCS:

SMS (Text) messages sent or received while using another messaging app show in Google Messages app.
RCS-supported messages sent or received while using Samsung RCS, Message+ (otherwise known as Verizon Advanced Messaging) won’t show in Google Messages app.
Messages from messaging apps that don’t use SMS\MMS (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, etc.) won’t show in Google Messages app.

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How do I enable or disable RCS on my phone?

To enable or disable Verizon RCS:

iPhone IOS 18 and above, choose:
- Settings> Apps> Messages> RCS Messaging, turn on RCS.
- Settings> Carrier Settings> Telephony> RCS, verify RCS Server URL is present.
Android with Google Messages app (current version) - In the app, choose Settings>RCS Chats and turn on RCS.

Do I have to enable RCS?

RCS is enabled by default for Google Messages and iOS messaging when the messaging apps and operating systems are updated to the required versions.

Your existing one-on-one message threads update to RCS when both parties have RCS.

What happens if I turn off RCS?

If you turn off RCS on your Android when using Google Messages, One to One or Group, your messages default to SMS\MMS:

RCS messaging resumes when all participants turn RCS back on.
The same message thread is used while moving between RCS and SMS\MMS.
Changing between SMS\MMS and RCS can take a few minutes while the RCS status updates on the servers.

If you turn off RCS when using Group Messaging with mix of iPhones on iOS 18+ and Android devices using Google Messages:

If an iPhone user turns off RCS, messages then default to SMS\MMS and sends a new Group Message in new conversation threads on Android devices (on the Google Messages app).
When an iPhone user turns RCS back on, RCS messages resume in the existing RCS Group thread.
If an Android user turns off RCS, messages won’t be received from the group conversation until RCS is turned back on.
Google Messages app prompts users to turn on RCS if it’s off.
Messages sent in groups when RCS was off are stored for up to 30 days. They’re delivered when RCS is turned back on.

How do I know if my iPhone is sending iMessage, text (SMS), or RCS?

To check your messaging, open a message with someone and look in the text entry area:

"Message" shows if you're sending an iMessage (blue bubbles).
"Text Message • SMS" shows if it's sending a text message (green bubbles).
"Text Message • RCS" shows if it's an RCS message (green bubbles).
The Message thread shows a banner with the message type. This updates if the message type changes.

I’m changing from Verizon Messages/Message+ or Samsung Messages to Google Messages. What happens to my existing messages and media when I change?

Here’s what happens to your messages and media when you change from:

Verizon Messages/Message+ or Samsung Messages to Google Messages:
- Google Messages will automatically sync your text messages, photos and videos (less than 5 MB) by accessing these files from your device’s local storage.
- Enhanced groups and some Message+-specific app features won’t sync with Google Messages.
Samsung Messages to Google Messages - Google Messages will automatically sync your text messages, photos and videos

Why is the messaging Typing indicator not working?

If the message typing indicator isn’t working:

Google Messages - Check the messages settings - RCS chats > Show typing indicator. If off, toggle to on.
iPhone:
- The Typing indicator can’t be disabled.
- The Typing Indicator on iPhones isn’t currently supported when in an RCS Group conversation with a mix of iPhones and Androids.

iPhone is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.
iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the US and other countries and is used under license.
Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

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Verizon RCS messaging service FAQs

What is RCS?

What is Verizon RCS?

Does using Verizon RCS count against my texting plan?

Am I eligible to opt-in to Verizon RCS?

If I bring a smartphone to Verizon from another carrier, will I be able to use Verizon RCS?

Will Verizon RCS work on all Wi-Fi connections?

Will Verizon RCS work while I'm roaming off of the Verizon network?

When I use Verizon RCS, can I see the messages I have on other messaging apps?

How do I enable or disable RCS on my phone?

Do I have to enable RCS?

What happens if I turn off RCS?

How do I know if my iPhone is sending iMessage, text (SMS), or RCS?

I’m changing from Verizon Messages/Message+ or Samsung Messages to Google Messages. What happens to my existing messages and media when I change?

Why is the messaging Typing indicator not working?