RCS Message Not Working, How to Fix Android RCS Not Working?
by Janani
Updated Aug 03, 2023
What is an RCS Chat?
Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats are a messaging option that offers an enhanced messaging experience. They indicate when someone is typing and provide read receipts to show when messages are read or received.
RCS chats enable file sharing and high-resolution photo exchange. These messages are sent using the RCS protocol over mobile data and Wi-Fi. However, RCS chats are activated only when all participants in a conversation have RCS, which can be provided by either Google or your mobile carrier. This article focuses on the RCS chat feature provided by Google.
Why is RCS Message Not Working?
RCS is a next-generation SMS protocol used by many carriers and phone manufacturers. While Google integrated RCS into its default Google Messages app, numerous users have reported facing problems with it lately.
The error might be due to the unavailability of the service in your area or other malfunctions. However, the post offers various troubleshooting methods to address the problem. If you are encountering this issue, read on to learn how to fix it. This post provides solutions to resolve the issue of RCS (Rich Communication Messages) not working in Google Messages on Android devices.
The common causes for the RCS Message Not Working issue are given below:
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Unsupported Device: If your device does not support RCS messaging or is not compatible with the feature, RCS messages may not work.
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No RCS Support from Carrier: Some mobile carriers may not yet support RCS messaging, which can lead to issues with RCS message functionality.
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Disabled RCS Feature: If the RCS messaging feature is not enabled in your device's settings, you won't be able to use it.
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Poor Internet Connection: A weak or unstable internet connection can prevent RCS messages from being sent or received.
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Software or App Issues: Bugs or glitches within the messaging app or device's software can cause RCS messages to malfunction.
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Verification Problems: If the phone number verification process for RCS messaging fails, it can result in the feature not working correctly.
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Network Interference: Network issues or congestion may interfere with RCS message delivery.
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Outdated Software: Using an outdated version of the messaging app or operating system can cause compatibility problems with RCS messaging.
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Carrier Restrictions: Some carriers may have restrictions or limitations on using RCS messaging for certain plans or devices.
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Third-party Apps: Third-party apps or settings that interfere with the messaging system may lead to RCS message errors.
How to Fix Android RCS Not Working?
There are many fix methods to solve the Android RCS Not Working issue. Here are those methods to fix the issue.
1) Checking RCS Status in Settings
To troubleshoot further, you can check the status of the Chat Services in your Google Messages settings. Sometimes, the RCS feature may require verification or an activation process.
To check the status of your Google Chat or RCS feature, follow these steps:
If the status shows "Disconnected," "Setting Up," or "Connecting," you should go through the setup and verification process to resolve the issue.
2) Verify your Internet Connection
Similar to many modern instant messaging platforms, RCS relies on an active internet connection to facilitate message transmission between users. However, in situations where there is no internet access, RCS is designed to automatically switch to SMS as a fallback. Unfortunately, this automatic switch doesn't always occur, leading to connectivity issues.
If you find that your RCS is not functioning properly, it's essential to check whether you have an active data plan. Ensure that your internet connection is working, or alternatively, connect to a Wi-Fi network, as Google Messages requires an online connection to send chat messages.
Efforts have been made by various groups to encourage carriers to exempt data usage on the Google Messages app, which would enable RCS messaging free of charge. However, such initiatives face challenges, as carriers may not be willing to relinquish the revenue generated from SMS services.
3) Update Carrier Services
RCS and Google Chat rely on an underlying service called "Carrier Services," which comes pre-installed on Android phones with Google Play Services. If the previous troubleshooting steps haven't resolved the issue, consider updating the following apps to their latest versions:
- Google Messages
- Carrier Services
- Google Play Services
After updating these apps to their current versions, reboot your Android device and attempt to go through the RCS setup process again. This should rectify any underlying problems.
4) Clear Storage for Carrier Services and Google Messages
If the issue persists, it might be necessary to clear the cache and storage for the mentioned apps to resolve any conflicting configurations. Follow these steps:
By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and rectify any issues affecting your RCS messaging functionality.
5) Verify Settings for Dual SIM Users
For Dual SIM Users, it's important to note that Google Chat or RCS can only be enabled on one SIM card at a time. This means you cannot have RCS enabled on both SIM cards simultaneously.
To ensure proper functionality, follow these steps:
How to Turn on RCS in the Google Messages App?
To enable RCS chats for the first time, you gain the ability to send messages over Wi-Fi and access additional features.
If your carrier and device are not automatically configured for RCS chats, you may be presented with the option to enable them. This process may require you to provide your phone number.
Please note that you might occasionally receive a text from Jibe Mobile by Google, requesting verification of your phone number. At present, RCS chats are available for your default or preferred call SIM, and they may become accessible for other SIM cards later. You can manage your default call SIM in your System settings, and if you need assistance with dual SIM settings, you can contact your device manufacturer.
Should your carrier support RCS, but your device is not automatically set up for RCS chats, you may receive a notification encouraging you to "Do more with Messages." In this case, follow these steps:
- Open Messages on your device.
- Tap "Get Started" and then "Next."
- To maintain the connection, select "Yes."
If you encounter difficulties turning on RCS chats, refer to troubleshooting resources for assistance.
To switch RCS chats on or off, follow these important guidelines:
If you do not turn off RCS chats in Settings when removing a SIM card from your device, RCS chats may continue to work for up to 14 days.
- Open Messages on your device.
- Tap your profile picture or icon located at the top right, and then select "Messages settings."
- Tap "RCS chats" to toggle the feature on or off.
How to Check RCS Chat Status?
To check your current RCS chat status, navigate to the Settings section and locate the option for RCS chats. If you are unable to find "RCS chats," simply tap on "Chat features."
There are three potential statuses:
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Connected: RCS chats are fully operational, allowing you to communicate with others who have enabled this feature.
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Setting up: Messages is currently verifying your phone number. If the verification process takes longer than expected, you can retry by tapping the "Retry" button next to the status.
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Disconnected: RCS chats are temporarily unavailable. Ensure that your device is connected to the internet to restore functionality.
Rcs Message Not Working - FAQ
The Rcs Message Not Working error might be due to the unavailability of the service in your area or other malfunctions.
RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, which is a standard international protocol used in the telecommunications industry to enhance SMS/MMS messaging on Android phones.
RCS operates through the native messaging app on your phone, taking inspiration from popular instant messaging applications.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) aims to replace SMS messages with a more advanced text-message system capable of transmitting multimedia during calls, conducting phonebook polling, and supporting various types of content. It also enables longer messages of up to 8,000 characters.
The primary purpose of RCS is to provide users with a richer and more dynamic messaging experience compared to traditional SMS, incorporating multimedia elements and other useful features.