For years Google has been pushing RCS as a new replacement for SMS, the current messaging standard. There are many reasons why RCS is superior including support for higher resolution images and video, bigger file sizes, send/receive notifications, and much more. Of course, the standard doesn’t matter much if no one adopts it. Thankfully, the standard is slowly catching on with even Apple adopting it with a few caveats. Of course, there’s another elephant in the room when it comes to RCS: just because a device supports RCS doesn’t ensure wide feature compatibility with other RCS-enabled devices. Each company is free to adopt certain aspects of the standard while deemphasizing other features.
To ensure improved interoperability the GSMA utilizes something called the Universal Profile, which includes a set of RCS features that its partner carriers can adopt universally but this is a pretty slow process, to say the least. Below we take a look at carriers that officially support RCS features, as well as those that adopt the Universal Profile standard. Before we do that, let’s talk about Google Messages.
Your carrier doesn’t need to support RCS to use it, for Android at least
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
If you want to use RCS to its fullest in the way Google intended with the widest range of user support available, the easiest path forward is to use the Google Messages app on your Android device. Basically the app adds in full RCS support through any carrier network, though you’ll have to use the app. Of course, pretty much every modern Android device either includes this app by default. Even if it doesn’t, most devices will be able to add the app through Google Play.
To try out RCS you’ll need to ensure you’re running Android Messages v5.3.076 or higher. Unless your device is very old and you’ve neglected updates, this shouldn’t be an issue. You may also need to ensure your Carrier Services are running on v32.0.283645144 or higher as well. Once you’ve updated, you’ll be asked to agree to some permissions and then RCS will activate.
All the big carriers now have RCS support for iPhone and Android
By the end of 2024, we saw every major US carrier add support for RCS. That means if you have T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon you won’t have issues using RCS regardless of your phone’s platform. There’s nothing to set up, just open up your Google Messages or your Apple Messages app and that’s it. With RCS you’ll be able to do all the following:
- Send larger text messages and files than SMS
- You’ll have the option to share location information
- Adds typing indicators and read receipts
- Adds support for large groups
- Support for higher video and picture quality
- AI chatbot support from your messages app
- Wi-Fi messaging, even when you don’t have a cellular connection
What about the other networks?
The big three networks have the clearest RCS policies but the good news is that many prepaid carriers now have RCS support in some form at least. We have an article that breaks down the MVNOs that support RCS in a bit more detail, but here’s a short list of some of the most popular prepaid providers that support the standard for both Android and iOS users:
- Cricket
- Metro
- Visible
- Consumer Cellular
- Straight Talk
Decide that RCS isn’t right for you or having trouble activating it? Be sure to check out our guide on how to turn RCS messaging on and off.