Now that Apple is starting to #GetTheMessage with its adoption of RCS, texting between Android and Apple devices is getting a whole lot better. 1
Here's to green and blue bubbles being friends
With RCS, you can text the people you care about with ease and enjoy features like high-res photo and video sharing, typing indicators, and read receipts, regardless of whether they're using iMessage or Google Messages.
Hi-res media sharing
Bye bye blurry videos
Now, your best pics and videos always show up in hi-res.
Better group chat experiences
Invite the whole crew to your group chat
No matter who’s in your group chat, you can give it a name, add or remove people, and exit when you want. 2
Text reactions
React without words
Now, your emoji reactions to text messages show up the way you intended.
Make sure RCS is enabled
For iPhone users, check with your carrier and your device's settings instructions to learn how to turn on RCS. You may need to download the most recent iOS software update. 1
Apple still has more to do
Though progress has been made with RCS, there’s still work to do to make texting better for everyone. We look forward to Apple adding the ability to react to media, reply directly to messages in group chats, and more.
Discover RCS on Google Messages
Experience messaging like never before on Android. Google Messages lets you personalize your texting experience, leverage cutting-edge AI features, and seamlessly share high-quality media with friends, regardless of their device.
Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats provide an upgraded, rich messaging experience. RCS chats show you when someone is typing, offer read receipts, let you share files and high-resolution photos and more.
Yes, iPhone users will likely have to update to the latest version of iOS. They will also need to check with their carrier and the settings instructions for their device.
Android phone users have already been enjoying RCS features while using Google Messages, like hi-res photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, and a much better group chat experience. The difference is that now you can also get those advantages while texting with iPhone users.
For Android users:
On your device, open Google Messages.
At the top right, tap your profile picture or icon and then Messages settings.
Tap RCS chats.
Turn RCS chats on.
For iPhone users:
If you’re an iPhone user, to learn how to turn on RCS chats, check with your carrier and the settings instructions for your device. 2
No, RCS chats typically don’t cost users extra. RCS uses your Wi-Fi or mobile data plan, just like other apps. However, standard text message rates might apply if your carrier verifies your number for RCS during setup.
Apple displays text messages that don’t come from an iPhone user as green bubbles. This is also true for messages from other iPhone users who have iMessage disabled.