Can't turn on RCS chats

Important: To use RCS, everyone in a group or 1-on-1 conversation must have RCS turned on.

If your device and carrier network support RCS and you have problems turning on RCS chats, try these steps:

Check your default messaging app

Make sure that Google Messages is your device’s default app for SMS. Learn how to get started with Google Messages.

Check your data connection

Make sure your Android phone or tablet is connected to the internet and can receive SMS.

Check your RCS chats status

1. On your Android device, open the Google Messages .
2. Tap your Profile picture or Initial Messages settings RCS chats.
3. Check the RCS chats status.
   1. If the message “RCS chats has been disabled by your carrier” shows, contact your carrier.
   2. Once the carrier has resolved the concern, tap Retry.
   3. If you’re still not connected, tap Details Submit feedback.

Check the Google Messages version

Make sure you and the person you’re chatting with have the latest Google Messages version.

1. On your Android phone or tablet, tap Settings .
2. Tap Google Messages .
   • If it doesn't show up in the list of recently opened apps, tap See all apps Google Messages .
3. Scroll down.
4. Tap App details.
5. If the option is available, tap Update.

Check your Android version

You must have Android 5.0 or higher for RCS chats to work. Learn how to check your Android version.

Check your Google Play Services version

Make sure Google Play Services is updated to the latest version. Learn how to keep your device and apps working with Google Play Services.

Check your Google Fi default

If Google Fi message sync is enabled, RCS won’t work. To get RCS, make sure your Google Fi message sync is off. You can also stop sync on your old phone when you sign in from your new phone.

In Google Messages:

1. Tap your Profile picture or Initial Messages settings Advanced.
2. Tap Google Fi settings Stop sync & sign out.
3. Tap RCS chats settings Messages settings RCS chats.
   • If the “Retry” button shows, on the dialog, tap Retry Continue.

In Messages for web:

1. On your Android device, go to messages.google.com/web.
2. Tap More Settings Stop sync & sign out.

Check your RCS status

Understand RCS status.

Need more help?

If the steps in this article didn't solve the issue, you can go to the RCS chats by Google FAQ or ask questions in the Google Messages Community.

Related resources

• RCS chats by Google FAQ
• Learn about Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging