Verizon RCS messaging service FAQs

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.
• Messages from messaging apps that don’t use SMS\MMS (e.g., WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, etc.) won’t show in Google Messages app.

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.
   

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.

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.

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.

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.