Google Messages can use RCS chats for richer conversations when the sender, recipient and mobile service support it, while falling back to SMS or MMS when needed.
Quick answer: Open Google Messages and make it the default SMS app if you want to use it.
Google Messages and RCS on Android
- Open Google Messages and make it the default SMS app if you want to use it.
- Tap the profile picture, Messages settings, then RCS chats.
- Confirm that the status shows connected and choose read-receipt preferences.
- Check the compose box to see whether a message will send as RCS or SMS.
- Before changing phones, verify the number again if RCS activation becomes stuck.
Before you finish
- RCS may use mobile data or Wi-Fi; SMS and MMS follow the carrier plan.
- Encryption indicators apply only where the conversation explicitly shows them.
- Emergency communication should not depend on a single messaging app.
If the menu is different
Use the search box at the top of Settings and search for the key control in
this guide. Pixel uses Google's labels; Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus and other
manufacturers may move the same control or rename one level of the menu. Check
the support page for your exact model before using a reset or erase command.
Official reference
Google Messages Help. Menu names can differ by phone maker.
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