RCS Advanced Messaging, also called Rich Communication Services (RCS), from T-Mobile is an enhanced messaging feature built into the manufacturer's messaging app on T-Mobile smartphones. RCS gives an improved messaging experience, allows larger multimedia file transfer, and shows interactive notifications when messages are being written, delivered, and read.

RCS Advanced Messaging overview

In 2015, T-Mobile was the first to launch RCS to customers with Advanced Messaging capable devices. RCS-enabled devices can send RCS messages across networks to allow customers to connect with one another through a modern way of messaging.

All iPhones with iOS 18 or later have RCS messaging enabled by default in iMessage.  Key features include:

• High-Quality Media Sharing: Send clearer, high-resolution images and videos to users on RCS enabled Android devices. 
• Read Receipts & Typing Indicators: See when Android RCS users are typing or have read your messages. 
• Reactions & Emojis: React to messages from Android RCS users with emojis, adding interactivity. 
• Enhanced Group Chats: Name group chats, add/remove members, and message larger groups, even when messaging with Android RCS users. 
• Wi-Fi Messaging: Keep conversations with Android RCS users going over Wi-Fi, similar to iMessage

Apple’s implementation of RCS is based on the industry’s standard. RCS messages are not end-to-end encrypted, meaning they're not protected from a third-party reading them while they're sent between iOS and Android devices.

RCS Advanced Messaging features

With RCS Advanced Messaging, you will get the following enhanced features:

• Attachment size: 100MB
• Enhanced group chat features:
  • 100 participants
  • Subject can be customized
  • Group Icon can be customized
  • Group Administrator can be added
• Messaging with other service providers: Universal Profile 1.0 features will work as soon as other carrier adopt/support the RCS Universal Profile 1.0 Standards.

Please note: Messages by Google does not currently support group chat icon and group administrator.

Manage Advanced Messaging preferences

Advanced Messaging comes enabled out of box. You don’t have to do anything to get started. 
iPhones with iOS 18 or later have RCS messaging enabled by default in iMessage: Turn RCS on or off by going to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging.

Advanced Messaging requirements

Requirements for cross network RCS messages

• To experience RCS messaging features while texting with users on other networks, you need an Android smartphone with Advanced Messaging capabilities. Generally, most Android smartphones from 2018 or newer have Advanced Messaging capabilities or an iPhone with iOS 18 or later. 
• Both parties must be on Android devices or an iPhone with iOS 18.
• T-Mobile users must be connected to the T-Mobile network or Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi calling enabled.
• You can use the pre-installed messaging app on your devices to experience Advanced Messaging features while messaging with someone on other networks. Their default Messaging app will be listed as an app on the bottom of the home screen unless they manually move it. You can change the default messaging app by selecting the new app at any time.
  • To check if the messaging app is the default app: Longpress on the current messaging app and select Advanced.
  • If the app states it was installed from the Play Store, then it is not the default app.

How to check if a device has Advanced Messaging

• Your device's default messaging app:
  • No particular status to check. It is auto-connected; Advanced Messaging will be supported as long as your recipient is capable of Advanced Messaging (RCS).
• Messages by Google:
  • For some devices launched after 2/25/22, follow the steps to ensure the Chat Status is shown as “Connected”. Check Chat Status by going to Messages Home Screen, then select your account icon, then to Message Settings, then Chat features, and then Status.
    
• iMessages on iPhone:
  • RCS messaging is enabled by default on iPhones with iOS 18 or later.
  • Turn RCS on or off by going to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging.

FAQs

What happens if some participants of a group chat do not have an Advanced Messaging capable device?

The group chat message capabilities will default to the device with the lowest denominator (MMS < Advanced Messaging). For example, if a new group chat is created and one of the receiving devices does not support Advanced Messaging, the group chat will be limited to a max of 20 participants and 10MB file transfers. All devices participating in the message must support Advanced Messaging to enjoy the new messaging capabilities.

Are there visual indicators to know if someone else has Advanced Messaging?

This can vary since each handset manufacturer’s native messaging app is different. When you’re in an RCS message with someone else, there may now be messages indicating “read” and you will be able to see that the other person is typing through the three dot typing indicator.

Devices with iOS 18 or later: The text input field will display 'Text Message – RCS' if the message to the other user(s) is composed as RCS.

What does it mean when my Chat feature settings indicate “Chat features from Google provided by…”?

This indicates who is your Advanced Messaging provider on Messages by Google. You can check this by going to your Messages Home Screen, then select your account icon, then Message Settings, then Chat features, and then scroll to the bottom of the screen.

On devices that state, “Chat features from Google provided by Jibe Mobile.”, this means Google is the Advanced Messaging provider for Messages by Google on the device.

On devices that state, “Chat features from Google powered by T-Mobile.”, this means T-Mobile is the Advanced Messaging provider for Messages by Google on the device.