How to enable RCS messaging?

RCS is gradually replacing traditional SMS on smartphones. With it, gone are the days of messages limited to 160 characters or compressed photos: say hello to enriched exchanges, with read receipts, reactions, HD file sharing, and more. Yet many users don’t realize their smartphone already supports this technology, or simply don’t know how to enable RCS messaging.

We’ll walk you through how to set up RCS on Android and iOS, step by step, covering prerequisites, tips for verifying it’s working correctly, and solutions to common issues. Business users, we haven’t forgotten you — we’ll also show you how to send RCS messages to your customers!

What is RCS and why enable it?

RCS is a modern messaging protocol that transforms your conversations into an experience similar to apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or iMessage — but without needing to install a third-party app. It works directly through your phone number and your native messaging app. The choice between RCS and WhatsApp becomes pretty obvious!

Why enable it?

High-quality media: Send photos, videos, or GIFs without compression, unlike MMS.
Advanced features: Read receipts, reactions (👍, ❤️), real-time typing indicators (“Mathilde is typing…”).
Enhanced encryption: Depending on your carrier, messages can be end-to-end encrypted.
No extra cost: RCS uses your data connection (4G/5G or Wi-Fi), with no additional charges if your plan allows it.

Prerequisites for enabling RCS

Before getting started, make sure you check all the boxes:

A compatible smartphone:
- Android: All devices running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher are compatible, in theory. In practice, it also depends on your carrier and the Messages app you’re using.
- iOS: Available since iOS 18 (2024), but with some limitations (explained in the section dedicated to enabling RCS on iOS).
A compatible carrier: In France, the major carriers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free Mobile) support RCS. Check with yours if you’re unsure.
A stable internet connection: RCS requires a 4G, 5G, or Wi-Fi connection. No RCS on slow 2G/3G.
An up-to-date Messages app: Use Google Messages (recommended for Android) or your carrier’s native app.

google messages

Enable RCS on Android

Step 1: Check compatibility

Open the Messages app (your default app or Google Messages).
Tap your profile (icon in the top right corner) or go to Settings.
Look for the option “RCS features”, “RCS chats”, or “Rich messages”.
- If you can’t find it: Download Google Messages from the Play Store.

Step 2: Configure RCS

In Settings > RCS features, enable “Turn on chat features” (or “Use RCS”).
Accept the terms of service (you may need to check a box to share diagnostic data with Google).
Wait for confirmation: a message like “RCS activated” should appear.

Step 3: Verify activation

Send a message to a contact who also has RCS enabled.
- If the message is blue (instead of green for SMS), that’s a good sign!
- You should see “Sent with Chat” or a blue checkmark icon in the conversation bar.

Tip: If it doesn’t work, restart your phone or reinstall Google Messages.

Enable RCS on iPhone

Apple finally gave in to the pressure and integrated RCS into iOS 18 (in 2024). Here’s how to enable it:

Step 1: Update iOS

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If iOS 18 (or higher) is available, download and install the update.

Step 2: Configure the Messages app

Open Settings > Messages.
Enable “RCS Messages” (or “RCS Chat”).
Select your phone number as the identifier.

Step 3: Test sending

Send a message to an Android contact using Google Messages.
If the message is sent via RCS, you’ll see a mention such as “Sent with RCS” or a specific icon.

Please note: As of 2026, RCS between iPhones does not yet work. You need a compatible Android contact to take advantage of it.

RCS for businesses: how to use it?

RCS isn’t just for individuals. Businesses can leverage it to:

Send enriched transactional notifications: Order confirmations with images, interactive delivery tracking, and more.
Launch engaging marketing campaigns: Messages with clickable buttons (“Buy now”, “Learn more”), reactions, or even mini-surveys.
Improve the customer experience: Answer questions in real time with visual messages (e.g., integrated product catalog) and automated scenarios.

Rich card RCS

How to get started?

Use an RCS provider like SMS Partner to send RCS messages at scale. Developers can also integrate it via an RCS API. Sign up for free on our platform and fill out our RCS registration form. Feel free to contact us with any questions or download our RCS tutorial to easily set up an RCS agent.

Enabling RCS takes just 2 minutes on Android and iOS (subject to compatibility), and the improvements in user experience are immediate: HD media, reactions, read receipts — all without any additional app.

So, ready to give it a try? Send a message to a friend and check whether RCS is properly enabled. And if you’re a business, discover the advantages of RCS over SMS for richer exchanges with your customers.

FAQ on

RCS activation

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1. My RCS won’t activate, what should I do?

Check your carrier: Some budget or older plans don’t support RCS. For example, Free Mobile enabled RCS for all its subscribers in 2023, but check whether that applies to you.
Update Google Messages: Go to the Play Store and check for updates.
Disable/re-enable RCS: Sometimes simply toggling the option off and back on does the trick.

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2. Why do my messages stay as SMS instead of switching to RCS?