Quick answer: RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the modern replacement for SMS texting. It works over mobile data or Wi-Fi and adds typing indicators, read receipts, high-quality photos and group chats, including between iPhone and Android. Since May 2026, RCS chats between the two platforms can also be end-to-end encrypted, in beta, if your carrier supports it.
If your texts to friends on other phones suddenly started showing typing dots and sharp photos, RCS is why. It’s built into Google Messages on Android and into the Messages app on iPhone, so you don’t need to install anything new.
Here’s what RCS is, how it differs from iMessage and WhatsApp, and how to turn it on or fix it when it misbehaves.
What is RCS messaging?
RCS is an industry standard for messaging that upgrades the old SMS and MMS system. Google describes it as “a modern industry standard for messaging” that enables a more dynamic and secure conversation than SMS or MMS.
With RCS, you get:
- Typing indicators and read receipts (you can turn these off).
- Higher-quality photos and videos instead of blurry MMS images.
- Proper group chats where people can be added and removed.
- Messaging over Wi-Fi or mobile data, which helps when your signal is weak.
- Reactions and replies to individual messages.
RCS still uses your phone number, so you don’t need an account or username like you do with WhatsApp.
How is RCS different from SMS, iMessage and WhatsApp?
| Feature | SMS/MMS | RCS | iMessage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works between iPhone and Android | Yes | Yes | No, Apple devices only |
| Needs data or Wi-Fi | No | Yes | Yes |
| End-to-end encryption | No | Yes, where supported | Yes |
| Bubble colour on iPhone | Green | Green | Blue |
On iPhone, Apple’s support page explains that RCS and SMS messages both appear in green bubbles, while iMessage stays blue. RCS depends on your carrier, unlike iMessage, which runs on Apple’s own servers.
WhatsApp and similar apps are separate services that need everyone to install the same app. RCS’s advantage is that it’s built into the default messaging app on both platforms.
Are RCS messages encrypted?
Between Android phones using Google Messages, RCS chats have been end-to-end encrypted for some time. Between iPhone and Android, encryption arrived more recently. On 11 May 2026, Google announced that end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging was beginning to roll out in beta “for iPhone users running iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest version of Google Messages”.
Google says encryption is switched on automatically over time for new and existing RCS conversations. In Google Messages, you’ll see a lock icon when a chat is encrypted. Apple notes that encryption for RCS on iPhone needs iOS 26.5 or later and carrier support.
SMS messages, which your phone falls back to when RCS isn’t available, are never encrypted. Don’t send passwords or sensitive personal details by plain text message.
How do I turn on RCS?
On Android (Google Messages)
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture, then Messages settings.
- Open RCS chats and switch it on.
- Wait for the status to show Connected.
On iPhone
- Make sure you’re on iOS 18 or later (iOS 26.5 or later for encryption).
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages (on older versions, Settings > Messages).
- Open RCS Messaging and turn it on.
Apple says you need “iOS 18 and a text-messaging plan from a carrier that supports RCS”, and activation can take a few hours. Exact menu names can vary slightly by iOS version.
RCS in India
Carrier support matters, especially on iPhone. As of September 2026, TelecomTalk reports that Jio supports RCS on iPhone while Airtel has not adopted it. If you’re on a carrier that doesn’t support RCS, iPhone-to-Android messages fall back to SMS and MMS.
What about RCS messages from businesses?
RCS isn’t only for chatting with friends. Businesses can use it to send branded messages with logos, images and buttons, such as booking confirmations, delivery updates or offers. These replace the plain promotional SMS many people are used to.
In India, this is growing. TelecomTalk reports that Jio launched RCS business messaging that reaches iPhone users on 1 September 2026, with marketing messages priced at Rs 0.27 to Rs 0.30 each for businesses. Before that, RCS on iPhone in India was limited to person-to-person chats.
For you, that means more rich promotional messages in your inbox. A few tips:
- Verified business senders usually show a name and logo, but still be careful with links that ask for payments or OTPs.
- Use the block or report spam option in your messaging app for unwanted senders.
- Never share an OTP in reply to any message, RCS or SMS.
Why isn’t RCS working? Common fixes
Google’s help page explains the status messages in Google Messages: “Connected” means RCS is working, “Connecting” means your number is still being verified, and “Not supported” means RCS isn’t available, often because of your internet connection or carrier. If you see trouble connecting for more than 30 minutes, Google suggests contacting support.
Try these steps in order:
- Check you have a working mobile data or Wi-Fi connection.
- Update Google Messages (Android) or iOS (iPhone).
- Restart your phone.
- Make sure Google Messages is your default SMS app on Android.
- Check with your carrier that RCS is supported on your plan.
One warning from Google: turning RCS chats off and on can remove you from RCS group chats, so only toggle it when you have a reason, such as switching phones or apps. If you’re moving to a new phone, turn off RCS on the old one first so messages don’t get stuck. Our guide to eSIMs covers the SIM side of switching phones, and you’ll find more explainers in our Tech News section.
Frequently asked questions
Is RCS free?
RCS messages use mobile data or Wi-Fi instead of your SMS allowance. Carriers don’t usually charge per RCS message, but they count against your data if you’re not on Wi-Fi.
Why are my messages to an iPhone still green?
Green bubbles on iPhone mean the message isn’t iMessage. Both RCS and SMS are green, so green alone doesn’t tell you which one is in use. Apple’s Messages app labels the conversation with “RCS” or “Text Message” to show the difference.
Can I send RCS messages without internet?
No. RCS needs mobile data or Wi-Fi. Without a connection, your phone can fall back to SMS or MMS if that option is enabled.
Does RCS replace WhatsApp?
Not really. RCS replaces SMS inside your phone’s default messaging app. WhatsApp is a separate app with its own features, and many people will keep using both.