How to Get Google’s RCS Messaging on Any Android.
Google is always trying to take bold steps by offering its services, but has had no luck in releasing a robust chat platform for Android. Services such as What’s App, Telegram, and even iMessage satisfied users, gradually choking on SMS and MMS services a decade ago. But the recent crash of his messaging service ALLO and further investment in RCS have made it clear that the game isn’t over yet.
So what exactly is RCS?
When you send a message to iMessage, Whatsapp, Telegram, etc., your message travels over the Internet to the company’s servers, where it is processed, and then sent to the recipient. If the recipient doesn’t have the same app installed, they won’t receive your message. However, when you send an SMS to someone, it is simply redirected through the carrier. The phones themselves do not require third-party apps to receive SMS.
Now think of RCS (short for rich communications services) as the evolution of SMS. Like other messaging services, it supports read receipts, pictures, sound, typing indicators, and group chats. Like SMS, RCS is built into cellular operators. So, if you are sending RCS to a friend who does not have a phone that supports RCS, your message is simply delivered as an SMS.
How to get RCS support on your Android phone
Open Google Play Store , search for “Messages from Google LLC” and download it.
While waiting for the download to complete, scroll down and find the option that says Join Beta . Ignore the warning and click “Join”. Don’t worry, this may take a few seconds.
Open the Google Play Store again, search for “ Activity Launcher ” and install.
Quit all applications , open Activity Launcher and search for messages. Scroll down and select the option labeled Set RCS Flags
Click the dialog below the ACS URL, select http://rcs-acs-prod-us.sandbox.google.com/ and click Apply .
Go to Application Manager (Settings) and search for Messenger again, then clear data and cache. Open the Play Store and find the messenger. Now you can see the update option (beta program). Click “Refresh” and open when done.
Click “Agree” when you see the message “Messages got better.” Now you will see another message “Allow this application to run in the background” and click “Allow”.
Wait a few seconds until you see Chat Features Ready , then click Got It .
Yes. This is it. You are all set to see RCS in beta. If you want to enable or disable features, click on Settings , which you will find in the top right corner . At the top you will find a “Chat Function Parameter” that informs you about the status of the new features.
If you are stuck in any part, clearing cache and storage can help. You should also note that it is still in beta testing, so all features may not work correctly.
Concluding remarks
Google is not only aiming to replace SMS and MMS, but is also targeting major messaging platforms such as What’s app, Telegram, and providing full native messaging. The company has already established partnerships with major US carriers such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon, but is not gaining traction globally. Google has already started rolling out RCS in the US (via the messaging app), so if you’ve sent someone a text message and both support RCS, it will turn into a full-fledged chat instead.
Its acceptability is still debated, as is the lack of end-to-end encryption that has always tarnished Google’s reputation. So if you already have RCS support, give it a try. If not, use the above method and let me know if it’s successful or not.