Rich communication services is a messaging protocol that can make messaging more fun and seamless when exchanging messages between iPhone and Android devices. When did Apple release iOS 18 in 2024, this update introduced the messaging protocol to all iPhones.
With RCS messaging, you get features like typing indicators and a “Delivered” status message when sending messages to Android users. This also helps ensure that high-quality videos and images are sent when text messaging between these devices. Then with iOS 18.1Apple has brought RCS Business Messaging to iPhone, which means you'll be able to communicate with some companies in Messages rather than on a buggy web page.
However, RCS on iPhone does not yet provide end-to-end encryption between iPhone and Android devices. The GSM Association, which develops the RCS standard, stated in 2024 that it We are working on enabling end-to-end encryption between these devices.
Some people on Reddit said they were having trouble with RCS messaging after updating to iOS 26. If you're having trouble with RCS on your iPhone, here's how to check if your carrier supports RCS, how to make sure it's enabled on your iPhone, and what to do if it still doesn't work.
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Does my carrier support RCS messaging?
Most carriers support RCS, but not all. If your iPhone is working iOS 26.1Here all US air carriers that support RCS on your device.
- AT&T
- Enhance Mobile
- Spire C
- Consumer cellular
- Cricket
- Family mobile
- First network
- H20 Wireless
- Subway from T-Mobile
- PureTalk
- RedPocket Mobile
- Spectrum Mobile
- T-Mobile
- Full wireless connectivity
- TracFone / Straight Talk
- Ultra mobile
- US Cellular
- Verizon
- Visible
- Xfinity Mobile
Apple has finally brought RCS to iPhone with iOS 18.
If you live outside the US, here's how to check on your iPhone whether your messaging carrier supports RCS on your device.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap ABOUT.
4. Tap Carrier.
When you press Carrierit will change to IMS Status and information about messaging support will be displayed on the right. For example, if your carrier supports RCS, you will see Voice, SMS and RCS. If your carrier does not support RCS, you will see Voice and SMS.
If your carrier doesn't support RCS messaging, fear not, as Apple will reportedly expand support to more carriers in the future.
Check this out: How to enable RCS on iPhone
How to enable or disable RCS on your iPhone
If your carrier supports RCS, here's how to make sure it works on your iPhone.
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Applications at the bottom of the menu.
3. Tap Messages.
4. Click RCS messages under Text messages.
4. Click the switch next to RCS messages.
Messaging on Android devices will now look more like messaging with another iPhone, but you'll still see those green bubbles. And if you want to disable RCS, repeat the above steps again.
RCS not working on your iPhone?
If you have updated your iPhone to the latest version of iOS, your carrier supports RCS, and you have enabled it on your iPhone, but RCS is still not working for you, try a force restart on your iPhone. Here's how to force a restart.
1. Press and release the Volume Up button on your iPhone.
2. Press and release the Volume Down button on your iPhone.
3. Press and hold the iPhone's Side button until the iPhone restarts and the Apple logo appears on the screen. You should also ignore the screen that asks you to swipe to turn off the device.
If this doesn't help, please contact Apple Support or visit Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider to check the device.
Is it safe to send messages to Android devices?
Yes, but you should use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app like Signal. RCS on iPhone is not end-to-end encrypted, and the FBI and the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are advising iPhone and Android users not to send messages to each other due to a cyber attack. According to officialsThe cyberattack targets telecommunications companies including AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies. The attack may have compromised personal text messages, phone conversations, and call metadata on mobile devices.
GSM Associationnon-profit organization that develops Rich communication services standard, announced in March that it was adding interoperable encryption to RCS messaging, allowing end-to-end encryption between different providers. Apple and Google collaborated on the development of the protocol, and according to Edgeboth companies implement it.
“We will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and WatchOS in future software updates,” an Apple spokesperson told The Verge.
For more iOS news, here's what you need to know iOS 26.1 And my review of iOS 26. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet other tips and tricks.
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