General implementation steps of RCS

2017 - RCS Universal Profile (with servers from mobile network providers)
2020 - RCS through Google's Jibe servers, so no network based servers required
2024 - support for Dual-SIM parallel use on Android appearing generally
2024 - support for iPhone added (with IOS 18)

So all modern mobile phones are now RCS capable, no more excuse not to use it!

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Android

Update your "Messages" App.

Then, just open (1) "Messages" - (2) "Menu" - (3) "Messages settings" - (4) "General" - (5) "RCS chats" to activate RCS chats on all available numbers. During step 1 or 3, Messages should popup a notice that RCS is activated, so no configuration needs to be made.

iPhone

Apple users can enable RCS on an iPhone with iOS 18 installed. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and shift the toggle next to RCS Messaging.

Does my carrier support Apple RCS messages?
To check if your carrier supports RCS messaging, go to Settings > General > About > Carrier. If it shows “Voice, SMS & RCS,” your carrier supports it. If it only shows “Voice & SMS,” RCS isn’t supported.

 

Written by Paul