main@SDR-Radio.groups.io | Messages (2024)

FAQs

Should I turn off RCS? ›

With RCS turned off, the messages you send and receive revert to traditional SMS/MMS text format until you activate RCS again. Turning off RCS before you get a new phone is also advisable to avoid potential messaging issues from the previous device. If you keep your old phone, it's easy to deactivate these settings.

Compare RCS vs SMS

For one, SMS messages are sent over the cellular network, while RCS content requires data connectivity, so they'd have to have a device with mobile data capabilities or an internet connection. Some other key differences come down to reach, media capabilities, and branding opportunities.

When you use RCS chats, your messages are sent with the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol over Wi-Fi and mobile data. RCS chats will be turned on only when all the participants in a conversation have RCS. RCS chats are provided by Google or your mobile carrier.

When you use RCS chats, your messages are sent over Wi-Fi and mobile data. As long as you're connected to a Wi-Fi network that you don't have to pay to use, there should be no cost to send and receive messages.

RCS is a protocol that builds upon the basic foundation of SMS but offers more modern features, such as branded messages, sharing content like high-resolution video and audio clips, group chats, typing indicators, and read receipts. Furthermore, the end-to-end encryption makes RCS secure compared to SMS.

Has RCS replaced SMS? Not completely, but it is now the default for Google Messages unless you manually switch it off. You'll also have the option to use SMS if you don't have access to a strong enough Wi-Fi or data connection.

An “RCS” message is a “Rich Communication Services” message. RCS is Android's text messaging option allowing people to send “rich” messages to other devices. By “rich” messages, this is referring to text messages that include expanded features.

Can RCS messages be deleted? You can delete the entire conversation with someone. This cannot be undone.

RCS is available for free to all Android users. Better yet, they don't need to download an app to make it work. Instead, users need to update their phone's carrier services app, which refreshes their phone's connection to the carrier network to get all the latest features, including RCS.

Why do people use RCS? ›

Updated April 16, 2024

RCS enhances daily messaging activities with features such as read receipts, group messaging features, and multimedia capabilities.

Each RCS chat, message, or attachment is charged separately. If you have limited messages or a pay-per-use plan, you'll be billed at your current messaging rates. If you send a message with multiple attachments, each attachment as well as your text is counted and billed separately.

“RCS message” means “Rich Communication Services.” It refers to Android's relatively new texting service that offers some features unavailable using traditional SMS or MMS.

Is RCS messaging secure? Yes, but the level of security depends on a few things. For example, Google Messages recently introduced end-to-end encryption, but only for direct messages and not group chats. Moreover, both clients need to use the same app.

RCS will allow for more seamless communication and better user experience when compared to SMS or MMS messaging for Apple and Android users as the platform continues to gain popularity and mature. RCS will offer iMessage-type messaging features between Apple and Android users such as: Read receipts.

When RCS chats are turned on, you can send messages over Wi-Fi and use other features. If your carrier and device aren't automatically set up for RCS chats, you may be offered RCS chats. You might be asked to provide your phone number.