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Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is an enhanced form of messaging. It offers rich chat features on the mobile device’s native messaging application.

RCS enables seamless messaging across Apple and Android devices over wireless and Wi-Fi networks. The following features work seamlessly regardless of the operating system:

  • Delivery receipts
  • Read receipts
  • Message reactions
  • Typing indicators
  • HD photo/video sharing
  • Group messaging for up to 100 users
  • Location sharing

As of September 16, 2024, RCS is available on iOS 18.0 with iPhone XS and newer models. Learn more about RCS on Apple.

RCS is available on all Android devices released in or after 2021, running OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Learn more about Google Messages.

Important: Effective December 31, 2023, Advanced Messaging in the Samsung Messages app will be discontinued. This means that Google Messages will be the main messaging application for Advanced Messaging.

After December 31, 2023, you will still be able to use standard text, picture and video messaging via the Samsung Messages app but if you would like access to Advanced Messaging features (like read receipts, typing indicators, message reactions, high-resolution images/videos and group messages) you can download and use the Google Messages app.

The chat message history from the Samsung Messages app will not transfer over to the Google Messages app.

Applicable charges

Standard data charges apply for all messages sent using Rich Communications Services (RCS). Both you and the recipient of your messages must have devices and operating systems that support RCS; otherwise standard text/picture/video messaging will apply.

If you do not have a Virgin Plus data plan and are not connected to Wi-Fi, you will incur pay-per-use data charges (domestic or roaming).

When roaming in an eligible destination, RCS is charged as roaming data, which will be deducted from your roaming add-on, if applicable. Otherwise, pay-per-use roaming data rates will apply.

If you only want to use RCS with Wi-Fi to avoid data charges, please turn RCS off when Wi-Fi is not available.

How to turn RCS on or off

Android

  1. Open the Google Messages app.
  2. Select Menu.
  3. Select Messages Settings.
  4. Select RCS chats.
  5. Turn RCS chats on or off.

If you are not able to follow the steps above or the steps do not match what you see on your compatible device, you may need to update Google Messages.

Apple

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select Apps.
  3. Select Messages.
  4. Select RCS Messaging.
  5. Turn RCS Messaging on or off.

If you are not able to follow the steps above or the steps do not match what you see on your compatible device, you may need to update iOS.