RCS Messaging on Android: Setup and Sending Guide for 2025

In the rapidly evolving world of mobile communication, RCS messaging is positioning itself as a powerful successor to traditional SMS. As Android continues to refine its user experience in 2025, RCS (Rich Communication Services) offers users a feature-rich, modern way to stay connected without needing to install a third-party app.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and sending RCS messages on Android, while also touching on how it compares with messaging systems like the WhatsApp API, especially from a developer and business perspective.

What is RCS Messaging?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a communication protocol designed to replace SMS. It enables advanced features such as:

• Typing indicators
• Read receipts
• High-resolution photo and video sharing
• Large file support
• Group chats
• Business messaging features
• End-to-end encryption (for one-on-one chats, supported in Google Messages)

Unlike SMS, which uses cellular signals, RCS message works over the internet, including Wi-Fi and mobile data. This brings Android’s built-in messaging closer to platforms like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Telegram, offering users a smooth and interactive experience.

Why RCS Messaging Matters in 2025

In 2025, most Android devices now come preloaded with Google Messages, which supports RCS messaging out of the box. With increased carrier support and international rollout, RCS is now more reliable, secure, and accessible than ever.

Google has also taken major steps to unify the RCS experience globally, moving control away from fragmented carrier systems and placing more of the infrastructure on Google’s servers particularly through its MSG91 platform. As a result, setup is faster, and compatibility between Android users is much more seamless.

How to Set Up RCS Messaging on Android

Setting up RCS messaging on your Android device is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Install or Update Google Messages

Make sure you have the Google Messages app, which is the default SMS/RCS app for many Android devices. If you don’t have it:

• Open the Google Play Store
• Search for Google Messages
• Install or update to the latest version

Step 2: Set Google Messages as Default

Once installed, open the app and set it as your default SMS app when prompted.

Alternatively:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps > SMS App
• Select Messages (Google Messages)

Step 3: Enable Chat Features

• Open the Google Messages app
• Tap the three-dot menu (top-right corner) > Settings
• Select Chat Features
• Turn on “Enable chat features”

Your number will be verified, and once connected, you’ll see the status as “Connected” under Chat Features.

How to Send an RCS Message on Android

After RCS is enabled, sending a message is just as easy as sending a text.

1. Open the Google Messages app.
2. Start a new chat or open an existing conversation.
3. If the recipient also has RCS enabled, the message field will display “Chat message” instead of “Text message.”
4. You can now send:
   • Rich media (high-quality photos and videos)
   • Emojis, stickers, and GIFs
   • Voice notes
   • Files up to 100MB
   • Read receipts and typing indicators

If the recipient doesn’t support RCS, your messages will fall back to SMS or MMS automatically.

Troubleshooting RCS on Android

If you don’t see the option to enable RCS messaging or your messages aren’t being sent as RCS:

• Ensure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or data)
• Make sure your phone number is active and can receive SMS for verification
• Check if RCS is supported by your carrier (in most countries, it is by default)
• Clear cache and data for the Google Messages app and Carrier Services
• Restart your phone

You can also try using Google’s MSG91 test site to verify if your number is RCS-enabled.

RCS vs WhatsApp API: What’s the Difference?

As RCS matures, it’s becoming a viable alternative for businesses and developers — a space traditionally dominated by solutions like the WhatsApp API.

WhatsApp API

The WhatsApp Business API allows companies to send customer support messages, notifications, and updates via WhatsApp. It supports automation, chatbots, and integration into CRMs but requires external infrastructure and approval from Meta.

RCS Business Messaging

RCS also supports business messaging through platforms like Google’s MSG91 Cloud, offering:

• Verified sender information
• Branded messaging
• Rich media support
• Buttons, carousels, and quick replies
• Integration into backend systems and customer service platforms

Unlike the WhatsApp API, RCS doesn’t require users to install a separate app, as it integrates directly into Android’s native messaging platform. This makes it easier to reach users who might not use WhatsApp or other third-party chat apps.

RCS in 2025: What’s New?

Here are some new developments with RCS messaging in 2025:

• End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Now fully supported in one-on-one RCS chats via Google Messages
• Wider Carrier Adoption: Global support from nearly all major carriers
• Improved Business Messaging Tools: Enhanced analytics, chatbot integration, and AI-powered customer service tools
• Group Chat Support: More stable and better synced across multiple devices
• RCS for Web & Multi-Device: RCS now supports seamless syncing and messaging across web and tablets via Google Messages for Web

RCS for Developers and Businesses

For businesses and developers, RCS provides a compelling alternative to the WhatsApp API. With tools like Google’s Business Messages API, brands can:

• Build customer experiences natively in Android Messages
• Use rich media to engage customers
• Automate responses with AI and bots
• Track engagement analytics

This makes RCS an attractive channel for customer service, transactional notifications, and promotional campaigns  especially for Android-first audiences.

RCS messaging is no longer a “future technology” it’s here, fully functional, and ready for mass adoption. Whether you’re a casual Android user looking for a better texting experience or a business considering customer communication options, RCS offers a secure, flexible, and media-rich alternative to traditional SMS without needing to rely solely on platforms like the WhatsApp API.

With just a few taps, Android users can unlock the full potential of rich messaging in 2025. As the ecosystem continues to grow, RCS is poised to become the new global standard for mobile messaging.