Rich Communication Services is a messaging protocol that can make messaging more fun and seamless when messaging between iPhone and Android devices. When Apple released iOS 18 in 2024, that update introduced the messaging protocol to all iPhones.
With RCS messaging, you get features like typing indicators and the “Delivered” status message while messaging Android users. It also helps ensure high-quality videos and pictures are sent when texting between those devices. Then, with iOS 18.1, Apple brought RCS Business Messaging to iPhones, which means you’ll be able to chat with some businesses in Messages rather than a buggy web page.
However, RCS on iPhone doesn’t provide end-to-end encryption between iPhones and Android devices yet. The GSM Association, which develops the RCS standard, said in 2024 that it’s working to enable end-to-end encryption between these devices.
Some people on Reddit said they’ve run into issues with RCS messaging after updating to iOS 26. If you’re having issues 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’s still not working.
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Does my carrier support RCS messaging?
Most carriers support RCS, but not all of them. If your iPhone is running iOS 26.1, here are all the US carriers that support RCS on your device.
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile
- C Spire
- Consumer Cellular
- Cricket
- Family Mobile
- FirstNet
- H20 Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
- PureTalk
- RedPocket Mobile
- Spectrum Mobile
- T-Mobile
- Total Wireless
- TracFone / Straight Talk
- Ultra Mobile
- US Cellular
- Verizon
- Visible
- Xfinity Mobile
Apple finally brought RCS to iPhones with iOS 18.
If you live outside of the US, here’s how to check on your iPhone to see if your carrier supports RCS messaging on your device.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Tap Carrier.
When you tap Carrier, it will change to IMS Status and show messaging support details to the right. For example, if your carrier supports RCS, you’ll see Voice, SMS & RCS. If your carrier doesn’t support RCS, you’ll see Voice & SMS.
If your carrier doesn’t support RCS Messaging, have no fear, as Apple is reportedly expanding support to more carriers in the future.
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How to enable or disable RCS on your iPhone
If your carrier supports RCS, here’s how to make sure it’s working on your iPhone.
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps near the bottom of the menu.
3. Tap Messages.
4. Tap RCS Messaging under Text Messaging.
4. Tap the toggle next to RCS Messaging.
Now messaging Android devices will feel more like messaging another iPhone — but you’ll still see those green bubbles. And if you want to disable RCS, follow the above steps again.
RCS not working on your iPhone?
If you updated your iPhone to the latest iOS update, your carrier supports RCS and you enabled it on your iPhone, but RCS still isn’t working for you, try a forced restart on your iPhone. Here’s how to perform a forced 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 your iPhone’s side button until your iPhone restarts and you see the Apple logo on your screen. You have to ignore the screen that asks you to slide to power off your device, as well.
If this doesn’t work, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for a device inspection.
Is it safe to message 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 US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are advising iPhone and Android users not to message each other because of a cyberattack. According to officials, the cyberattack is targeting telecom companies, including AT&T, Verizon and Lumen Technologies. The attack might have compromised private texts, phone conversations and call metadata on mobile devices.
The GSMA, a nonprofit that develops the Rich Communication Services standard, announced in March that it’s adding interoperable encryption to RCS messaging, allowing for end-to-end encryption between different providers. Apple and Google collaborated on the protocol and according to The Verge, both companies will implement it.
“We will add support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages to iOS, iPadOS, MacOS, and WatchOS in future software updates,” an Apple spokesperson told The Verge.
For more iOS news, here’s what to know about iOS 26.1 and my review of iOS 26. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet for other tips and tricks.
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