Chat features in Google MessagesSource: Android Central

RCS Chat, Google's vision for the future of messaging, is slowly rolling out to people around the globe. However, rather than waiting on carriers to adopt the RCS standard, Google's taking matters into its own hands and enabling RCS Chat for all phones regardless of carrier in select countries — you just have to use its Messages app. If your phone is supported, here's how to enable RCS Chat features in Google Messages.

How to enable RCS Chat features in Google Messages in supported countries and on supported carriers

Note: This will work on all Android phones and carriers in the U.S., UK, and France, and on supported carriers in other countries like Canada.

  1. Open Google Messages on your Android phone.
  2. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.

  3. Tap Settings.

    Android home screenGoogle Messages with chat pop-upGoogle Messages setting up chat featuresSource: Android Central

  4. Tap Chat features
  5. Enter your phone number.

  6. Tap Continue.

    Google Messages settingsGoogle Messages setting up RCSGoogle Messages RCS settings pageSource: Android Central

That's all there is to it! It may take several seconds for Google Messages to verify your phone number, but once it's completed, your status should change from "Setting up" to "Connected." When you message someone else who also has RCS enabled, the chat will automatically offer the enhanced messaging experience.

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How to enable RCS Chat in countries where it's not supported

Unfortunately, while there used to be a hack available to activate RCS in countries where it's not supported, once Google completed its RCS rollout in the US, that workaround was disabled.

We'll let you know if we discover any opportunities like that in the future!

Did you activate RCS?

Let us know about your RCS experiences in the comments below!