About: RCS (Rich Communication Services)

Overview

RCS (Rich Communication Services) provides an upgraded and rich messaging experience that include:

  • Typing indicators.

  • Read receipts.

  • Large file transfers.

  • Multi-media sharing.

  • Send messages over Wi-Fi.

  • Rich group chat support.

By default, and when available, messages are sent using RCS over a mobile data connection. Sending messages on phone plans with data will seamlessly transition to SMS and MMS when required. RCS and MMS messages require mobile data connectivity. Data and SMS/MMS charges may apply.

As of September 2024, RCS is now available for iPhone users using iOS 18.

How it Works

RCS uses a data connection to send messages between two compatible devices when both the sender and recipient have the feature enabled. RCS enabled devices will first default to send messages using Wi-Fi then mobile data. If the sender or the recipient is unable to connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, or does not have RCS enabled, your message will automatically convert to SMS/MMS. The messaging app may prompt you to “Switch to text (SMS/MMS)”, in which case data and SMS/MMS charges may apply.

For the best RCS experience browse our data plans and upgrade your plan.

RCS while Roaming

RCS will work as long as you are connected to Wi-Fi or have mobile data, regardless of if you are roaming or not. Roaming charges may apply.

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Requirements

RCS is available to all Freedom Mobile customers that meet the following requirements:

  1. You must have active service. Depending on other carrier implementations, RCS may not be available when messaging between two different carriers.

  2. At minimum, your device must be running Android 8.0 or iOS 18. Refer to your device manufacturer’s user guide for detailed steps on how to check for and install system updates:

  3. Android users must use a messaging app that supports RCS. We recommend “Messages” by Google, download the latest version from the Google Play Store. iPhone users must be using the iMessage app.

  4. RCS must be set up in your messaging app.

  5. A data connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

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Device Set Up

Android Device

Take the following steps to setup RCS in the “Messages” by Google app on your compatible Android device:

1. Ensure the latest version of your messaging app is installed.

2. Open the app.

Tip: Ensure the ‘Messages’ app is set as the default messaging application.

3. Tap the Menu icon on the top right of the screen.

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4. Tap Messages Settings.

5. Tap RCS Chats

6. Ensure the Turn on RCS Chats toggle is enabled. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

7. Enjoy! RCS should now be enabled.




iPhone Device

RCS should be available by default upon upgrading to iOS 18. To check that RCS is enabled follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Setting menu

  2. Scroll down to Messages

  3. Ensure RCS Messaging is toggled on.



If you are experiencing issues setting up chat features on your device, check out RCS chats by Google FAQs for additional information.

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FAQs

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If you don’t see your answer in our FAQ section, we’re here to help.