Google has added Rich Communication Services (RCS) to Android Messages. RCS is the next generation of messaging technology and improves your messaging by offering a native, richer and universal experience across networks and android devices.
Next Generation (Next-Gen) messaging works on select Android devices. It gives you some sweet new features in select conversations including:
- Group chats
- Read and delivered receipts
- High-resolution photo and video sharing
- Audio messaging
- Being able to send location
What you need
Next-Gen Messaging is available on:
- A Koodo postpaid (monthly) / prepaid data plan or an active Wi-Fi connection
- A Samsung smartphone running Android 9.0 (Pie) and up with latest Samsung Messages version
- Any other Android smartphone running Android 5.1 (Lollipop) and up with latest Google Messages version
How to turn it on:
- Open Messages
- Select Settings
- Select Chat Features/Settings
- Tap or slide the Enable chat features toggle to On
Heads up: When Next-Gen Messaging is provisioned for the first time on a compatible device, you will be prompted to enable the chat features.
FAQs
Will my device automatically use Next-Gen messaging?
When chat features are turned on, it will automatically be used if you are messaging another device with chat features enabled.
Will Next Generation messaging use my Wi-Fi or Data?
Next-Gen Messaging sends messages over Wi-Fi or cellular data when Wi-Fi is unavailable, rather than through traditional SMS. This means, if you do not have a data plan and are not connected to Wi-Fi, your messages will be sent as SMS, or you may incur pay-per-use data charges when using Next-Gen Messaging.
Can I use Next Generation only when I'm connected to Wi-Fi?
If you want to use Next-Gen Messaging in a Wi-Fi connected area only, please ensure you turn chat features off when leaving a Wi-Fi connected area to avoid unexpected data charges.
How do I deregister from Android Next-Gen Messaging?
If you recently switched from an Android phone to an iPhone and are using the same phone number from your previous phone, you may experience issues receiving text messages (SMS/MMS). Please be sure to turn the chat features off on your previous phone.
For more information on how to disable chat features, please visit the Google Messages site.
Learn more about Next-Gen messaging and chat features with Google