The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Google Messages may be removing its per-conversation “Only send SMS & MMS messages” option, but the evidence so far comes from a beta-code teardown—not an announcement from Google. As of October 7, 2026, the option’s removal is unconfirmed and no rollout date is known. You can still turn RCS off for all chats in the app’s settings.
What may change in Google Messages
The per-chat setting lets you use SMS and MMS with one conversation while keeping RCS available in others. Android Authority reported on October 6, 2026, that it found strings pointing to the setting’s possible removal in Google Messages beta version messages.android_20261002_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic. The reported strings include: “The ‘Only send SMS & MMS messages’ setting is going away. Switch now, or let it update automatically,” and the title “Switch to RCS chats now.” Android Authority’s report says the change’s timing is unknown.
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These are strings found in work-in-progress code, not a public Google announcement. An APK teardown can point to a possible change, but that change may never reach the public app. It is not established that the per-chat control has been removed or that it will be removed.
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Can I send SMS instead of RCS to one contact?
The per-conversation “Only send SMS & MMS messages” setting is the option that provides that finer control. Its possible removal matters because the documented alternative is to turn RCS off globally, affecting all conversations rather than just one. Android Authority says SMS/MMS fallback may remain available if RCS delivery fails, but that is not the same as choosing SMS for a particular contact.
#1 Best Overall
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
How do I turn off RCS in Google Messages?
Google’s support instructions currently document an app-wide switch. In Google Messages, follow these steps:
- Tap your profile picture or initial.
- Tap Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats.
- Turn off RCS chats.
This changes RCS availability across your chats; it is not a per-contact preference. Google says, “It’s not advised to turn RCS chats on and off,” because toggling may remove you from group chats. See Google’s RCS setup and settings guidance.
Rank #2
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
What if I no longer have my old phone?
If you cannot access the device that used RCS, Google provides a remote RCS deactivation portal. Enter your phone number and verify it with the six-digit code sent by SMS. Google says you will be removed from all RCS group chats if you do not turn RCS back on within 30 days.
What changes when you use SMS/MMS instead?
Google describes RCS as supporting high-resolution photo and video sharing, typing indicators, read receipts, messaging over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and group-chat management. SMS/MMS does not provide those RCS features. Google says end-to-end encryption is available when communicating with other Google Messages users; that does not mean every RCS conversation is encrypted regardless of the app or provider. RCS features require all participants in a conversation to have RCS turned on. Google’s RCS overview explains the feature set.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- ACTIVATION Promotion: Includes 1500 min, 1500 texts & 1500 MB Data + add more as you need it
- CAMERA SYSTEM: 50MP Quad Pixel camera. Capture sharper, more vibrant photos day or night with 4x the light sensitivity.
- PERFORMANCE: Blazing-fast Qualcomm performance. Get the speed you need for great entertainment with a Snapdragon 680 processor and 4GB of RAM.
- 64GB built-in storage. Get plenty of room for photos, movies, songs, and apps. Made for US
Rank #4
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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