The Tool Desk
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What the reported RCS change would do
The setting at issue lets a user prefer SMS/MMS for one conversation rather than use RCS with that contact. Android Authority says strings in Google Messages Android beta version messages.android_20261002_00_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic describe a banner telling users: “The ‘Only send SMS & MMS messages’ setting is going away. Switch now, or let it update automatically.” The reported banner is titled “Switch to RCS chats now,” with “Dismiss” and “Switch now” buttons. Android Authority’s report does not establish that the banner or change will reach a public release, or that every user will see the same prompt.
In the report’s account of the likely alternatives, users could turn RCS off for all chats or let Messages fall back to SMS/MMS if an RCS message cannot be delivered. Google has not confirmed that this will be the final design. A fallback after a failed RCS send is not the same as a standing preference to use SMS/MMS with one particular person.
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| Control | Scope | What is established |
|---|---|---|
| “Only send SMS & MMS messages” | One conversation | Its possible removal is reported from beta strings by Android Authority; Google has not confirmed a public launch. |
| RCS chats on or off | Google Messages’ overall RCS setting | Google currently documents this control in Messages Help. Google warns that switching RCS on and off can remove you from group chats. |
| SMS/MMS fallback | Delivery of a message that cannot be sent with RCS | Described by Android Authority as a possible alternative; it is not a per-contact SMS/MMS-only preference. |
How to turn RCS off in Google Messages now
Google’s current instructions document a global control, not a per-contact replacement for the reported setting. On a phone you can access, follow this path:
- Open Google Messages and tap your profile picture or initials.
- Tap Messages settings, then RCS chats.
- Turn RCS chats off or on using the control shown there.
Google advises against repeatedly toggling RCS because doing so can remove you from group chats. RCS availability also depends on carrier support; Google Messages may show statuses such as Connected, Connecting, Trouble connecting/Awaiting retry, or Not supported. For a particular message, the send icon indicates whether it will use Wi-Fi or mobile data, SMS, or MMS. See Google’s RCS settings and troubleshooting guidance for details.
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If you lost your phone or changed devices
If you cannot use the old phone after switching devices, Google provides a remote RCS deactivation page that verifies your phone number. Google says deactivation suspends RCS features; if RCS is not turned back on within 30 days, you will be removed from all RCS group chats. Use Google’s RCS deactivation portal for that lost-phone or device-switch situation, rather than treating remote deactivation as a way to choose SMS for one conversation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What RCS features and compatibility mean here
Google describes RCS as supporting high-resolution photos and videos, typing indicators, read receipts, messaging over Wi-Fi or mobile data, and group-chat controls. Google says messages are end-to-end encrypted when communicating with other Google Messages users. Availability and specific capabilities depend on the device, carrier, and the other person’s support.
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On May 11, 2026, Google said end-to-end encrypted RCS between Android and iPhone began rolling out in beta for iPhone users on iOS 26.5 with supported carriers and Android users on the latest Google Messages. Google said encryption would be on by default and enabled over time for new and existing RCS conversations, subject to supported devices and the RCS standard. That announcement provides context about RCS support; it does not confirm removal of the per-contact SMS/MMS setting. Google’s announcement describes the rollout.
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