In Google Messages, read receipts and typing indicators work only in RCS chats, not SMS or MMS. You can enable them in RCS chat settings, but the other person must also have RCS available—and must enable read receipts for you to see that they read a message. If RCS cannot deliver a message, Google Messages may offer SMS/MMS instead; check the send method shown in the conversation because fallback is configurable and changes how the message is delivered.
How do I turn on read receipts in Google Messages?
- Open Google Messages and tap your profile picture or icon.
- Tap Messages settings, then RCS chats.
- Turn on Send read receipts. Some app versions call this section Chat features. Google’s RCS setup guidance describes the setting.
To see whether another person has read your message, they must also have RCS chats available and read receipts enabled. A read receipt reports the status supplied by the feature; it does not show whether the person understood or responded to the message. SMS and MMS messages do not display RCS read-status indicators.
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Can I tell when someone is typing?
Yes, when the conversation is using RCS and the other person’s setup supports the feature. In Google Messages, tap your profile picture or icon, then go to Messages settings → RCS chats (or Chat features) and turn on Show typing indicators. Typing indicators are not available for SMS/MMS conversations, and Google says they do not work when the recipient does not have RCS chats. See Google’s RCS settings instructions.
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What needs to be true for RCS indicators to work?
RCS is available for a conversation when all participants have RCS turned on. Device, carrier and regional support also affect availability. RCS messages use Wi-Fi or mobile data rather than SMS delivery through the carrier. Google outlines these requirements in its RCS FAQ.
#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.
- You and the other participants need RCS support and RCS enabled for the conversation.
- Your device needs an internet connection for RCS messaging.
- Read receipts require the recipient to enable read receipts if you want to see their read status.
- Typing and read indicators do not carry over when a message is sent as SMS or MMS.
Why did my RCS message send as SMS or MMS?
Google Messages can use SMS or MMS when RCS is unavailable, including when a recipient does not have RCS chats. Whether an undelivered message is automatically resent as a text depends on your resend setting; do not assume every RCS message will switch automatically. You can also switch an undelivered message yourself: tap its timestamp and select Switch to text (SMS/MMS). Google documents the choice in its RCS setup instructions and message-delivery controls.
Before sending, check the compose bar or the send icon. Google Messages indicates whether the message will go by RCS over Wi-Fi or mobile data, or by SMS or MMS. RCS requires an internet connection; SMS/MMS messages are sent through the carrier. The displayed method is more useful than assuming every message in a conversation uses the same transport.
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.
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- 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 changes when a message falls back to SMS/MMS?
| Aspect | RCS | SMS/MMS |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Uses Wi-Fi or mobile data and requires RCS support across the conversation. | Sent through the carrier; plan terms apply. |
| Read and typing indicators | Available when the conversation and settings support them; read receipts also depend on the recipient’s setting. | RCS read receipts and typing indicators do not appear. |
| Encryption | Google says RCS messages between Google Messages users are end-to-end encrypted by default. Its FAQ says cross-platform Android/iOS RCS chats are not end-to-end encrypted. | Not end-to-end encrypted. |
| Potential cost | Mobile-data use may count against your data plan; terms depend on that plan. | Carrier plan and terms apply. SMS/MMS is not necessarily free. |
These encryption statements describe Google’s documented cases, not every RCS provider or combination of platforms. Google explains the distinctions in its RCS security guidance and RCS FAQ.
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If you choose the resend option labeled SMS with a link, Google warns that the media may be accessible through a public link not controlled by Google. This warning applies to that particular option; it should not be generalized to every SMS or MMS message. See Google’s message delivery guidance.
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.
How do I troubleshoot a missing RCS option or connection?
- Confirm Google Messages is the phone’s default SMS app.
- Check that the phone has internet access and can receive SMS.
- In Google Messages, tap your profile picture or icon, open Messages settings → RCS chats (or Chat features), and review the connection status.
- Use the status to narrow down the issue. Google lists states including Connected, Connecting, Trouble connecting (awaiting retry) and Not supported.
- If RCS remains unavailable, check device and carrier support for your region. Carrier restrictions can prevent RCS from being enabled.
Google’s RCS connection troubleshooting page covers the default-app and connectivity checks. The available setting names and support can vary by app version, device, carrier and region.
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
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