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If RCS in Google Messages is stuck on Connecting, says it is Not supported, or is missing entirely, start by checking its status and the phone’s internet, SMS, and carrier conditions. The status usually points to whether you can fix a setting yourself or need help from your carrier.
Check the RCS status in Google Messages
Open Google Messages, tap your profile picture, then go to Messages settings > RCS chats. Some versions label this menu Chat features. Read the status before changing settings; Google explains the labels in its RCS setup and status guide.
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- Connected: RCS is available for conversations with people who also have RCS enabled.
- Connecting: Google Messages is verifying your phone number.
- Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry: Number verification has run into a problem.
- Not supported: RCS is not currently available for this phone or service combination. Google advises checking the internet connection.
If you see a notice that your carrier has disabled RCS, contact the carrier. After it resolves the issue, return to the RCS settings and tap Retry.
Fix “Connecting” or number-verification problems
RCS activation needs internet access and the ability to receive SMS messages. Google also recommends using Google Messages as the default SMS app and keeping both Google Messages and Google Play services up to date. Android 5.0 or later is required for activation. See Google’s RCS activation troubleshooting steps.
#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.
- Check internet access. Confirm the phone can load a webpage over Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Check incoming SMS. Make sure the phone can receive an ordinary text message; number verification depends on SMS access.
- Set the default texting app. In Android settings, choose Google Messages as the default SMS app. The exact Android menu name can vary by device.
- Update the apps. Install available updates for Google Messages and Google Play services, then reopen the RCS chats page and check the status.
- Allow verification to finish. If the status changes to Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry and remains there for more than 30 minutes, open the status details and tap Submit feedback.
Check carrier support and why the RCS menu may be missing
If there is no RCS chats or Chat features option, first make sure Google Messages is the default SMS app. The option may still be unavailable for a particular phone or carrier. RCS availability also varies by device, carrier, and region, so a missing setting or unsupported status does not by itself mean the phone needs replacing. Check Google’s RCS availability and FAQ, then ask your carrier whether RCS is available and enabled for your line.
When Google Messages specifically says the carrier disabled RCS, the carrier is the next point of contact; changing unrelated phone settings will not enable a carrier-disabled service.
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.
Rule out general texting and network problems
If messages are failing as well as RCS, check the basics Google lists for sending, receiving, or connecting to Google Messages:
- Make sure the SIM is inserted correctly and the phone has cellular signal.
- Check that airplane mode is off.
- Confirm Google Messages is the default texting app and is up to date.
- Check with the carrier that your plan supports messaging and has sufficient balance where applicable.
These checks help distinguish an RCS activation issue from a broader SMS or mobile-network problem.
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.
If RCS fails with only one person
RCS works in a conversation only when the participants have RCS enabled. If it works with other people but not one contact, check that the saved number is correct, including its country code, and that the contact is not blocked. If that person recently switched from iPhone, they may need to deactivate iMessage for their number. Google includes these checks in its Google Messages troubleshooting guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Send a message while RCS is unavailable
Google Messages can use SMS or MMS when RCS or data is unavailable. Look at the send control in the compose bar to see whether a message will use Wi-Fi or mobile data, SMS, or MMS. To choose what happens when an RCS message cannot be delivered, open Profile picture > Messages settings > RCS chats and review the resend option. Its exact label may vary by app version; Google describes the available behavior in its RCS settings guide.
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
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- 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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