In Google Messages, a color-filled double-check icon beside an RCS message means it has been read. A plain double check means delivered, not read. SMS and MMS messages do not show these RCS status icons, so their absence cannot tell you whether someone has read your text.
Check whether the conversation is using RCS or SMS/MMS
Read receipts in Google Messages are an RCS feature. Before interpreting the marks beside a message, check the message type: Google Messages shows the planned route in the compose bar and near the send icon.
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- “RCS message” means the message is set to use RCS.
- “Text message” means it will be sent as SMS or MMS.
If RCS is off or unavailable, a message may use SMS/MMS instead. Google Messages does not show its RCS status icons for SMS or MMS, so you cannot use those icons to confirm whether a carrier text was read. See Google Messages’ explanation of status icons and how to identify the message type.
Read the status icon beside an RCS message
For an RCS message you sent in Google Messages, the icons distinguish sending, delivery, and reading:
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- One check: sent.
- Two checks: delivered.
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Delivery is not proof of reading. Google’s RCS chats FAQ defines delivered and read as separate statuses.
Why a read receipt may not appear
For the read status to be available, the conversation must be using RCS, and the recipient must have read receipts enabled. RCS availability depends on the device, carrier, and region; all participants in the conversation need RCS enabled for RCS features to work. If the thread is using SMS/MMS, Google Messages will not show the RCS read indicator.
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A missing read indicator therefore does not establish that the other person has not read your message. It may mean the message used SMS/MMS, RCS was unavailable, or the recipient has not enabled read receipts.
Turn on read receipts in Google Messages
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture or icon, then tap Messages settings.
- Tap RCS chats. Depending on the app version, this may be labeled Chat features.
- Turn on Send read receipts.
This setting lets others see when you have read their RCS messages. To see when someone else has read yours, that person must also turn on read receipts. Google’s RCS setup instructions describe the setting.
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What to expect in other Android messaging apps
The icon meanings and menu path above apply to Google Messages. Other Android messaging apps may use different labels or behavior; consult the app’s own settings and help. RCS availability and compatibility can also vary by carrier, device, and region, as Google explains in its RCS overview.
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