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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →If RCS chats will not connect or messages will not send, first check Google Messages’ RCS status, your internet and SMS access, and whether the app is your default SMS app. The status helps identify whether the issue is setup, phone-number verification, or carrier support—and which fix to try next.
Check the basics first
RCS depends on your device, carrier, and region. The people in the conversation also need RCS available and turned on for the chat to use RCS. If a recipient cannot use RCS, Google Messages may send by SMS or MMS instead.
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- Make sure Google Messages is set as your default SMS app.
- Check that you have an internet connection, mobile signal, and the ability to receive SMS. Turn off airplane mode.
- If your phone uses a SIM card, check that it is seated correctly.
- Check your plan or credit balance and ask your carrier whether SMS, MMS, and RCS are supported on your line.
Google’s setup guidance also specifies Android 5.0 or higher. See Google’s instructions for turning on RCS chats.
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Read the RCS status in Google Messages
Open Google Messages, tap your profile menu, then go to Messages settings → RCS chats. Some app versions may call this Chat features. The status points to the next step:
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
| Status | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Connected | RCS is ready for chats with other users who have RCS turned on. | If a message still will not send, check the recipient’s availability and the connection basics above. |
| Connecting | Your phone number is being verified. | Allow verification to proceed. If it remains at “Awaiting retry…” for more than 30 minutes, follow the verification steps below. |
| Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry… | Google identifies this as a phone-number verification problem when it lasts more than 30 minutes. | Verify your number if prompted and make sure your phone can receive Google’s confirmation SMS. |
| RCS disabled by your carrier or not supported by your carrier | The issue is carrier-side, or RCS is not currently supported for your situation. | Contact your carrier. A setting on the phone cannot remove a carrier restriction. |
Google explains the RCS status labels in its RCS chats troubleshooting guidance. Availability varies by carrier and region.
Update Google Messages and Google Play services
Install any available Google Messages update from Google Play, then check for an update to Google Play services. After updating, return to Messages settings → RCS chats and check the status again. Google includes both app and service updates in its RCS setup guidance.
Rank #2
- 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.
Fix a number verification delay
If “Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry…” has continued for more than 30 minutes, Google says the number is having trouble being verified. In RCS settings, tap Verify your number if the option appears, confirm the number, and check that the phone can receive the verification SMS Google sends.
- Open Google Messages and tap your profile menu.
- Go to Messages settings → RCS chats (or Chat features).
- Tap Verify your number if shown, confirm your number, and wait for the confirmation SMS.
- If the option is missing or verification still fails, open Details → Submit feedback.
Google’s troubleshooting instructions direct users to submit feedback if verification remains unresolved.
Rank #3
- 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.
Check dual-SIM settings
On a dual-SIM phone with both SIM slots in use, Google’s FAQ says to set the Call SIM as the Data SIM. Android menu names and locations vary by device, so look in your phone’s SIM or mobile network settings.
When the problem affects one contact or group
One contact
Confirm the number is correct, include the country code when needed, and make sure the contact is not blocked. If your RCS status is connected but messages to this person fail, check whether the other person has RCS available and enabled.
Rank #4
- 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.
Group conversation
If a participant temporarily loses RCS connectivity, a group RCS conversation may split into individual SMS or MMS threads. Google says the group conversation usually restores after the sender reconnects to RCS. See Google’s guidance for fixing problems sending or receiving messages.
Send an undelivered message by SMS or MMS
Google Messages can be set to resend an undelivered RCS message as SMS or MMS. For one message, tap its timestamp and choose Switch to text (SMS/MMS). The message then uses carrier-delivered SMS or MMS rather than RCS. Unlike RCS, SMS/MMS is not end-to-end encrypted. Learn more in Google’s RCS and encryption help.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
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