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To enable RCS on Android, open Google Messages, tap your profile picture or initial, then go to Messages settings > RCS chats and turn on RCS chats. If you do not see that option, look for Chat features. The RCS settings page shows whether setup is complete; in a conversation, the composer tells you whether a message will use RCS or SMS/MMS.
Turn on RCS chats in Google Messages
- Open Google Messages.
- Tap your profile picture or initial in the upper corner.
- Tap Messages settings, then RCS chats. If that label is missing, check for Chat features.
- Turn on RCS chats.
- Return to the RCS chats page and read the status.
Menu labels can change as Google updates the app. If RCS cannot be enabled or your device and carrier do not set it up automatically, follow Google’s RCS troubleshooting steps. An unavailable option can mean the phone or carrier does not support RCS.
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Check your RCS connection status
On the RCS chats settings page, Google Messages displays a status that indicates whether setup is complete or needs attention:
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- Connected: RCS is available on your setup. You can use it with people who have RCS turned on.
- Connecting: Google is verifying your phone number. Wait for verification to finish.
- Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry: Verification is having a problem. If this continues for more than 30 minutes, Google says to tap Details and submit feedback.
- Not supported: RCS cannot be used; Google advises checking your internet connection.
- RCS chats are disabled by your operator/carrier: Contact your carrier.
These are the status meanings in Google Messages Help.
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Samsung Galaxy A16 4G LTE (128GB + 4GB) International Model SM-A165F/DS Factory Unlocked, 6.7", Dual SIM, 50MP Triple Camera (Case Bundle), Black
- 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.
Check whether a particular conversation will use RCS
Look at the message composer before sending. “RCS message” means the message will use RCS; “Text message” means it will use SMS/MMS. Google also shows SMS or MMS below the send icon. This per-chat label is useful because a Connected status does not guarantee RCS for every conversation: the other person, or every participant in a group chat, must also have RCS enabled. See Google’s explanation of RCS message indicators.
Fix RCS when it will not connect
Use the status shown in settings to identify the likely issue, then check the basics in this order:
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Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- 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
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- 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.
- Set Google Messages as the default SMS app. Check the phone’s default-app setting and make Google Messages the default for SMS.
- Check internet and SMS service. Connect to the internet and confirm the phone can receive SMS, which is needed for phone-number verification.
- Follow the status-specific action. If the status says the carrier disabled RCS, contact the carrier. Once the carrier resolves it, return to Messages settings > RCS chats and tap Retry. If verification is awaiting retry, use Details and submit feedback if the issue lasts beyond 30 minutes.
- Update the software Google specifies. Install the latest Google Messages version and update Google Play services. Google’s troubleshooting page says RCS requires Android 5.0 or later.
- Check SIM configuration on a dual-SIM phone. If both SIM slots are populated, Google’s FAQ says to configure the Call SIM as the Data SIM.
Google says RCS availability varies by device, carrier, and region. If the status identifies carrier support as the obstacle, updating the app alone cannot add carrier support. See Google’s troubleshooting guide and RCS FAQ for its setup and dual-SIM guidance.
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Best Value
Samsung Galaxy A16 5G 128GB Cell Phone, Unlocked Android Smartphone, Large AMOLED Display, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, US Version, 2025, Blue Black (Renewed)
- 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.
Rank #4
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Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB, US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Blue | Large AMOLED, High-Res Camera, Durable Design, Super Fast Charging, Expandable Storage, Circle to Search, 2025
- 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.
Rank #3
Tracfone Motorola Moto G 2025, 64GB, Saphire Blue (Locked to | Prepaid Smartphone- 6.6" 120Hz Display, 5G , 50MP Quad Pixel Camera, Long-Lasting Battery
- 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.
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