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RCS Misbehaving in Google Messages? Google Says a Fix Is on the Way

Google says an RCS delivery fix is rolling out to affected Google Messages users over the coming weeks. Here’s what you can do in the meantime.
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Google has confirmed that a bug is disrupting RCS message delivery for a subset of Google Messages users, and says a fix is rolling out. There is no specific completion date: Google said the update should reach everyone over the coming weeks. For now, keep Google Messages up to date; use SMS or MMS as a fallback if it is available to you.

What Google confirmed about the RCS delivery problem

On October 2, 2026, Android Authority reported that a Google spokesperson acknowledged a bug affecting a subset of Google Messages users. The spokesperson said it can disrupt RCS message delivery and that Google is rolling out a fix. The report also describes complaints about media attachments failing to send over RCS, but Google did not specify which message types are affected.

Google described the rollout as reaching everyone “over the coming weeks.” That is a relative estimate, not a firm date for when the update will reach a particular phone. The statement does not identify a technical cause, affected app versions or devices, or how many users are affected. Read Android Authority’s report and the quoted Google statement.

What to do while the fix rolls out

Update Google Messages

Google’s stated advice is to keep Google Messages on its most recent version. The app update is the remedy Google says is rolling out; updating is sensible, but the company has not said that manually installing an update will make the fix available to every affected user immediately.

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Use SMS or MMS if RCS is unavailable

Google Messages can send a message as SMS or MMS when RCS is unavailable, if your carrier and plan support those options. To enable automatic fallback, open Google Messages > profile picture or initial > Messages settings > RCS chats, then turn on Automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS). The exact wording or location may vary by app version.

SMS and MMS do not include all RCS features. RCS uses Wi-Fi or mobile data, and mobile-data charges depend on your plan; SMS/MMS charges depend on your carrier and plan. RCS availability also varies by device, carrier, and region. Check with your carrier if you are unsure what your plan supports. Google’s RCS FAQ explains availability, fallback and settings.

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Checks that can help identify other delivery problems

Google’s standard troubleshooting advice can help rule out configuration, coverage, or contact-specific issues. These are general checks, not confirmed fixes for the newly acknowledged bug.

If messages to multiple people are affected

  • Confirm that your SIM is properly inserted and that Google Messages is your default texting app.
  • Check that your carrier supports the message type you are trying to use—SMS, MMS, or RCS—and that your plan has any required service or balance.
  • Check your signal and make sure airplane mode is off.
  • Install the latest available version of Google Messages.

Google lists these steps in its general guide to fixing Google Messages sending, receiving, and connection problems.

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If only one contact is affected

Check that the contact is not blocked, confirm the phone number and country code, and try deleting and re-adding the contact. If you recently moved your number from an iPhone to Android, deactivate iMessage for that number so messages can be routed correctly.

If RCS says it is awaiting retry

Google says the status “Trouble connecting. Awaiting retry…” persisting for more than 30 minutes indicates a problem verifying the phone number. That guidance concerns number verification; it does not establish the cause of the separate RCS delivery bug.

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Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Has Google fixed the RCS problem yet?

Google said the fix was rolling out as of its October 2, 2026 statement, but did not provide a device-by-device status page or a firm end date. If updating Messages does not resolve the issue, use SMS or MMS fallback where available and keep the app current while the rollout continues. Persistent problems may also have another cause, such as carrier support, signal, settings, or an issue with a particular contact.

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