Changing phones or messaging apps does not guarantee that your entire RCS history will follow you—or that RCS will work immediately on the new setup. Message history depends on backup or sync; RCS service registration is a separate step. The safest approach is to check the history-transfer method for your platform, then verify RCS on the new device.
Will my RCS messages transfer to my new phone?
It depends on the devices involved and whether the right backup or sync feature was enabled. Restoring old conversations and connecting your number to RCS are separate processes: messages may appear even while RCS is still verifying, or RCS may reconnect without restoring every old conversation.
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| Move | What the official guidance establishes | Important limit |
|---|---|---|
| Android to Android | Google says Android device backup includes RCS messages when you use Google Messages. A full restore can take up to 24 hours. | Restoration may be incomplete if the destination phone runs an older Android version than the source. See Google’s Android backup and restore guidance. |
| iPhone to Apple device | With Messages in iCloud enabled and the same Apple Account signed in, Apple says SMS, MMS, RCS, and iMessage history stays synced, including on a newly set-up device. | This describes Apple-device syncing, not a complete transfer to Android. Messages in iCloud uses iCloud storage, and deletions can sync across devices. See Apple’s Messages in iCloud guidance. |
| Android to iPhone, or iPhone to Android | The official guidance cited here does not guarantee that a complete RCS conversation history migrates between the platforms’ backup systems. | RCS messages may interoperate across platforms, but that does not establish that old local history transfers. |
Before moving from Android to Android
- On the old phone, check that device backup is enabled and review its details to confirm the backup is current. Google lists RCS messages as included when you use Google Messages.
- Restore during the new phone’s setup, or after a factory reset. Allow up to 24 hours for a full restore to complete.
- Compare the Android versions on the source and destination phones. Google warns that restoring to an older Android version can result in an incomplete transfer.
- Once the expected conversations have had time to restore, check Google Messages for RCS status separately. If prompted, verify your number.
Moving between Apple devices
On the old and new devices, use the same Apple Account and enable Messages in iCloud for message-history syncing. Apple also documents Text Message Forwarding as a way to show SMS, MMS, and RCS on other Apple devices without Messages in iCloud. Forwarding is a continuity feature, not proof that history transfers to a non-Apple platform; availability can vary by region and carrier.
Do I lose chats if I switch texting apps?
Google’s assurance is specific: changing the default app to Google Messages does not remove existing SMS or MMS messages. It does not promise that every app’s RCS database, special feature, or conversation format will transfer. Features that are proprietary or otherwise not interoperable may no longer be available when you switch. Read Google’s RCS troubleshooting and app-switching FAQ for its stated scope.
#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.
If you are switching to Google Messages, set it as the default SMS app as part of the setup. Google also recommends checking that setting when troubleshooting RCS connection problems. The availability of RCS still depends on a supported device, carrier, and region.
Why did RCS stop working after I changed phones?
RCS is a service registration as well as a message format. A new handset or app may require your number to be verified or RCS to be reactivated. Keeping the same number does not guarantee uninterrupted service if the new device, operating system, carrier, or region does not support RCS.
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.
- In Google Messages, check the RCS status in the app’s settings. If it says “Connecting,” Google describes that as number verification in progress.
- If you still have the old phone, Google recommends turning RCS off on it, then turning RCS on again on the new phone.
- If the old phone is lost or unavailable, use Google’s RCS deactivation page to verify your number and remotely deactivate RCS, then set it up on the new phone.
- If RCS does not connect, check whether the new setup supports it. Google notes that carrier and country or region can affect availability.
Google says you will be removed from all RCS group chats if RCS is not turned back on within 30 days. Treat deactivation as a recovery step, not a reason to leave RCS off if retaining group membership matters.
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On iPhone, check carrier and iOS support
Apple says RCS on iPhone requires iOS 18 or later and a carrier plan that supports RCS; availability depends on carrier and region. The RCS setting may not appear if the feature is unavailable, and activation can take a few hours. Check Apple’s current instructions for setting up RCS on iPhone and its overview of RCS, SMS, MMS, and iMessage for the latest supported conditions.
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.
On iPhone, both RCS and SMS/MMS appear in green bubbles, while iMessage appears in blue. Green alone does not identify which service carried a message; check the message field or details where iOS labels the message type.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does changing phones affect RCS encryption?
Do not assume every RCS conversation is end-to-end encrypted. Apple’s support page dated May 11, 2026 says end-to-end encrypted RCS is in beta from iOS 26.5 with supported carriers, with rollout over time; it says support from all participants’ carriers matters. Google’s FAQ says cross-platform RCS with iPhone users is not end-to-end encrypted in Google Messages. These statements concern different rollout and platform conditions, so check the encryption indicator for the specific conversation and the current support for each participant’s device, version, and carrier rather than treating all RCS chats alike.
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.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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