On an iPhone, enable RCS in Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging by turning on the RCS toggle.
What RCS Means On An iPhone
RCS is the modern upgrade to plain SMS and MMS inside the Messages app. It keeps the same green bubble when you text a non-Apple phone, but the chat can carry higher quality photos and videos, typing indicators, read receipts, better group controls, and Wi-Fi or mobile data delivery. If RCS is off or not available, your iPhone falls back to SMS or MMS for those contacts. When both sides use Apple devices, iMessage stays blue and keeps end-to-end encryption and the same set of blue-bubble perks.
Enable RCS On An iPhone: Quick Steps That Work
Grab your phone and do this once. You can switch it off later if you change your mind.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps.
- Tap Messages.
- Tap RCS Messaging.
- Turn on the RCS Messaging toggle. You can also switch on RCS Business Messages if you want brands to send order updates through RCS.
If you do not see the toggle yet, scan the troubleshooting section below. Carriers roll out support region by region, and the option only appears once your line is enabled.
RCS Requirements And Where To Find Things
This table keeps the setup clear. It lists the basics your phone needs and where each item lives.
| Item | Where/Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| iOS Version | iOS 18 or later | Update in Settings > General > Software Update. |
| Carrier Support | Enabled on your mobile line | Your carrier must support RCS on iPhone. |
| RCS Toggle | Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging | Turn it on to send RCS to Android contacts. |
| Data Connection | Wi-Fi or cellular data | RCS uses data; SMS/MMS does not. |
| Business Messages | Same screen as RCS toggle | Optional alerts from trusted brands. |
What Changes Once You Switch It On
Here is what you can do in green-bubble threads after turning on the feature:
- Send sharper photos and longer videos without awkward size drops.
- See typing indicators and read receipts where both sides allow them.
- Share location cards, voice notes, and larger stickers where the network supports them.
- Start richer group chats with a name, better controls, and improved media handling.
- Send over Wi-Fi when your signal is weak; no extra SMS fees on many plans.
- Fall back to SMS or MMS when the other side lacks RCS or data access.
Apple documents the differences among iMessage, RCS, and SMS on a help page. If you want a quick reference from the source, see Apple’s guide on iMessage, RCS, and SMS. Midway through setup, it also helps to check Apple’s step-by-step page for the RCS toggle in Messages.
Step-By-Step With Extra Detail
Update Your Software
Install the newest release of iOS 18. Open Settings > General > Software Update. A quick reboot keeps the Messages app in a clean state for activation.
Confirm Your Line Works With Data
Turn off Airplane Mode. Check that mobile data or Wi-Fi is active. Send a plain text to any contact and make sure it goes through. RCS uses data to set up the session before a message leaves your phone.
Find The Toggle In Messages
Head to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. Turn it on. If you plan to get order updates from brands, switch on RCS Business Messages as well.
Test With An Android Contact
Open an existing thread with an Android phone or start a new one. Send a short line of text and a photo. Watch the status under the last bubble. If RCS is active, delivery uses data and media stays crisp.
Control Read Receipts And Typing Indicators
Inside the same RCS screen, set your privacy toggles. You can keep read receipts off if you prefer. Both sides must allow a feature for it to show.
Know When It Falls Back
If the other side loses data or the network blocks rich chat for a moment, your iPhone can fall back to SMS or MMS. The bubble stays green in both cases, so watch the media size and delivery notes to tell the difference.
Fix It When The RCS Option Is Missing
If the switch does not appear, work through this list. Stop when the toggle shows up.
- Update iOS. Many users only see the option after moving to the newest point release.
- Restart. Power the phone off and on to refresh carrier services.
- Check carrier settings. Go to Settings > General > About. If a carrier update prompt appears, accept it.
- Check your plan. Some plans block advanced chat on data-only lines. If you use an eSIM from a niche provider, reach out and ask about RCS on iPhone.
- Turn iMessage off and back on. Go to Settings > Messages. Wait 30 seconds before turning it back on. This can refresh the Messages stack.
- Reset network settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset > Reset Network Settings. You will need Wi-Fi passwords again.
- Ask your carrier. RCS on iPhone depends on a carrier profile. Some carriers phase in support city by city.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
Bookmark this list so you can sort issues fast.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What To Try |
|---|---|---|
| No RCS toggle | Old iOS or no carrier support | Update iOS; accept carrier update; contact carrier about RCS on iPhone. |
| Photos look blocky | SMS/MMS fallback | Retry on Wi-Fi; check that RCS is on for both sides. |
| Messages stuck on sending | Data drop or captive Wi-Fi | Toggle Wi-Fi off; try mobile data; resend. |
| No read receipts | Privacy setting off | Turn on read receipts for RCS on both phones. |
| Group won’t add people | Old phones in thread | Create a new group after everyone turns on RCS. |
| Toggle grayed out | Work profile or device policy | Ask IT if a device profile blocks rich chat. |
RCS, iMessage, And SMS: How They Fit Together
Blue chats remain iMessage between Apple devices. Green chats to Android can upgrade to RCS when the feature is on, both sides have data, and the network allows it. If any of those pieces drop, your phone sends plain SMS or MMS. Apple’s help page linked above gives an easy way to check which bubble uses which layer.
Privacy, Data Use, And Safety Notes
iMessage offers end-to-end encryption in blue threads. Green threads with RCS rely on your carrier and the RCS network path. Many carriers add transport encryption, but it is not the same model as iMessage. Avoid sending bank details or one-time codes over any green chat. For data use, rich media travels over Wi-Fi or cellular data, so large videos can eat through a plan faster than SMS. Use Wi-Fi for big sends and trim clips before you share them.
Tips For Better Cross-Platform Chats
- Name your group and set a photo so everyone can find it quickly.
- Keep read receipts off if you do not want time pressure during busy days.
- Use captions on videos so the thread stays readable without sound.
- When you send a link, add a short line so the preview makes sense to the group.
- If a message fails, copy the text, switch data off, and send as plain SMS to get through.
Extra Settings And Business Messages
You may see a second switch for RCS Business Messages. Brands can send package alerts, boarding passes, or appointment cards through this channel. If you turn it on, only verified senders can start a thread, and you can mute or block any number that feels noisy. Open any brand thread, tap the sender name, then set alerts or block. You can also report junk with the link that appears under a new message from an unknown sender. If you prefer to keep order updates in email, leave the switch off. Turning this feature off does not change your one-to-one RCS chats with friends or family.
Edge Cases You Might Hit
Only One Person In A Group Sees Read Receipts
RCS is session-based. If one member loses data or turns receipts off, the rest of the group may not see the same status. Ask the group to check their RCS privacy switches.
Media Sends Twice
Some networks resend a photo over SMS when RCS delivery stalls. If contacts are getting duplicates, resend on Wi-Fi or wait a minute before trying again.
The Toggle Disappeared After A SIM Swap
Carrier support attaches to the phone number, not only the device. After you move a SIM or switch to eSIM, open Settings > General > About and accept any carrier update prompt.
My Android Friend Can Edit Messages But I Can’t
Some Android phones offer edit windows in RCS today. Your iPhone may show those edits as a new message line. Apple can add new features over time, so both sides should keep software fresh.
Quick Checklist Before You Start
- Run iOS 18 or newer.
- Make sure your carrier has enabled rich chat on your line.
- Turn on the toggle in Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging.
- Send a test text and photo to an Android contact.
- Set privacy switches for receipts and typing.