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How to disable RCS on Android?

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  • 3 min read

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a new messaging protocol instead of old ones like SMS and MMS.

This protocol enhances the traditional ones by applying new features such as group chats, read receipts, and high-resolution media sharing. Many carriers support the RCS protocol as it makes the messaging experience as if you’re using apps.

However, many people have difficulties, such as messages not being sent to a single contact when this service is turned on. There have been reports that the RCS service is also being used to send unwanted ads to users. That is why sometimes you have to disable RCS on Android.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to do that and what happens after you have disabled RCS.


How to disable RCS on Android?

The steps to disable RCS on Android are quite easy.

  • Open Messages and then select your profile picture in the top-right corner.
  • Now, tap on Message settings.
  • After that, navigate to RCS chats and turn off the toggle before the Turn on RCS chats option.

That’s it. In just a few taps, you can disable RCS.

How to enable RCS on Android?

If you feel that the RCS service is better than the traditional ones, follow the same instructions again and turn on the toggle to activate the protocol again.


What happens when you disable RCS?

When you disable RCS on Android, you will lose access to the additional features that this protocol brings, such as:

  • Sending or receiving high-quality media files.
  • Participating in group chats.
  • Sending or receiving stickers, GIFs, and location sharing.
  • Chatbots and other interactive services.

Simply speaking, you will return to the traditional messaging service that you used to do a few years back. This means that you can send only the text and not the accompanying photos, videos, or GIFs. Moreover, you will lose the encryption privileges, too.

Also, you will be removed from any RCS group chats as the traditional messaging does not support group chats.

However, you can opt for various messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram or Signal to use these features.

In conclusion, RCS is a protocol that enhances your messaging experience, making it akin to messaging apps. However, if you disable RCS on Android, you will return to the traditional SMS and MMS services.

That being said, it is quite easy to activate RCS after you have disabled it. Just follow the steps given above as per your preference.

Also read: What is com.android.vending?

Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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