Google Messages isn’t just restricted to SMS and MMS – it can work as an instant messaging app too. Here’s how to get chat features up and running.
By default, Chat features, or RCS Chat as it is now officially called, is turned off. While turning it on is pretty simple, there are some requirements that need to be met. For starters, the device should have the Google Messages app. Some manufacturers ship their phones with their own Messages apps which do not support RCS messaging, while others such as the Pixel smartphones come pre-installed with Google Messages. Those who belong to the former category can download the Google Messages app from the Play Store. Simply open the Play Store and search for ‘Messages by Google’ and tap download.
RCS Messages Are Encrypted
On some devices, users have to tap their profile picture instead. Tap on the toggle that says ‘Enable chat features.’ If a carrier supports the feature, a new option should appear on top of the menu that says ‘Status: Connected’ or ‘Status: Setting up.
If it is the former, they should also see a message below that reads ‘RCS Chat/Chat features are available for…’ while the latter should show a message that reads ‘Trying to verify…’ Once the phone number is verified or the status is connected, users can begin to send messages over Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection.
To send messages over an internet connection, the recipient must also have RCS Chat/Chat features enabled on their device. When sending a message to a contact who has the feature enabled, the message box will display ‘RCS message,’ otherwise, it will show ‘Text message.’ With RCS Chat, users can send high-quality pictures, GIFs, files, contacts, and even their location. Also, messages sent via RCS chat show when it has been delivered and if it has been read by the recipient. In addition, users can turn on typing indicators under the RCS chats settings menu.
Even after RCS messages are activated, users can continue to send SMS or MMS messages to the same contact. Google provides users with the option to choose if a message should be automatically resent as a text (SMS/MMS) if it fails to send via RCS chat. It is also easy to know if a message was sent via SMS/MMS or RCS chat.
Messages sent using the former are light blue while RCS messages are dark blue. Users also don’t have to worry about security as RCS messages are end-to-end encrypted and can’t be read by third-parties or even Google. A lock will be visible on the send button when encryption is active. There will also be a lock on the time stamps of sent messages. However, SMS/MMS messages sent via the Google Messages app are not encrypted.