What are Rich Communication Services (RCS)?
Learn about RCS, how it works, what the benefits are and how to manage it.
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What is RCS and how does it work?
RCS is a GSMA-standard messaging protocol designed to enhance the traditional SMS/MMS experience within the device’s native messaging app. RCS makes messaging a richer, seamless experience on compatible Apple and Android devices. You can share high-quality photos and videos, see when messages have been read, when someone’s typing, and helps keep your messages secure. It works over both Wi-Fi and mobile data, so you can keep the conversation going when mobile coverage is limited.
RCS is enabled by default on the Telstra mobile network for consumer, small business and enterprise services. To use RCS, make sure your compatible device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Apple devices must be updated to software version iOS 27 or later, while most Android devices already support RCS, so no software update is typically required.
What are the benefits of RCS?
RCS enhances your messaging experience by making it easier to share, connect and communicate. Key benefits include:
- High-resolution media sharing – for sharing higher quality images and video.
- Read receipts and typing indicators – for letting you know when messages have been read and when someone is typing a response.
- Improved security – end-to-end encryption to help keep your messages private.
- Wi-Fi messaging – allows you to send and receive messages over Wi-Fi.
- Group chats – for a better experience when chatting with multiple people.
- Branded sender verification for businesses – so you can easily identify when a message is from a verified business.
Frequently asked questions
Using RCS
No. RCS is included as part of messaging on eligible Telstra mobile services. RCS messages use Wi‑Fi or mobile data. When you’re not connected to Wi‑Fi, they’ll use your mobile data and standard data charges may apply.
On Android devices
- Open the Google Messages app on your device
- Select the profile icon in the top right corner
- Select Message settings
- Choose RCS chats
- Turn RCS chats on or off.
On iPhone (iOS)
- Open the Setting app on your device
- Scroll down and select Apps
- Select Messages
- Choose RCS Messaging
- Turn RCS Messaging on or off as required.
More details are available in Android/Apple’s official support documentation.
Yes. RCS messages can be sent to both compatible Apple and Android devices.
Apple devices must be updated to iOS 27 or later. Most Android devices already support RCS, so no software update is typically required.
RCS messages appear as:
- Green bubbles on Apple devices
- Blue bubbles on Android devices.
If both the sender and recipient are using Apple devices, messages will be sent as Apple iMessage instead.
RCS messaging requires both the device and the mobile carrier to support RCS. If either the device or mobile carrier does not support RCS, messages will be sent using SMS/MMS instead.
If you have an older Samsung device that uses the Samsung Messages app, you may need to switch to or install Google Messages to use RCS messaging.
Yes, RCS uses Wi-Fi or mobile data. If you use RCS while roaming overseas, any applicable overseas roaming data charges may apply depending on your plan and roaming settings.
About RCS
While RCS offers many advanced features, some text animations and message effects available on the latest iOS and Android devices may not be supported in Carrier RCS.
Yes, RCS supports end-to-end encrypted messaging that helps improve privacy. RCS also supports various scam prevention algorithms.
No, turning on RCS won’t delete or change your existing SMS, iMessage or Google RCS chat history. Your conversations will stay in your device’s messaging app.
The RCS server infrastructure is hosted outside Australia, in the United States.
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