What is RCS messaging and how to turn it off

Key takeaways

• An RCS message is the modern replacement for a standard text message. It's sent over Wi-Fi or mobile data rather than the old text network, and it adds features like read receipts, typing indicators and higher-quality photos and videos.
• RCS messaging doesn't cost extra. It simply uses your existing mobile data or Wi-Fi allowance, the same way an app like WhatsApp does.
• You can turn RCS on or off in your phone's messaging settings: through Google Messages on Android, or Settings > Apps > Messages on iPhone.

 

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You're halfway through a group chat when you spot something new: instead of the usual text bubble, it now says "RCS message" under someone's name. Nothing's broken, your phone hasn't been hacked, and it isn't a scam link in disguise. It's just RCS, the technology quietly replacing the humble text message. Here's what it actually means, and what to do if you'd rather stick with plain old texts.

What does RCS message mean?

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. It's basically an upgrade to SMS (standard text) and MMS (for photos and video) that brings texting closer to apps like WhatsApp or iMessage. When your phone shows "RCS message" instead of "text message", it simply means that particular conversation is running on this newer standard rather than the old one.

Nothing about how you type or send a message changes. RCS works within the same messaging app you already use, whether that's Google Messages on Android or the Messages app on iPhone.

Differences between RCS and SMS messaging.

SMS and RCS both send text messages, but they differ in how they are delivered and what they can do. Here is how they compare:

Feature	SMS (standard text)	RCS message
Sent over	Mobile network signal	Wi-Fi or mobile data
Character limit	160 characters	Effectively unlimited
Photos and video	Heavily compressed	Sent in higher quality
Read receipts and typing indicators	Not available	Available
Group chats	Basic	Named groups, easier to manage
Needs an internet connection	No	Yes, falls back to SMS if not

Does an RCS message use up my data or cost extra?

No. RCS uses whatever connection you're already messaging over, whether that's your mobile data allowance if you're out and about or Wi-Fi if you're connected. There's no separate charge for sending or receiving RCS messages, and it isn't billed any differently to a normal text.

But one thing to watch is data usage when travelling abroad. Mobile data can be limited or charged differently depending on your plan. Sending many photos or videos over RCS while roaming will use more data than plain text, simply because the files are larger.

Is RCS messaging safe to use?

Broadly, yes. RCS messages between two Android phones using Google Messages already have end-to-end encryption, so only you and the other person can read them.

As with any messaging platform, stay alert for scam texts. RCS lets some verified businesses display a check badge and their branding in a conversation, which can help you spot a genuine message. It isn't foolproof, though, so if a message asks you to click a link, share personal details, or make a payment, treat it with the same caution you'd give a suspicious text or email.

Does RCS work on iPhone, and which UK networks support it?

Yes. Apple added RCS support to iPhone with iOS 18 in September 2024, and it switches on automatically once your network supports it. Most major UK networks now support RCS on both iPhone and Android.

Encrypted RCS between iPhone and Android began rolling out in beta on 11 May 2026, so chats between the two now receive the same lock-and-key treatment.

If you're on SMARTY

SMARTY runs on the Nation's Network – the combined Three and Vodafone network – so RCS works the same way it does for other Three customers: on Android through Google Messages, and on iPhone as long as your software is up to date. If you can't see RCS as an option on your iPhone yet, it's usually down to a pending settings update rather than anything wrong with your SIM or account.

How to turn RCS messaging on or off

On Android:

1. Open Google Messages.
2. Tap your profile icon, then Messages settings.
3. Tap RCS chats.
4. Toggle RCS chats on or off.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps, then Messages.
3. Tap RCS messaging.
4. Toggle it on or off.

If you turn RCS off, your phone simply sends and receives everything as standard SMS and MMS instead. Nothing else about your phone or plan changes.

In short…

An RCS message is just the label your phone uses when a conversation is running on this newer, richer version of texting rather than old-fashioned SMS. It doesn't cost anything extra, it isn't something to worry about, and if it's not your cup of tea, it takes seconds to switch off.

FAQs

1. Does RCS messaging cost extra?

No, RCS messaging doesn't cost extra. It uses your existing mobile data or Wi-Fi allowance rather than being billed separately, like a messaging app.

2. How do I turn off RCS messages?

On Android, open Google Messages, tap your profile icon, go to Messages settings, then RCS chats, and toggle it off. On iPhone, go to Settings, then Apps, then Messages, then RCS messaging, and toggle it off.

3. Why does it say "RCS message" instead of a normal text?

A conversation shows "RCS message" when both phones use the Rich Communication Services standard instead of standard SMS. This happens automatically whenever both people have RCS enabled and an active internet connection.