Top up

Sending messages via RCS

RCS stands for Rich Communication Services, which you can think of as the successor to the familiar SMS and MMS. After all, the way we send messages has changed tremendously since we started texting. We send more photos, chat with more than one person at a time, share our location and add magic to our conversations with GIFs and videos. When you're connected via Wi-Fi, it doesn't cost you a thing! So, RCS offers nothing but benefits!

How does RCS work?

RCS looks like a message service, like WhatsApp. For Android users it's already been available for several years. Apple recently began supporting it too.

What do you need?

  • An Android smartphone (Android 5.0 or later) or an Apple smartphone (iOS 18 or later).
  • If you have Android, you also need the Google Messages app.
    • Samsung: You can download the app in the Google Play Store.
    • Huawei: Whether you can download the Google Messages app depends on your version.
    • Other Android smartphone: The Google Messages app is installed on your phone as standard, and you already use it for texting.
  • Your smartphone must be connected via Wi-Fi or mobile data.

The app first presents the following two screens:

  • Accept the general terms and conditions to use the messaging service.
  • Confirm that you want to use the Google Messages app as your standard messaging app.

How to switch RCS on or off

Android

  • Open the Google Messages app.
  • Click your profile picture in the top-right corner to access the message settings.
  • Select RCS chats
  • Switch RCS chats on or off.

iOS

  • Go to Settings.
  • Select Apps.
  • Open Messages and go to RCS messages.
  • Now you can choose to switch this function on or off. 

Tip: You can also switch off MMS if you like. That way, you avoid any extra costs if the receiver is not connected to the internet.

Android

  • Go to Settings > Connections > Mobile networks.
  • Go to Access point names and press Add.
  • Remove the current MMS settings and leave the fields empty.

iOS

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Messages.
  • Switch MMS messages off.

How do you tell whether you already have RCS?

When you are typing a message, you can see in the text bar whether a message is sent as an SMS, MMS or chat message (RCS). In the Google Messages app you can also see whether RCS is active for your handset (Settings – Advanced – Chat functions).

Does RCS count towards your data usage?

You don't pay for use of RCS itself, but you do pay for your data or internet usage.

  • Are you using Wi-Fi? Then there are no extra costs, and it counts as normal internet usage.
  • Are you using mobile data? In that case, the data you use will be deducted from your plan. If your usage goes beyond what's included in your monthly plan, you pay the regular tariffs.

Prefer not to use (or to stop using) RCS? Using a handset that doesn't support it, or don't have an RCS connection? No problem. You can just send your messages as SMSes or MMSes instead.

Good to know

The person you are messaging must also meet the requirements. Otherwise, your message is automatically sent as an SMS or MMS. You can see whether a message will be sent as an SMS, MMS (not for iOS) or chat message (RCS) in the text bar. You pay the regular tariff for MMSes and international SMSes.

Problems with RCS

 When you experience problems with SMSes, MMSes or your mobile monthly plan itself, we are certainly always here to help you!