How to change RCS to SMS? – Complete Guide

Why complicate texting when SMS does the job perfectly?

With over 60% of SMS messages read within minutes, it’s clear that SMS is still king👑 for quick and reliable communication.

If you’re tired of undelivered messages or compatibility issues, switching from RCS to SMS ensures that every text reaches its destination, no internet required, and no extra hassle.

By the end, you’ll know how to change RCS to SMS, be ready to make the switch, and enjoy stress-free texting again.

Let’s dive in!🚀

RCS vs. SMS: What’s the difference?

What is SMS?

SMS (Short Message Service) is the traditional standard for sending text messages and has existed for many years. SMS enables sending text-based messages up to 160 characters in length over cellular networks.

SMS works on all mobile devices, does not require a connection to the Internet, and is a very reliable basic communication method.

However, SMS lacks many modern features like read receipts, high-quality media sharing, and enhancements for group chat.

What is RCS?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an advanced messaging protocol that replaces SMS with a more engaging, richer experience. RCS supports features like:

• Read receipts & typing indicators
• High-resolution photo/video sharing
• Group chats with better management
• Wi-Fi messaging (no cellular signal needed)
• End-to-end encryption (in some implementations)

RCS offers a richer experience compared to SMS, but it is not as commonly adopted, since both parties involved in communicating need both RCS-enabled devices and RCS-compatible carriers.

Here’s a clear, concise breakdown of the key differences between RCS and SMS:

Note: Use RCS for better features when possible, but fall back to SMS for universal reach.

Limitations of RCS compared to SMS

While RCS offers advanced features, it also comes with certain limitations that you should consider compared to traditional SMS messaging.

Let’s see some limitations of RCS compared to SMS:

• Compatibility Issues: RCS is not universally supported across all devices and carriers, meaning some people may still only be able to send SMS messages.

• Internet Dependency: RCS requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data), while SMS works without the need for internet access.

• Availability: SMS works on all phones, whereas RCS is limited to smartphones that support it and only works when both parties have RCS-enabled devices.

• Message Delivery Delays: Sometimes, RCS messages can experience delays due to network or server issues, while SMS messages are often delivered faster, even in low network conditions.

• Battery Usage: RCS uses mobile data, which can consume more battery compared to SMS, which uses minimal battery life.

• Service Coverage: In regions with limited network coverage or poor data infrastructure, SMS is more reliable than RCS, which may struggle to send messages without stable data access.

Why Switch From RCS to SMS?

There are various reasons to switch from RCS (Rich Communication Services) to SMS (Short Message Service):

Let’s see why we switch from RCS to SMS:

A. Works everywhere, no limit

SMS works for any mobile device, but RCS is only supported by certain carriers and devices. This means that if you switch to SMS, any receiver can get your messages, irrespective of what they may be using for mobile communications.

B. Reliability

SMS (Short Message Service) is a widely used and reliable messaging protocol, while RCS (Rich Communication Service) is a newer protocol that can sometimes be unreliable.

C. Battery Usage

RCS requires installed access to a data connection all the time to send messaging, which also tends sometimes to use more battery than SMS, which does not install and does not typically run all the time.

D. Security

SMS is considered more secure for basic messaging. RCS does offer similar features as SMS while utilizing rich media and group chats, but it has been criticized for security risks due to the lack of consistent encryption across different RCS networks.

E. Saves you money

SMS is often cheaper or included in service plans, while RCS (Rich Communication Services) may have additional costs, especially for multimedia messaging. Be mindful of these potential fees when using RCS features.

F. Simple & Hassle-Free

SMS messaging is a simpler, usable form of basic/moderate texting. If a person does not need rich features, reverting back to SMS is probably the safest and most practical option.

How to Change RCS to SMS?

To switch from RCS (Rich Communication Services) to SMS (Short Message Service) on your Android phone, follow these steps:

Remember, the exact wording and menu locations might vary slightly depending on your Android version and the messaging app you’re using, but the general process remains consistent.

Step 1: Open the Google Messages App (or Your Default Messaging App)

• Locate the Google Messages app icon on your home screen or in your app drawer. It’s usually the app with a speech bubble icon.

• Tap the icon to open the messaging app. If you’re using a different default messaging app, open that one instead.

Step 2: Access the App’s Settings

• Once the app is open, look for the three vertical dots (⋮) in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. This is typically the menu button.

• Tap the three dots.

• A drop-down menu will appear. Look for and tap “Settings.”

Step 3: Find the “Chat Features” or “RCS Chats” Section

• Within the Settings menu, you’ll need to locate the section that controls RCS.

• This section is most commonly labeled “Chat features.” However, it might also be called “RCS chats,” “Advanced messaging,” or something similar, depending on your app version and carrier.

• Scroll through the settings until you find this section, and tap on it.

Step 4: Disable “Chat Features” or “RCS Chats”

• Inside the “Chat features” section, you’ll see a toggle switch labeled “Enable chat features” or something similar.

• This switch is likely turned on (blue or green).

• Tap the switch to turn it off. This will disable RCS.

Step 5: Confirm the Disabling of RCS

• You might receive a prompt asking you to confirm that you want to disable RCS.

• Read the prompt carefully and tap “Turn off,” “Disable,” or “OK” to confirm your decision.

• The app may take a moment to process the change.

Step 6: Verify SMS/MMS Settings (Important!)

• After disabling RCS, it’s crucial to ensure your app is set to send messages as SMS/MMS when RCS isn’t available.

• Return to the main Settings menu of the messaging app.

• Look for an option like “Send SMS/MMS when RCS isn’t available” or “Send as SMS when a delivery fails.”

• Ensure this option is enabled. This will guarantee your messages are sent as SMS if RCS is unavailable for any reason.

Step 7: (Optional) Restart the App or Device

• Sometimes, changes to app settings don’t fully take effect until you restart the app or your device.

• Close the Google Messages app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps list).

• You can also restart your Android phone for a more thorough reset.

Challenges When Switching from RCS to SMS

Switching from RCS (Rich Communication Services) to SMS (Short Message Service) can come with several challenges, including:

• Loss of rich features: RCS supports read receipts, typing indicators, high-resolution media sharing, and group chat functionalities, which SMS lacks.

• Message formatting issues: RCS allows for advanced formatting, while SMS is limited to plain text with a 160-character limit per message.

• No end-to-end encryption: Some RCS services offer encryption, but SMS does not, making messages less secure.

• Inconsistent delivery reports: RCS provides real-time delivery status, whereas SMS delivery reports depend on carrier support.

• Potential additional costs: SMS messages may incur per-message charges, whereas RCS messages are often sent over Wi-Fi or mobile data.

• Dependence on carrier settings: Some carriers may not support seamless switching, requiring users to manually adjust settings.

Alternatives to SMS and RCS

We have mentioned the best alternatives to SMS and RCS:

• End-to-end encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, Threema, Wire, and Telegram. These apps are best for privacy and security.

• Cross-platform messaging apps like iMessage, Google Messages, Facebook Messenger, and Viber are the best. These apps work on multiple services.

• Messaging apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Discord are the best for business and professional messaging.

• Messaging apps like Session, Status, and Matrix (Element) are the best for censorship-resistant communication.

• For individuals and organizations with specialized security requirements, apps like Wickr, Keybase, and Briar are particularly noteworthy.

Best Pick?

Here are the best messaging app picks for different purposes:

Conclusion

Switching from RCS to SMS may seem like a step back in terms of features. While you might lose some advanced features, SMS ensures your messages reach anyone, regardless of their device or network.

To switch to SMS, turn off RCS in Google Messages (Settings > Chat features) or hold down the send button to send an SMS for that chat. Remember, SMS works everywhere but doesn’t have encryption or the latest features. If RCS keeps having issues, try fixing it before turning it off completely.

If you ever need to switch back, RCS can be re-enabled just as easily. In the end, the best messaging option is the one that keeps you connected without hassle!

FAQs

Is SMS better than RCS?

SMS is better for universal compatibility, as it works on all phones without needing an internet connection. While RCS is more advanced, SMS remains the most dependable option.

How to Change From SMS to RCS?

To change from SMS to RCS:

• Open Google Messages.
• Go to Settings > Chat Features.
• Enable Chat Features.
• Ensure you have an internet connection.

This will activate RCS if your carrier supports it.

How to Turn Off RCS Messaging?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an advanced messaging protocol intended to replace traditional SMS and MMS messaging.

How to Know If a Message Sent as RCS or SMS?

To check if a message was sent as RCS or SMS in Google Messages:

• Open Google Messages: Launch the app and go to a conversation.
• Check the input field: If it says “Chat message,” it’s RCS; if it says “Text message,” it’s SMS.
• Look for message status: RCS messages show “Delivered” or “Read” receipts, while SMS does not.

Will RCS replace SMS?

Not completely. While RCS offers advanced features, SMS remains the most universal and reliable option. SMS works on all devices and doesn’t require internet, while RCS depends on both parties having compatible devices and networks. For now, SMS will continue as the fallback.