Google drops “Chat” for “RCS” on Android

2 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Feb 23, 20238:47 AM

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The Google Messages app is very much like Apple’s Messages app, When an Android user sends messages to another Android user employing the Google Messages app, the messages enjoy end-to-end encryption, no limit on character capacity, higher-quality image sharing, read receipts, message indicators, and more. And guess what happens when an iOS user joins the group; all of these lovely features are disabled.

Another issue is that those unaware of RCS can overlook the Google Messages app (which stands for Rich Communication Services). Some Android users might use the Messages app connected to their carrier for no reason other than they are unaware what the differences are. If you’re an Android user and want the same features that Apple gives iPhone users on its Messages app, you need to install the Google Messages app which can be installed from the Google Play Store by tapping on this link.

Originally, Google called its replacement for SMS by the name of Chat. For example, if an Android user was messaging another Android user and both were using Google Messages, the text field would say Chat. But Google is rebranding Chat using the RCS name. In this situation, where two Google Messages users are messaging, the text field now says RCS message. By the way, when someone using Google Messages is messaging an Android user using, say, Verizon’s Messages app, or an iPhone user, the text field says Text message.

In areas of the Messages app where Google used to use the Chat branding, it now mentions RCS. The first item on the app’s Settings page (which you can get to by opening the Messages app, tapping on the profile picture in the upper right side inside the search field, and tapping on Messages setting) now says RCS chats where previously it said Chat features.

Google said that it has started to disseminate the updates necessary for Android users to see the change in branding from Chat to RCS. But we still don’t think that Apple will give in to the pressure that Google has applied to the crew in Cupertino from time-to-time in an attempt to get Apple to support RCS and end the green bubble bullying.

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Questions & Answers

What functionality is lost when an iOS user participates in a group chat with Android users on Google Messages?

When an iOS user joins a group, end-to-end encryption, unlimited character capacity, high-quality image sharing, read receipts, and message indicators are all disabled for the conversation. This affects the overall messaging experience for the group.

Why might some Android users not be using the Google Messages app, even if it offers more features?

Some Android users might be unaware of the Rich Communication Services (RCS) technology and the benefits of the Google Messages app. They may simply use the default messaging app provided by their mobile carrier without knowing the differences in functionality.

How can an Android user get the advanced messaging features that iPhone users have on their native app?

To access features like end-to-end encryption and better image sharing, an Android user needs to install the Google Messages app. This app provides similar advanced communication capabilities to those found on Apple's Messages app.

What change has Google made regarding the naming of its advanced messaging service within the Google Messages app?

Google is rebranding its advanced messaging service from 'Chat' to 'RCS'. Previously, the text field would say 'Chat', but now it displays 'RCS message' when two Google Messages users are communicating, and 'RCS chats' in settings.

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