Everything You Need to Know About RCS Messages

What is RCS?

So, what is RCS? We could say RCS is what comes after SMS. A standard driven by the GSMA and supported by most mobile carriers, it turns a simple message into a much richer experience.

With RCS, messages come to life: high-quality images, videos, audio, GIFs, interactive buttons, shopping carts, and read receipts, among other features. All this, without users needing to install anything new: it’s enough to have an Android phone and the updated Google Messages app.

Requirements to use RCS

There are a few requirements to use RCS that you should be aware of to ensure everything works properly.

The process is very simple. If you have an Android phone and use the Google Messages app, you probably already have it enabled or only need to accept the service terms.

For users:

• A compatible Android device.
• The Google Messages app (or a compatible app).
• Internet connection (either Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• Enable chat features within the app.

For businesses:

To send RCS messages to your clients, another requirement is to work with an official provider that manages the connection with carrier networks and ensures the delivery of verified and enriched messages. These RCS requirements are key to ensuring a smooth and secure communication experience.

Steps to activate RCS on devices

Once we’ve covered the requirements, here are the necessary steps to activate RCS on your devices:

• Check your device and messaging app compatibility.
• Update the Messages app to the latest version.
• Enable chat features in the settings.
• Accept the service terms to complete the activation.

Compatibility with different carriers and devices

Although RCS availability depends on the carrier and region, its rollout is growing quickly. In Spain, more and more devices and companies are adopting it, reflecting increasing compatibility with various carriers and devices—a key feature of RCS messaging. It’s expected to become a widely adopted standard soon, especially on Android phones.

Advanced features of RCS messages

Here are some of the advanced features that make RCS messages such an attractive channel for business communication:

• Rich multimedia: Send images, videos, audio, documents, and more.
• Interactive buttons and quick replies: Enable actions such as booking, purchasing, or visiting a website directly from the message. For example, an airline can send flight updates with buttons to check in directly from the message, allowing passengers to complete the action without leaving the messaging app.
• Product carousels: Ideal for visual catalogs and promotions.
• Read and typing indicators: Improve communication and follow-up.
• Verified accounts: Increase user trust and reduce fraud risk.

Read receipts and typing indicators

One of the major advantages of RCS is the read receipts and typing indicators. These features let you know if the recipient has opened the message or is typing a response. This makes communication more fluid and personalized—especially useful for companies that want to provide quick follow-up with their customers.

Enhanced group chats

Another feature included in RCS is enhanced group chats. This allows for more efficient and dynamic group conversations. It’s especially useful for brands looking to engage with communities or support teams. Interaction remains organized and seamless without needing external apps.

Advantages of using RCS over traditional SMS

RCS also offers a major advantage in terms of personalization, allowing brands to tailor their corporate messages based on users’ previous interests and behaviors, improving communication relevance. This level of personalization, combined with visual and multimedia interaction, provides a much more engaging and dynamic user experience.

Here are some advantages of using RCS over traditional SMS:

• Higher engagement: Interactive messages generate 5 to 10 times more responses.
• Trust: Messages are verified, reducing the risk of spam and fraud.
• Growing coverage: Over 70% of phones are compatible.
• More attractive campaigns: With multimedia elements, the experience is much more visual and effective.

Better communication quality

With RCS, it’s no longer just about sending text. Brands can deliver more complete, creative, and relevant messages, resulting in better communication quality, greater interest, and improved results. Additionally, its integration into the operating system makes it a seamless and convenient option for users.

Integration with messaging apps

Another major advantage of RCS is its integration with default messaging apps on Android devices. This means users don’t need to download additional apps to interact with brands, as RCS messages are handled directly through the Messages app preinstalled on most Android devices.

This type of integration with messaging apps makes it easier for users to access the service without friction, improving the user experience. Moreover, being built into the system, RCS allows companies to communicate with customers through a familiar and trusted channel, boosting response rates and campaign effectiveness.

Message security and encryption

Message security and encryption are also key pillars of RCS. Messages are encrypted, and sending companies are verified, ensuring users interact with legitimate brands.

In short, RCS is shaping up to be the immediate future of mobile messaging—thanks to its ability to offer more visual, interactive, and personalized experiences. If your company wants to innovate in its communication strategy, now is the time to bet on RCS.

At Labsmobile, we make integrating RCS into your campaigns easy, secure, and effective. From implementation to message optimization, we help you maximize user interaction and conversion—so you can focus on what matters most.