Buzz
Discover RCS Features on Android Smartphones
1. What is the RCS Messaging App?
RCS, short for Rich Communication Service, is a default messaging app that Google has researched and developed for Android devices. However, currently, this app is not widely implemented for all devices.
RCS is a messaging app developed directly by Google
For RCS, users can perceive it as a messaging app similar to SMS but with the added capability of sending images, videos, links, stickers, and more.
2. Requirements
- The phone must run on the Android operating system.
- Download the Activity Launcher app from the CH Play app store (free of charge)
- Join the beta testing program for Android Messages.
- Update to the latest version of Android Messages (current version is v5.2).
3. Activation Guide
Step 1: Disconnect from Wifi, only enable 3G or 4G.
Step 2: Open the Activity Launcher app -> Recent Activities -> All Activities.
Step 3: Choose the Messages app -> Set RCS Flags.
Step 4: In the ACS Url section, select the last line.
Step 5: Proceed to Apply -> press back -> exit to the main interface (Home).
Step 6: Open the Messages app again -> Upgrade options -> turn on Wifi -> select Upgrade Now.
Upon success, a checkmark will appear to notify you.
The identification process is quite straightforward. Phones with the label Chat message in the text boxes are activated, while those with Text message indicate phones that are not activated and require a fee to send messages.
Note: RCS will be associated with the activated phone number. If you don't use the SIM, this feature will be disabled. Therefore, a limitation compared to Apple's iMessage is that you can't use it on a device without a SIM card, such as an Android tablet.
4. Troubleshooting Activation Errors
For some devices and phone sims, activation may encounter issues and report errors in the initial attempts. However, there's no need to worry excessively. Just follow these steps to resolve the situation:
Step 1: Go to Settings on your phone -> select Apps -> Carrier Services.
Step 2: In the Storage section -> choose Clear storage (or Clear data depending on your device).
Step 3: In the Apps category -> select Messages -> Storage -> choose Clear storage and Force Stop.
Step 4: Navigate back to Activity Launcher -> choose Set RCS Flags in the settings.
Step 5: In the OTP Pattern section, select additional customization options.
Step 6: Click on Apply, then return to the home screen.
Step 7: Open the Messages app again and you'll see a notification line 'Upgrade Now' -> select Upgrade Now (turn on Wifi for a stable update).
