# RCS Messaging on iPhone: How It Works URL: https://byshahid.com/blog/rcs-messaging-iphone/ App: Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322) Author: Muhammad Shahid Updated: 2026-11-04 > Better texting with Android phones: high quality media, read receipts, typing dots. RCS is a carrier service, not an Apple one. When you are texting someone who is not on iMessage, RCS replaces plain SMS and MMS with high resolution photos and video, longer messages, delivery and read receipts and typing indicators. - **What it does:** Better texting with Android phones: high quality media, read receipts, typing dots. - **Published for:** any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular - **Type:** iOS setting Better texting with Android phones: high quality media, read receipts, typing dots. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to. I build **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier**, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, [get Secret Codes on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322). ## What is RCS Messaging? RCS is a carrier service, not an Apple one. When you are texting someone who is not on iMessage, RCS replaces plain SMS and MMS with high resolution photos and video, longer messages, delivery and read receipts and typing indicators. The bubbles are still green, because that colour means "not iMessage" rather than "SMS". Turn it on at Settings, Apps, Messages, RCS Messaging. Expect a delay of anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours while your carrier provisions it. If the RCS Messaging row is missing, your carrier or region does not support it on iPhone yet. There is also a separate RCS Business Messages switch on the same screen for order and transaction alerts from companies, which you can turn off without losing person to person RCS. ## How do I do it? - Open the Settings app. - Tap Apps, then tap Messages. - Tap RCS Messaging. - Turn RCS Messaging on, then allow some time for your carrier to activate it. ## Which carriers does this apply to? | Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular | | Type | iOS setting | | Good to know | iOS 18 or later plus a carrier that supports RCS on iPhone. Availability varies by region and carrier, and carrier messaging fees may apply. | _Screenshot: The Secret Codes detail screen shows the steps, the carriers and an Open in Phone button._ ## Related iphone phone and message settings - [Messages In iCloud](/blog/messages-in-icloud-iphone/) - [End-To-End Encrypted RCS](/blog/end-to-end-encrypted-rcs-iphone/) - [Text Message Forwarding](/blog/text-message-forwarding-iphone/) - [MMS Messaging Toggle](/blog/mms-messaging-toggle-iphone/) - [FaceTime Reachability And Caller ID](/blog/facetime-reachability-and-caller-id-iphone/) - [Send As Text Message Fallback](/blog/send-as-text-message-fallback-iphone/) See all [iphone phone and message settings](/blog/iphone-codes/phone-settings/) or [every category of iPhone codes](/blog/iphone-codes/). ## How Secret Codes helps Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line. **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier** is free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322 ## FAQ ### What is RCS Messaging on iPhone? Better texting with Android phones: high quality media, read receipts, typing dots. RCS is a carrier service, not an Apple one. ### What else should I know about RCS Messaging? When you are texting someone who is not on iMessage, RCS replaces plain SMS and MMS with high resolution photos and video, longer messages, delivery and read receipts and typing indicators. The bubbles are still green, because that colour means "not iMessage" rather than "SMS". Turn it on at Settings, Apps, Messages, RCS Messaging. ### What are the steps for RCS Messaging? 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then tap Messages. 3. Tap RCS Messaging. 4. Turn RCS Messaging on, then allow some time for your carrier to activate it. ### Where do I find RCS Messaging? In the Settings app on your iPhone. ### Is there a dial code for RCS Messaging? No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead. ### Which carriers does RCS Messaging work on? It is published for any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. iOS 18 or later plus a carrier that supports RCS on iPhone. Availability varies by region and carrier, and carrier messaging fees may apply. ### Does RCS Messaging work on Android phones too? These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus. ### Will RCS Messaging work outside the US? The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region. ### What if RCS Messaging does not work on my iPhone? Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier. ### What is related to RCS Messaging? Messages In iCloud. Keep your whole message history in sync, including new devices. ### What else is in this category? End-To-End Encrypted RCS. Turn on the encrypted RCS beta where both carriers support it. ### Can I find RCS Messaging in an app? Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details. ## Sources - [Apple Support: iPhone User Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios)