Samsung Messages Chat Features

[Anth818]

Today I noticed that messages were being sent as SMS vs. RCS. I checked the settings and noticed that the chat features option was grayed out. I switched between Google Messages and then back to SM. It then asked me to register for chat services. I clicked start, but nothing happened. Anyone else having this issue? For reference, I have Xfinity Mobile as my carrier.

[CEParsons]

From what I can gather, it seems that XFinity is transitioning to Google's version of RCS. Per a representative on XFinity forums:

"Thank you, for Android users Once Google has made RCS available for Xfinity Mobile, customers will begin receiving upgrade requests for Messages. Customers must accept the upgrade request and install the upgrade. Customers who don’t want to wait for the update can get it by going to the Google Play Store and updating their Messages client."

This comment links to Google Messages in the Play Store. It appears that going forward, you will likely need to use Google Messages to maintain RCS chat features.

[Anth818]

Thanks for the info. This sucks since I heard Samsung Messages was potentially getting an update with RCS in the near future and prefer SM over GM.

[CEParsons]

Most carriers are transitioning to Google's version because it runs through Google's servers, tends to be more compatible with iOS, and doesn't require the carrier to build and maintain their own RCS infrastructure.

[JeepGuy95]

Samsung Messagsa no longer supports RCS. You'll need to switch over to Google Messages (it WILL transfer over ALL your messages). RCS is a carrier-controlled service, and if you have any issues, you MUST go through your carrier to reactivate RCS. I should mention that I had a problem with RCS being deactivated via Google Messages, and Verizon will tell you to clear all app default data. Do NOT do that. The Samsung support guy (who also told me that Samsung Messages hasn't supported RCS since December of 2024 I believe) just told me to uninstall updates from Google Messages in the Play Store, and RCS was back online for me (that may ALSO be an issue when you first switch over to Google Messages).

[Anth818]

I have no issues with RCS on GM thankfully. I just prefer to use SM overall and really disappointed that the chat features have been disabled for me. Hopefully things change if/when SM gets RCS update

[JeepGuy95]

I was told back in May when I was having issues with RCS being disabled on GM that SM doesn't support RCS anymore. I think they're trying to migrate everyone over to GM, much like they're pushing Google Gemini over Samsung Bixby for the assistant features of our phones.

[amberrocks15]

I have the same issue mine worked yesterday then stopped for some reason it's highly annoying

[Anth818]

Had to switch back to GM unfortunately. Waiting to go back if/when SM gets RCS update