Messaging on my iPhone has been acting up in the strangest way recently. When chatting with Android users, their messages come through as RCS, complete with the familiar typing indicators. Yet, when I reply, my messages are inexplicably sent as SMS instead of RCS. Oddly, this issue seems to affect only one contact. When she messages me, it’s sent as RCS, but my responses always revert to SMS.
What’s even more baffling is that when I use a Pixel device, messages to the same contact go through as RCS, but her replies from an iPhone are received as Text. This inconsistency makes conversations frustratingly disjointed. To make matters worse, there are moments throughout the day when my messages get stuck in the "sending" phase, with notifications telling me they’ll be delivered when I "come back online." Despite this, I’m still able to send other RCS messages to the same contact without issue during those times. However, I’m usually stuck receiving her replies as plain Text messages.
What is RCS Messaging?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a modern upgrade to traditional SMS messaging, offering enhanced features for users who don’t use iMessage. RCS text messages can be sent to non-Apple devices as well as another iPhone or another Apple device with Text Message Forwarding turned on. With RCS, you can send texts, high resolution photos and videos, links, and more. RCS also supports delivery and read receipts and typing indicators. RCS messages appear in green text bubbles on your device.
Apple’s implementation of RCS is based on the industry’s standard. RCS messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted, which means they’re not protected from a third-party reading them while they’re sent between devices.
RCS is a carrier-provided service. When your device connects to your cellular network, it communicates with your carrier and their partners to set up RCS. User identifiers are exchanged for your carrier and their partners to authenticate your device and provide a connection. These identifiers could include but are not limited to your IMEI, IMSI, current IP address, and phone number. Your current IP address might also be shared with other RCS users.
To use RCS, you need iOS 18 and a text-messaging plan from a carrier that supports RCS on iPhone. To check or modify your RCS settings, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging. For more information about compatibility and setup, contact your wireless carrier.
Note: There may be a delay of a few hours in activating RCS.
Potential Fixes for the iPhone RCS Messaging Issue
- Toggle RCS Messaging off and on
- Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and toggle OFF RCS messaging.
- Turn your phone off.
- After it’s powered back on, go to Settings > Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging and toggle RCS back on.
- Update to the Latest iOS Version
- Ensure your iPhone is running the latest iOS version. Since the Messages app is part of the iOS software, this update will also ensure the app is up to date and functioning properly. Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, follow the onscreen instructions to update your iPhone.
- Reset Network Settings
- Open the Settings app.
- Select General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Choose Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm by selecting Reset Network Settings again.
Note: When you reset network settings, all your network-related configurations will be erased. This includes saved Wi-Fi passwords, paired Bluetooth devices, VPN settings, and cellular preferences. Make sure to have this information handy before proceeding.
This problem is a network issue. We also previously explained how you can fix cellular data issues. If this article does not help, check that article for more detailed solutions.