RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a modern messaging protocol that upgrades standard SMS/MMS with features like typing indicators, read receipts, high-quality media, group messaging, and more. Many Samsung Android users have RCS “Chat Features” enabled by default or via Google Messages. However, some prefer to turn it off—whether for privacy, compatibility, or simply because they prefer the simplicity of SMS/MMS.
In this guide you will learn step-by-step how to turn off RCS chats on Samsung Android devices, using both Google Messages and Samsung Messages apps. You’ll also find tips to check if RCS is active, what the consequences are, and how to troubleshoot common issues.
How to Turn Off RCS Chat on Android Samsung: A Complete Guide
What Is RCS Chat (Chat Features) on Samsung Android
- RCS is often branded as Chat Features within Samsung Messages or Google Messages.
- It relies on internet connection (WiFi or mobile data) rather than purely SMS/MMS.
- Offers richer functionality: read receipts, typing indicators, share larger media files, etc.
- Automatically falls back to SMS/MMS when RCS is not available or the recipient doesn’t support it.
7 Easy Steps to Switch SMS to RCS on Samsung Android
Why You Might Want to Turn Off RCS Chat
- Concerns about data usage or internet dependency.
- Want to ensure consistency and compatibility (e.g., with older phones or if you switch to iPhone).
- Issues with delayed or undelivered messages.
- Privacy or security preferences.
How to turn off RCS chat on Samsung Phones
To turn off RCS Chat on your Samsung phone, follow these steps. The exact process depends on whether you use Google Messages or Samsung Messages. Instructions for both apps are provided below.
Option A: Google Messages
If your default messaging app is Google Messages, do the following:
- Open the Google Messages app.
- Tap your profile icon (usually top right).
- Go to Messages settings.
- Look for RCS Chats or Chat Features.
- Toggle the switch to Turn off RCS chats or disable Chat Features.
- If required, confirm your phone number or follow verification steps. Sometimes Google will verify your number when enabling/disabling.
Also, Google provides a web deactivation portal in case your number remains registered for RCS even after turning it off.
Option B: Samsung Messages or Built-in Messaging App
If your phone uses Samsung Messages (or whichever app Samsung provides in your region), try these:
- Open Samsung Messages.
- Tap the three-dot menu (or sometimes the profile/menu icon).
- Go to Settings.
- Find Chat features or something similar (sometimes under Advanced settings or More settings) that corresponds to RCS.
- Toggle off Enable Chat features or disable “RCS / Advanced Messaging / Chat Features.”
If Samsung Messages does not show that option, it might be due to carrier restrictions or because RCS is managed through Google’s backend instead of Samsung’s. In that case, you’ll need to use Google Messages or ask your carrier.
How to Confirm RCS Chat Is Turned Off
After following the steps above, you can verify:
- In Google Messages, go back to Profile → Messages settings → RCS Chats/Chat Features → the status should show Off or Disconnected.
- Send a test message to another Android user who has RCS turned off or not supported. The message should send via SMS/MMS (not over data).
- Check in settings you don’t see any indicators like “Chat”, blue bubbles (if your theme shows that), or “Typing…” etc.
What Happens After Turning Off RCS Chat
- You’ll go back to regular SMS/MMS for all messages.
- Features such as read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality photos/media, group chat with enhanced features will no longer work.
- You’ll reduce dependence on mobile data/WiFi for messaging.
- If you ever switch devices or messaging apps, you might need to repeat turning off because sometimes settings “stick” in cloud or carrier servers.
Should I have RCS on or off?
Keep RCS on.
It provides a better messaging experience with features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing when texting other Android users. The only reason to turn it off is if you are having technical issues or prefer a more basic SMS experience.
Troubleshooting — Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| “Chat features” option is missing | Carrier doesn’t support RCS or region restriction | Use Google Messages; check with carrier; update OS/Messages app. |
| Messages still try to send via RCS | Cached settings or your number still registered with Google RCS servers | Use Google’s deactivate portal; clear app cache; restart device. |
| Delayed messages after disabling RCS | SMS/MMS being used, which can be slower; network issues | Make sure SMS/MMS is enabled; check signal; ensure no interruptions. |
| Switching back to RCS later | Needed features to re-verify; number needs verification | Follow enabling steps when you want RCS back. |
Why is my phone using RCS instead of SMS?
Your phone uses RCS instead of SMS automatically when it detects that both you and the person you’re messaging have RCS enabled and an internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). This happens because RCS is a modern upgrade to SMS, offering better features like read receipts, high-quality media sharing, and typing indicators.
Conclusion
Disabling RCS Chat on your Samsung Android device is usually simple and gives you control back over how your messages are sent. Whether you’re doing it for privacy, compatibility, or just peace of mind, the steps above should help. If you get stuck, check with your carrier or ensure your messaging app is updated.