Google Messages RCS Not Working on Android: Fix Chat Features, Carrier Sync, and Dual‑SIM Issues

RCS (“Chat features”) in Google Messages can be great when it works: typing indicators, better group chats, higher-quality media, and Wi‑Fi messaging in some cases.

When it doesn’t work, the symptoms are usually one of these:

Chat features stuck on “Setting up…” or “Connecting…” for hours
RCS toggles off or disappears after an update or SIM change
Messages send as SMS/MMS even though you expect RCS
Dual‑SIM confusion where the wrong line is used for verification

The reason RCS failures feel random is that it’s a multi-party system: your phone settings, Google Messages + related services, and your carrier’s provisioning/number verification can all be involved. A good fix guide should help you answer one question quickly: is this phone-side or carrier-side?

This article starts with fast checks, then walks through the safest reset path (from “light” fixes to “deeper” ones). It also includes a dual‑SIM section, because many RCS failures happen after moving from a physical SIM to eSIM or switching default lines.

Before you start: If you’re on a work-managed phone (work profile / MDM), some messaging settings may be restricted. Don’t attempt to bypass your organization’s policies.

Fast checks (do these first)

1) Update the right apps

Open the Play Store and update Google Messages.
Update Carrier Services if it appears in your app list.
Restart your phone.

2) Confirm your default SIM for messaging (dual‑SIM users)

Go to Settings → Network & internet → SIMs (wording varies).
Set the SIM you want to use as the default for SMS.
If you recently swapped SIMs/eSIMs, re-check this setting after reboot.

3) Disable VPN / Private DNS temporarily

Some networks block the verification handshake or related endpoints. Turn off VPN and set Private DNS to Automatic/Off temporarily for testing. If it fixes RCS, you can re-enable your privacy tools and troubleshoot settings more carefully.

Decision tree: phone-side vs carrier-side

Start
 ├─ Did RCS stop after changing SIM/eSIM or switching default SIM?
 │    ├─ Yes → focus on dual-SIM + re-verification steps.
 │    └─ No → continue.
 ├─ Does RCS fail on both Wi‑Fi and mobile data?
 │    ├─ Yes → provisioning/verification or app/services state.
 │    └─ No → network restrictions (Wi‑Fi firewall, DNS, VPN).
 ├─ Do other people on the same carrier have issues today?
 │    ├─ Yes → likely carrier-side outage (wait/contact support).
 │    └─ No → proceed with resets below.

Step-by-step fixes (safe to deeper)

Step 1: Toggle Chat features off and back on

Open Messages.
Tap your profile/photo → Messages settings → RCS chats (or “Chat features”).
Toggle Turn on RCS chats OFF.
Wait 30 seconds, then toggle ON.
Restart your phone and re-check status.

Step 2: Clear cache (low risk)

Go to Settings → Apps → Messages.
Tap Storage & cache → Clear cache.
Repeat for Carrier Services if installed.
Restart and test.

Step 3: Verification loop reset (dual‑SIM / number issues)

If you see “Setting up…” forever, the number verification state might be stuck. The safest approach is to:

Ensure the correct SIM is default for SMS.
Disable RCS toggle for 1–2 minutes.
Switch to mobile data (temporarily) and retry enabling RCS.

If you have recently moved your number between devices, allow time for verification to settle.

Step 4: Clear storage (higher impact)

Warning: Clearing storage resets app state. Messages are usually stored in the device’s SMS database, but settings and some app-level states will reset.

Settings → Apps → Messages → Storage → Clear storage (or “Clear data”).
Re-open Messages, re-enable RCS chats, and test again.

Step 5: When it’s likely carrier-side

If RCS fails after all the above and across multiple networks, contact your carrier with specific questions:

Is my number provisioned for RCS on this line?
Is there an active issue with RCS verification today?
Does my line have any restrictions preventing RCS activation?

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Dual‑SIM + eSIM transitions

After moving from physical SIM to eSIM, your phone may continue trying to verify on the wrong “default SMS” line. Always re-check default SIM settings.

Work profile / managed phones

IT policies can restrict messaging features. Use the personal profile or ask your administrator.

FAQ

Why did my messages switch back to SMS/MMS?

RCS requires both parties and the network state to support it. If your phone loses verification or the recipient doesn’t have RCS enabled, Messages may fall back to SMS/MMS.

Will reinstalling Messages help?

Sometimes, but clearing cache/storage usually achieves the same effect with fewer complications.

Can RCS be blocked by Wi‑Fi?

Yes. Some networks restrict traffic that interferes with verification or messaging endpoints. Testing on mobile data is a quick way to isolate this.

Conclusion

Most RCS failures come down to app/service state, default SIM confusion (especially dual‑SIM), or carrier provisioning. Follow the “safe to deeper” steps, confirm defaults after any SIM change, and escalate to the carrier only after you’ve ruled out phone-side causes.