How to Turn On RCS Messaging for iPhone on Google Fi

Google Fi users on iPhones may see a prompt to enable RCS Messaging, which enhances text messaging with features like read receipts and typing indicators. However, RCS is not natively supported on iOS as it is on Android, and enabling it through Google Fi requires specific steps.

Method 1: Enable RCS in the Google Fi App (If Supported)

1. Open the Google Fi app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the notification that says “Turn on RCS Messaging.”
3. Follow the prompt:
   • Go to iPhone Settings.
   • Tap Apps (if this option is shown).
   • Tap Messages > RCS Messaging.
   • Toggle RCS Messaging to On.

Note: The iPhone Settings app typically does not include an “Apps > Messages > RCS Messaging” path — this is an Android-based instruction. Google may be testing cross-platform RCS via the Fi app or a future iMessage integration. If this toggle does not exist, RCS cannot be enabled on iPhone currently.

Method 2: Use Google Messages Beta with a Linked Android Device (Advanced)

This workaround requires an Android device:

1. On an Android phone:
   • Install and open the Google Messages app.
   • Set it as your default SMS app.
   • Sign in with the same Google Fi account used on your iPhone.
   • Enable RCS Chat Features in Messages > Settings > Chat Features.
2. Sync with Google Fi:
   • Ensure the Android phone is active on Google Fi or used to activate the Fi line.
   • Wait for RCS to provision successfully.
3. On your iPhone:
   • Continue using iMessage or SMS/MMS. RCS will not appear natively, but messages from Android users using RCS may be routed through Fi servers with enhanced delivery.

This method does not enable RCS on iPhone directly, but can activate RCS features for your Google Fi line on Android, which may eventually sync in future iOS updates if Google expands cross-device support.

Method 3: Check with Google Fi Support

1. Open the Google Fi app.
2. Tap Support at the bottom.
3. Ask if RCS Messaging is currently supported for iPhone lines.
4. Follow any new steps provided by support or ask to join any beta testing programs.

As of mid-2025, iOS does not officially support RCS, but Apple has announced that RCS is coming to iPhones in iOS 18 (late 2024). Check if your iPhone is running iOS 18 beta or later, and if so, RCS may be available in Settings > Messages > RCS Messaging.