Chat RCS: What it is and its advantages over traditional SMS

Have you noticed the “RCS chat with…” notice that appears in some chats while you send a text message or SMS? Would you like to know What is RCS chat and how to get the most out of it? In this post we explain everything about this new way of sending text messages from your mobile.

We will begin by explaining RCS Chat and what are the advantages it offers over traditional SMS. Then we explain to you how to activate them on your Android mobile and how you can configure it to take advantage of its functions. At the end, we will briefly review some possible privacy risks that this type of communication entails.

What is RCS Chat?

With the rise of applications such as WhatsApp and Telegram, we use traditional text messages less and less, better known as SMS. However, this option is still present on all modern mobile phones, relegated mainly to security confirmations and other local services. In addition, SMS continue to be of great help to communicate when we do not have access to mobile data or Wi-Fi.

Well, the RCS (Rich Communication Services) technology allows traditional SMS to evolve to its most modern version. It is a mobile communication standard that telephone operators and companies such as Google have agreed to use. Thus, there will be no need to install instant messaging apps to send photos, videos, voice notes and other files between cell phones.

Likewise, RCS Chat offers functions similar to those we see in instant messaging apps, such as reading receipts and indicating when someone is writing. RCS messages are sent using the RCS protocol over the internet, which is why communication between users is richer and more dynamic.

The implementation of the RCS standard emerged in 2016 with the agreement between Google and different mobile phone manufacturers and operators. Since then, more and more mobile phones incorporate this technology, which is integrated into their operating system. The ultimate goal is replace traditional SMS with RCS messages, thus reducing the need to install instant messaging apps.

What are the advantages of using RCS over traditional SMS?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats offer several important advantages over traditional SMS. Not only do they add newer and more dynamic features, but they also significantly improve the user experience.

• Share media files: You can send and receive images, videos, voice notes, and locations more easily.
• Longer messages: RCS exceed the 160 character limit of SMS with messages of up to 10.000 characters.
• Interactive features: Share stickers, GIFs and messages with reactions.
• Improved group chat: You can create groups with up to 250 members, appoint administrators and share information together.
• See if anyone is writing with the reading indicator risk management.
• Confirm if your message has been delivered and read.
• RCS works on most Android devices, regardless of carrier.

Without a doubt, RCS chat represents a very significant change in current mobile messaging. As your implementation continues to grow, RCS is expected to become the standard format of this form of communication.

How do I activate RCS chat on my mobile?

To use RCS chat, you need to both the sender and the receiver of the message have the protocol activated on your Android devices. Additionally, your mobile operator must provide this service for you to activate and use it. The good news is that most mobile operators offer it, and the Google Messages app includes it on all compatible Android phones.

Activating RCS chat on your Android mobile is a very simple process that does not take much time. In fact, On some devices it is already activated by default. In any case, you can follow the following route to activate it and access its settings.

1. Open the Google Messages app
2. Click on your profile photo in the upper right corner
3. Choose the Message Settings option
4. Click on RCS Chats
5. Slide the switch to the right to activate RCS messages

Once the service is activated, other configuration options are enabled that you can enable if you wish. For example, it is possible turn on read receipts, typing indicators, and automatic text message forwarding. You may also need to confirm your phone number for the service to work properly.

Now, to be able to send RCS messages between devices, both devices must have the function activated. If you send an RCS message to a mobile phone that does not have it activated, the sending will be done like a normal SMS. You can tell if the chat with the other person is RCS if you see the “RCS chat with…” notice we mentioned at the beginning.

Possible risks of RCS chats

Despite the clear advantages that RCS chat offers over traditional SMS, there are also some disadvantages and risks to consider. Without a doubt, it is worth considering this issue before regularly adopting this type of mobile messaging.

A clear disadvantage of RCS compared to SMS is its dependence on the network to function. If you don't have mobile data or a Wi-Fi connection, you won't be able to send RCS messages. In addition, sending multimedia content can consume more mobile data, with the additional surcharge that this entails.

A potential risk is retention of certain personal data, such as phone number, location and delivery time. This data is temporarily stored to maintain your connection to RCS and in case you lose your internet connection. The problem is that they could also be used for unauthorized purposes, such as tracking or surveillance.

However, as this mobile messaging standard consolidates, it will surely receive more improvements to ensure the security of all users. Meanwhile, now we can use it on our Android phones as a modest alternative to the main instant messaging applications.