How to Enable RCS Messaging in Apple iOS 18

Learn how to enable RCS messaging on your iPhone running iOS 18 with this step-by-step guide. Shop for a new iPhone on Easy EMIs with Bajaj Finserv, making it more affordable than ever.
How to Enable RCS Messaging in Apple iOS 18
3 min
27 June 2025
Apple's latest update brings some big changes to how texting works, especially between iPhone and Android users. If you are hearing about something called RCS and wondering what it means—think of it as a smarter way to text. It lets you see when someone is typing, share better-quality photos, and enjoy smoother group chats. If you are curious about how to enable RCS messaging in Apple iOS 18, do not worry—it is easier than it sounds. Once you turn it on, texting feels faster, clearer, and a lot more fun, no matter which phone your friends are using.

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What is RCS messaging?

RCS messaging, short for Rich Communication Services, is a modern version of traditional text messaging. It is designed to make texting feel more like using a chat app. For example, imagine you are texting a friend and, just like on WhatsApp or iMessage, you can see when they are typing, know when they have read your message, and share high-quality photos or videos without them looking blurry. You can even send messages over Wi-Fi when you have no mobile signal. It makes group chats more organized and reliable, too. So instead of the old, basic text messages that sometimes fail or split into multiple parts, RCS makes conversations smoother and smarter. It is especially helpful when texting someone who does not use the same phone as you like an iPhone user chatting with an Android user. RCS helps bridge that gap, so texting feels better for everyone.

Now, let us take a look at some of the benefits of RCS messaging on iOS 18.

Benefits of RCS messaging on iOS 18

With the release of iOS 18, Apple has introduced RCS messaging, offering iPhone users a more advanced and feature-rich way to text. This update brings several key benefits that enhance the overall messaging experience.

  • Enhanced communication: With RCS messaging on iOS 18, you get to see typing indicators and read receipts, making conversations feel more interactive and engaging. You can easily tell when someone is typing or if they have seen your message, making texting feel more personal and in real-time.
  • Better media quality: RCS improves how photos and videos are shared. Unlike traditional SMS, which often reduces the quality of images, RCS sends media in high resolution. This means your photos and videos will look much better when sent or received through RCS.
  • Improved group chats: Group chats on iOS 18 become smoother with RCS. Messages are delivered faster, syncing across devices with fewer errors. It is easier to keep track of conversations, and your group chats will be more reliable and organized.
  • Faster message delivery: Since RCS uses your internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data) instead of the traditional cellular network, messages are often sent quicker and more reliably. This results in fewer message failures and quicker response times.
  • Stronger security: While not offering end-to-end encryption like iMessage, RCS on iOS 18 still provides enhanced security with encryption during transmission. This means your messages are more secure than with older SMS systems, protecting your conversations from unauthorized access.
  • Cross-platform consistency: RCS messaging works well across both iPhone and Android devices, allowing for a seamless texting experience. No matter what device the other person uses, the communication will feel more unified and feature-rich, bridging the gap between the two platforms.

How to enable RCS messaging on iPhone (iOS 18)

Turning on RCS messaging on your iPhone with iOS 18 is easy and gives you a much better texting experience. With RCS, you’ll get cool features like seeing when someone is typing, knowing if your message has been read, and sending high-quality photos and videos. Here is how you can turn it on:

1. Make sure your iPhone is updated


First, check that your iPhone is running iOS 18. Go toSettings, tapGeneral, thenSoftware Updateto see if there is an update available.

2. Open your Messages app


Once your phone is up to date, open theMessagesapp like you normally would to send texts.

3. Go to Settings


In theMessagesapp, tap theSettingsicon (the little gear) in the top-right corner.

4. Turn on RCS Messaging


Look for the option that saysRCS Messagingor something similar, and switch it on.

5. Check that it is working


Once RCS is turned on, you should notice features like seeing when someone is typing and sharing better quality pictures.

Troubleshooting RCS Messaging on iOS 18

RCS messaging on iOS 18 is a useful feature, but it may have some problems. Users might face issues like messages not sending or receiving, chats falling back to SMS, delays in message delivery, or missing features such as typing indicators and read receipts. If RCS is not working properly, you can try a few troubleshooting steps to fix it.

  1. Check for software updates: The first thing you should do is ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS. Apple frequently releases updates that address bugs or improve features. To check for updates, go toSettings > General > Software Update. If there is an update available, install it, as it may include fixes for RCS-related issues.
  2. Confirm RCS is enabled: Sometimes, RCS messaging might not be enabled automatically after the update. Go toSettings > Messagesand check if theRCS Messagingoption is switched on. If it is off, simply toggle it to the "on" position to enable it.
  3. Ensure proper carrier support: Not all carriers support RCS, and some regions may not have full functionality yet. If RCS is not working, it is worth checking with your carrier to ensure they support RCS messaging. You can also confirm whether RCS is supported by the person you are texting, as it needs to be activated on both ends for full functionality.
  4. Verify internet connection: RCS requires an internet connection, either through mobile data or Wi-Fi, to send messages. If you are experiencing issues, check that your iPhone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network or has a strong mobile data signal. If the connection is weak, try switching networks to see if that resolves the problem.
  5. Restart your iPhone: If you have checked all of the above and RCS is still not working, a simple restart of your iPhone can sometimes resolve the issue. Power off your device, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on. This can help reset any temporary software glitches affecting RCS.
  6. Contact Apple support: If none of these steps work, it may be time to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance. There could be an issue with your device or account that needs expert troubleshooting.

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Frequently asked questions

Does RCS messaging work on all iPhones running iOS 18?
RCS messaging is supported on iPhones running iOS 18, but it only works with specific carriers and messaging apps. Ensure your carrier supports RCS and that you are using the default Messages app for full functionality.

How can I check if my carrier supports RCS messaging?
To check if your carrier supports RCS messaging, go to the Messages app on your iPhone, open a conversation, and tap on the contact’s name. If you see "Chat features" or "RCS" enabled, your carrier supports RCS.

Can I use RCS messaging between iPhones and Android devices?
Yes, RCS messaging can be used between iPhones and Android devices, provided both devices have RCS enabled and the carriers support it. This allows features like read receipts and typing indicators across different platforms.

Why is RCS messaging not working after enabling it?
RCS messaging may not work even after enabling it due to issues like carrier compatibility, network problems, or incorrect settings. Ensure your carrier supports RCS, your phone has an active internet connection, and RCS is properly configured in the Messages app.

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