On 31 March 2023, the Vodafone RCS Chat service was closed and moved over to the Google RCS platform.
If you have an Android phone, check to see how this affects you.
What is RCS?
RCS stands for Rich Communication Service, a messaging tool that works with text messaging to support chat services for Android smartphones – the same as how iMessage works for iPhones. It’s used to send messages, emojis, pictures and videos using mobile data or WiFi.
I have an Android phone. How will this affect me?
It depends which device you have, and which messaging app you’re using.
Android devices using the Android Messages app
When you launch Messages, you’ll be asked to accept new terms and conditions from Google to continue using RCS. If you accept, you’ll be registered with Google’s RCS platform – Messages by Google.
Samsung devices launched after 2020, using Samsung Messages
A software update is expected sometime after 1 April 2023, which will add RCS support to Samsung Messages. Before this happens, you can download Messages by Google to continue using RCS.
Some older Samsung watches may require the Samsung default messaging app instead.
Any Android devices launched prior to 2020, using other messaging apps Huawei devices running HarmonyOS
Unfortunately, these devices won’t be able to use the Google RCS platform – Messages by Google. If you want to keep using RCS, have a look at upgrading your device
Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to send messages – instead of using RCS, they’ll send as normal text messages (SMS and MMS).
You might be charged for sending picture messages and videos, unless you’re on an Xtra plan with inclusive MMS. Login or register for My Vodafone to check your plan details
