Samsung Messages will no longer support RCS on Verizon after January 6, 2025. Verizon users are receiving messages advising them to switch to Google Messages.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) allows features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality media sharing. Samsung Messages depends on Verizon for RCS support, while Google Messages uses Google’s servers.
This change likely comes from Verizon dropping support for RCS on Samsung Messages. So far, only Verizon users report this issue. T-Mobile and AT&T users have not been affected.
Earlier this year, Samsung made Google Messages the default texting app for its phones. Now, Samsung seems to be deprioritizing its own messaging app. If you stick with Samsung Messages, your messages may fall back to SMS, which lacks advanced features.
Google Messages continues to improve and is a good alternative. It works with Google’s RCS servers, ensuring a smoother experience.
We’ve reached out to Samsung and Verizon for comments and will update this story if they respond.
