How to Change RCS to SMS? A Step-By-Step Guide 2024

Wondering how to change RCS to SMS? Then, you are at the right place.

RCS messaging is popular for its advanced features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-resolution image sharing. However, there are times when sticking with SMS might be better, whether you want to simplify your messaging or save on data usage. In such conditions, it’s better that you know the steps to change the default messaging setting from RCS to SMS.

This blog will guide you on how to change RCS to SMS, making the transition to SMS from RCS easy and hassle-free.

Why Switch from RCS to SMS: Benefits of Using SMS Over RCS

Switching from RCS Messaging, aka Rich Communication Services, to SMS (Short Message Service) can offer several benefits depending on your needs and preferences. Here’s why SMS might be the better choice when comparing RCS vs SMS:

• Universal compatibility: SMS messaging works with any type of phone. This means that one can send and receive messages from another person regardless of whether they are using the most advanced mobile phone or the old version. RCS, on the other hand, needs both individuals to possess relatively compatible devices and network support.

• Wide network coverage: SMS operates in any place that has network connectivity, specifically within the coverage area of a cellular network. This encompasses areas where the internet connection is weak or might not be accessible at all. Therefore, regardless of where you are located, be it in a rural area, your messages can always reach the recipient via SMS.

• Cost-effective: SMS is often included in standard messaging packages and can be more cost-effective, especially for frequent users. RCS, on the other hand, uses more data, potentially leading to additional charges beyond your data plan.

• Simplicity: SMS is easy to use. You don’t need extra apps or features. It’s just simple text messaging. RCS has more features and can make it more complicated to use.

• Battery efficiency: SMS consumes less battery power than RCS. Since SMS does not require a data connection, it enables the battery of a phone to last longer. This is particularly helpful if you keep sending messages and do not want your battery to get depleted.

• Security: SMS is generally secure for sending plain text messages and has fewer security issues compared to RCS. RCS relies on data connections and can be more vulnerable to security risks.

How to Change RCS to SMS?

To change from RCS to SMS, follow these general steps:

1. Open messaging app: The first step is to locate the original messaging application of the phone you are using.

2. Access Settings: Tap on the three vertical dots or lines on the top right of the screen for the messaging app and select settings.

3. Find Chat Features: When evaluating features, try to search for an option named ‘Chat features,’ ‘Advanced messaging,’ or ‘RCS. ‘

4. Disable RCS: To reboot the conversation to SMS, you would have to turn off RCS or any other advanced messaging feature.

5. Confirm Changes: These changes may need the restarting of the messaging application or you an just save your settings and move on.

How to Change RCS to SMS on Android?

Follow the following steps to change RCS to SMS on Android:

Step 1: Open the Google message app and click at the top right, which indicates your Google picture.

Step 2: Click on Messages Settings.

Step 3: After opening messages settings, click on RCS Chats

Step 4: There will be an option to automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS).

Step 5: Toggle it to the right to change RCS to SMS.

Step 6: Press Allow to change RCS to SMS successfully.

Challenges When Switching from RCS to SMS

Some of the challenges faced while switching from RCS to SMS are:

• Loss of features: Features of RCS include multimedia messages, read receipts, and a typing indicator. Moving from SMS means leaving all these features and going back to the simple act of texting.

• Group messaging: RCS supports better group chat functionalities, including high-quality media sharing and improved management. SMS, on the other hand, has limited group messaging capabilities and lacks advanced features.

• Message length: RCS for instance allows for richer messages or multimedia messages and it accommodates longer wordings. An SMS is limited to 160 characters for delivery. If you are sending a message that is longer than this, it will be delivered in parts.

• Data dependency: RCS needs an internet connection, while SMS requires a cellular signal. Switching to SMS means that you do not need data, although this could also mean leaving behind some of the functions that require the Internet.

• User experience: RCS offers a more dynamic and engaging messaging experience. While SMS remains straightforward and uncomplicated, though it may appear less contemporary and interactive in comparison to RCS.

• Business communication: RCS enables companies to send rich and engaging messages like appointment reminders and tickets. SMS is less versatile in this aspect as it offers simple text messaging services only.

Conclusion

It is easy to change RCS to SMS just by making some changes in your Messages Settings. Switching from RCS to SMS can offer several practical benefits, including universal compatibility, wide network coverage, cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and battery efficiency. The Short Messaging Service (SMS) does not require the Internet can be supported by any type of telephone. It is often less expensive and easier on battery life compared to RCS.

However, shifting from RCS to SMS has its drawbacks, which include the user losing most of the features that were part of RCS, it is not very efficient in group messaging, and it has serious problems because of the shorter message length.

While SMS provides basic functionality and is more universally accessible, it lacks the advanced features and interactive capabilities of RCS. Choosing between RCS and SMS will depend on your specific needs for messaging.

FAQ

Is SMS better than RCS?

No SMS is not better than RCS because RCS offers richer features like multimedia messages, read receipts, typing indicators, and better group messaging capabilities. And only advantage SMS has over RCS is that it is available on almost every phone.

Why is my phone sending RCS messages instead of SMS?

Your phone is sending RCS messages instead of SMS for the following reasons:

1. Default settings: Your phone’s messaging application may be set to the RCS as the default method of messaging.
2. Carrier support: Your current mobile carrier is RCS enabled, and RCS is active and enabled on your account.
3. RCS compatibility: Your phone and the recipient’s phone both support RCS, and both are active on a data connection.

How to resend RCS as SMS?

To resend RCS as SMS, follow these steps:

1. Open Google Messages.
2. At the top right, tap your profile photo or icon and then select the Messages Settings option from the list.
3. Another window will appear where you will find RCS chats. Click on it.
4.  There will be an option saying, “automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS).”Toggle the switch to the right to enable this feature.

By following these steps, any RCS message that fails to send will automatically be resent as an SMS.