How to use Google Messages

What is Google Messages

Google Messages provides Rich Communication Services (RCS), an enhanced and universal communication experience.

It’s available on:

• Samsung devices released in or after 2021
• Any other Android device running OS 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher
• iPhone XS or newer running iOS 18 or higher

Learn more about Google Messages.

Important: effective December 31, 2023, Advanced Messaging in the Samsung Messages app has been discontinued. This means that Google Messages is the main messaging application for Advanced Messaging.

After December 31, 2023, you can still use standard text, picture and video messaging via the Samsung Messages app but if you would like access to Advanced Messaging features (like read receipts, typing indicators, message reactions, high-resolution images/videos and group messages) you can download and use the Google Messages app.

The chat message history from the Samsung Messages app will not transfer over to the Google Messages app.

Once you have opted in to Google Messages, standard data charges apply for all messages sent using the service. Both you and the recipient of your messages must have devices that support Google Messages; otherwise the service will use standard text/picture/video messaging.

If you do not have a Bell Mobility data plan and are not connected to Wi-Fi, you will incur pay-per-use data charges (domestic or roaming).

When roaming in an eligible destination, Google Messages is charged as roaming data, which will be deducted from your roaming add-on, if applicable. Otherwise, pay-per-use roaming data rates will apply.

If you only want to use Google Messages with Wi-Fi to avoid data charges, please turn the chat features off when Wi-Fi is not available.

1. Go to Menu.
2. Select Messages Settings.
3. Select RCS Chats.
4. Turn RCS Chats on or off.

If you are not able to follow the steps above or the steps do not match what you see on your compatible device, you may need to update Google Messages.