Apple released iOS 26.5 on Monday, and the update brought end-to-end encryption to Rich Communication Services messaging. Apple introduced RCS to all iPhones in 2024 when the company released iOS 18, but the messaging protocol lacked end-to-end encryption at the time.
With RCS messaging, your iPhone gets features like typing indicators and the “Delivered” status message while messaging Android users. It also helps ensure high-quality videos and pictures are sent when texting between those devices. Then, with iOS 18.1, Apple brought RCS Business Messaging to iPhones, which means you’ll be able to chat with some businesses in Messages rather than a buggy web page. Apple wrote online that end-to-end encryption is on by default after updating to iOS 26.5 if your carrier supports it, and that encryption will be enabled for new and existing conversations over time.
If you’re having issues with RCS on your iPhone, here’s how to check whether your carrier supports RCS, how to make sure it’s enabled on your iPhone and what to do if it’s still not working. And here’s how to make sure end-to-end encryption is enabled.
Does my carrier support RCS messaging?
Before enabling RCS messaging, you should know whether your carrier supports the protocol. Most carriers support RCS, but not all of them. If your iPhone is running iOS 26.5, here are all the US carriers that support RCS on your device.
- AT&T
- Boost Mobile
- C Spire
- Cellcom Wisconsin
- Consumer Cellular
- Cox Mobile
- Cricket
- Family Mobile
- FirstNet
- H20 Wireless
- Metro by T-Mobile
- Mint Mobile
- Nex-Tech Wireless
- PureTalk
- RedPocket Mobile
- Spectrum Mobile
- Strata
- T-Mobile
- Total Wireless
- TracFone / Straight Talk
- Ultra Mobile
- US Cellular
- Verizon
- Visible
- Xfinity Mobile
Apple brought RCS to iPhones with iOS 18.
If you live outside of the US, here’s how to check on your iPhone to see if your carrier supports RCS messaging on your device.
1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap General.
3. Tap About.
4. Tap Carrier.
When you tap Carrier, it will change to IMS Status and show messaging support details to the right. For example, if your carrier supports RCS, you’ll see Voice, SMS & RCS. If your carrier doesn’t support RCS, you’ll see Voice & SMS.
If your carrier doesn’t support RCS Messaging, have no fear, as Apple is reportedly expanding support to more carriers in the future.
Watch this: How to Enable RCS on iPhone
How to enable RCS messaging on your iPhone
If your carrier supports RCS, here’s how to make sure it’s working on your iPhone.
1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps near the bottom of the menu.
3. Tap Messages.
4. Tap RCS Messaging under Text Messaging.
5. Tap the toggle next to RCS Messaging to enable this feature.
Apple wrote online that encryption is on by default, but if you want to make sure the feature is enabled, follow the above steps and check the toggle next to End-to-End Encryption (Beta) to make sure it’s enabled.
Now messaging Android devices will feel more like messaging another iPhone — but you’ll still see those green bubbles. End-to-end encryption RCS messaging is still in beta, so some messages won’t be encrypted. Conversations that are encrypted will be labeled Encrypted in your Messages app.
RCS not working on your iPhone?
If you updated your iPhone to the latest iOS update, your carrier supports RCS and you enabled it on your iPhone, but RCS still isn’t working for you, try a forced restart on your iPhone. Here’s how to perform a forced restart.
1. Press and release the volume up button on your iPhone.
2. Press and release the volume down button on your iPhone.
3. Press and hold your iPhone’s side button until your iPhone restarts and you see the Apple logo on your screen. You have to ignore the screen that asks you to slide to power off your device, as well.
If this doesn’t work, contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider for a device inspection.
Is it safe to message Android devices?
If you have downloaded iOS 26.5 to your iPhone, yes. If you haven’t downloaded that update to your device, you should use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, like Signal.
For more iOS news, here’s what to know about iOS 26.5 and iOS 26.4. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet for other tips and tricks.
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