You’ll agree that RCS is a huge upgrade over SMS, with features like typing indicators, read receipts, end-to-end encryption, and support for high-res media. So much so that even Apple has now adopted RCS for iPhone users, bringing Android and iPhone closer than ever. But it’s still tricky figuring out which of your contacts have made the switch to RCS, that’s something Google Messages is trying to fix.
Google Messages wants to help you spot who’s using RCS — and who’s still living under a rock
According to a report by Android Authority, the latest Google Messages beta suggests some notable changes that’ll make it easier to see who’s RCS-ing. Right now, when users open the “Start chat” screen in Google Messages, they see a list of contacts without any indication of whether the conversation will use RCS or fall back to traditional SMS.
The upcoming update fixes that by adding a clear “RCS” label next to the names or numbers of contacts who have RCS enabled. The feature reportedly works for iPhone users as well, now that Apple also supports RCS.
Credit: Android Authority
In addition to the label, Google is also introducing subtle visual cues to help users tell RCS and SMS contacts apart. On devices using light mode, RCS-enabled contacts will appear slightly tinted with Material You accent colors, while SMS-only contacts will remain plain white. In dark mode, the contrast is even more noticeable, making it easier to spot who supports RCS at a glance. For contacts with multiple phone numbers saved, the label shows up only next to the number that supports RCS.
While Google hasn’t officially announced the feature or shared a rollout timeline, its appearance in the beta suggests it could arrive soon. For anyone who cares about a smoother and more secure texting experience, this small update could make a meaningful difference.
