Carrier Services for Android RCS messaging

Carrier Services is a Google component for Android that supports Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging in Google Messages. It works behind the scenes rather than serving as a chat app: you use Google Messages to read and send messages, while RCS features depend on your device and messaging service.

What it helps you do

When RCS is available and enabled in Google Messages, conversations can use features such as typing indicators, read receipts, high-resolution media sharing, and messaging over Wi-Fi or mobile data. These are Google Messages features, not a separate set of controls inside Carrier Services.

• Useful for: Android users who use Google Messages and want its RCS chat features to work where supported.
• Typical scenario: Your phone includes Carrier Services, or Google Messages support guidance recommends updating it while troubleshooting RCS.
• Not a replacement for: Google Messages or your mobile carrier’s messaging service.

Availability and data notes

Installing Carrier Services alone does not guarantee that RCS will be available. Support depends on factors including your carrier, region, device, and RCS settings; everyone in a conversation also needs RCS access for RCS features to work. If RCS is unavailable, Google Messages may use SMS or MMS instead.

Google Play describes Carrier Services as collecting diagnostic and crash data to help its services operate. For details about data handling in RCS conversations, consult the Google Messages information and settings. RCS may use mobile data or Wi-Fi, and carrier terms or charges can apply.

Install from Google Play

1. Tap Download on this page to open the app’s Google Play listing.
2. Check that the listing says Carrier Services and names Google LLC as the developer.
3. Tap Install in Google Play and follow the on-screen instructions.

Installation is free. If Carrier Services is already included on your phone, you may only need an update when Google Play offers one or Google Messages support recommends it.