RCS turns SMS into rich, app-like messages in the phone's default messaging app. What it is, which phones and networks support it in India, and how businesses use it.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the upgrade to SMS. Instead of plain text, a business can send images, carousels, buttons and suggested replies straight to the phone's default messaging app — no app download needed.
What a business RCS message can include
- Your brand name and logo, with a verified badge where the brand has been verified
- Rich cards: image or video, title, description and buttons
- Carousels of several cards customers can swipe
- Suggested replies and actions such as call, open a link, view location or add to calendar
- Read receipts and click reports
Which phones support it
Most Android phones support RCS through Google Messages when RCS chats are switched on. Apple added RCS support with iOS 18, and business RCS on iPhones depends on the carrier's rollout. In India, Jio, Airtel and Vi all support RCS business messaging, though support still depends on the user's device, settings and network.
What happens if a phone doesn't support RCS?
That is what SMS fallback is for. A well-built RCS campaign checks whether each number can receive RCS and sends a normal SMS to those who can't, so nobody misses the message.
Good uses for RCS
- Product launches and festive catalogues as carousels
- Order updates with "Track order" and "Change slot" buttons
- Appointment booking and reminders with one-tap replies
- Tickets and boarding passes
What RCS is not good for
For OTPs and critical alerts that must reach every phone instantly, plain transactional SMS is still the safest choice. Read more in RCS vs SMS.
See how RCS messaging with TextNSMS works, including brand verification and SMS fallback.
Frequently asked questions
Do customers need to install an app for RCS?
No. RCS messages arrive in the phone's default messaging app, such as Google Messages on Android.
Is RCS more expensive than SMS?
Pricing depends on the message type and provider. Rich messages usually cost more than plain SMS, but they can drive more clicks and replies.
Related service
RCS Messaging with TextNSMS
Prepaid wallet, pay per message, DLT-compliant routes. Serving Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and all of India.