Short description: If you stopped getting group texts after making AdvanceSMS your default SMS app, your number is probably still registered for RCS (chat features) in Google Messages. Here’s how to turn it off.

Why this happens

Google Messages uses RCS (“chat features”) for group chats. Your number can stay registered for RCS even after you make AdvanceSMS your default SMS app. People who text you, including iPhone users, then keep sending group messages over RCS. RCS messages can only be received by Google Messages. They never reach AdvanceSMS and don’t turn into normal texts. Android doesn’t allow any other app to receive RCS, so we can’t fix this inside the app. You need to turn RCS off for your number.

Turn off RCS in Google Messages

1. Open Google Messages. If it asks to be your default SMS app, allow it for now.
2. Tap your profile picture (top right) > Messages settings > RCS chats.
3. Turn off “Turn on RCS chats”. If you have two SIMs, turn it off for every number.
4. Wait until it shows that RCS is off.
5. Open AdvanceSMS and set it as your default SMS app again.

Can’t open Google Messages, or the setting is greyed out?

Go to https://messages.google.com/disable-chat, enter your phone number, and type in the 6-digit code you receive by SMS. It can take from a few hours to a few days to take effect.

After RCS is off

• Old RCS group chats will not switch to normal group texts. Ask someone in the group to start a new group with you, or to remove you and add you back.
• Android friends can turn on Google Messages > Settings > RCS chats > Resend as SMS/MMS > Always, so their messages still reach you.
• Keep mobile data on. Group texts (MMS) need it.