Before we delve into how to turn off RCS chats, let’s first understand what they are. In simple terms, allow messages to be sent over Wi-Fi or mobile data, instead of relying entirely on cellular networks.
Most modern android and iPhone mobile devices support RCS chats which are turned on by default. Sometimes, the chats can be turned on when you perform a system upgrade.
Why You Need to Turn Off RCS Chats
While it sounds great to send messages over WiFi or internet, there is a downside when RCS chats are on. First, your cellular messages may experience some delays. In essence, someone may send you an SMS at 10.00am and you may end up receiving it at 10.05am or even several hours after.
The same applies to you sending someone a message, and you keep wondering why they are not responding fast. Do not be surprised when they say they haven’t seen any text from you yet.
It is for this reason that telcoms like Safaricom have sent numerous messages asking subscribers to turn off RCS chats to avoid message delivery delays.
Second, when RCS chats are on, you may experience difficulty trying to type an SMS on your phone especially when data or WiFi is active. It actually becomes annoying.
If you do not know how to turn off the chats, then you are in the right place. Here is a quick guide on how to do it.
1. Open your Messages app as shown in the picture below. Once open, tap on the Google Icon of your phone as indicated by the arrow.
2. Scroll down the options and select the Message Settings as shown in the picture.
3. This will open the Settings and show the lines on your phone (in this case, this is a dual SIM android phone.) Select any of the numbers shown. If you use both lines for messaging, you can turn off RCS at the same time.
4. Once you select the line, more options will appear including RCS Chats as shown. Click on RCS Chats here.
5. As you can see in the picture, the RCS Chats are On and connected by default for both lines. Touch on the icon indicated by the arrow to turn off RCS chats. (If you just want to turn off RCS chats for one line, uncheck the line you want to remain active.)
6. A prompt will appear asking you if you really want to turn off RCS chats. Select Turn Off as indicated by the arrow.
7. Voila! Your RCS chats are now off.
How To Turn on RCS Chats
If you want to turn on RCS chats, it is simple — just follow the same process as above and turn on the chats in Step 5.
