Google Messages Upgrades with Dual SIM RCS Support

Since its launch, Google Messages has only allowed RCS (Rich Communication Services) on a single phone number. However, the app is now adding support for dual (multi) SIM, bringing significant improvements for users with dual SIM devices.

Updates on Dual SIM RCS Support

August 17 Update
In January, there were reports of dual SIM RCS support in Google Messages, but the feature was eventually pulled. Now, it appears that the capability is rolling out again. A beta user on the Nothing Phone 2 reported seeing two SIM cards “Connected” in the RCS settings. Additionally, there’s a new “Backup format for sending attachments” setting labelled “SMS with a link.” This might indicate the return of the Google Photos video upload feature that was quietly removed last year.

January 4 Original Report
Version 20240102_00_RC01, the first beta of the new year, included various strings related to multi_SIM RCS support:

– `<string name=”phone_number_input_title_text_multi_sim”>Send and receive RCS chats on SIM %1$d when you verify your number</string>`
– `<string name=”rcs_status_multi_sim_checkbox_content_description”>SIM %1$s RCS Toggle</string>`
– `<string name=”multi_sim_rcs_not_available_desc_disabled_by_it_admin”>Your IT administrator turned off RCS chats for all SIMs. %1$s</string>`
– `<string name=”disable_rcs_warning_text_global_level_three_or_more_sims”>RCS chats for all numbers will be turned off</string>`
– `<string name=”disable_rcs_warning_text_global_level_two_sims”>RCS chats for both numbers will be turned off</string>`

Gizchina News of the week

Join GizChina on Telegram

From the beginning, Google stated, “RCS chats are available for your default or preferred call SIM at this time and may be available for other SIMs later.” It looks like the company is now moving forward with adding support, which is crucial for RCS adoption internationally. Users with dual SIM phones are seeing multiple numbers appear in Settings > RCS chats, with some visual tweaks such as checkboxes next to each number instead of the generic SIM card icon.

January 5 Update
Users are now seeing dual SIM RCS support go live. They can choose which number they want to use for an RCS conversation. However, from the current reports, the second number cannot be set up yet, as Google has not enabled the server-side elements for dual/multi SIM RCS support in Messages.

Importance of Dual SIM RCS Support

The addition of dual SIM RCS support is an essential development for users globally. Many people, especially in regions where dual SIM phones are common, will benefit from this feature. It allows better management of personal and work communications on the same device. The ability to choose which number to use for RCS conversations adds flexibility and convenience.

Conclusion

Google Messages’ support for dual SIM RCS is a significant step forward in enhancing the app’s functionality and making it more versatile for users with multiple phone numbers. While the feature is still in the rollout phase and not yet fully functional, its availability in the beta version indicates that full support will be coming soon. This update marks a considerable improvement in the user experience for those relying on dual SIM phones and RCS for their messaging needs.