Facing RCS issues in Google Messages? You're not alone

One of the biggest draws of the Google Messages app is RCS messaging, an upgraded version of SMS that adds features like encryption, read receipts, and media support. So it’s no surprise that it’s the preferred method of communication for most people. It now looks like some are facing trouble connecting to RCS in the app.

In a thread on Reddit, a user describes switching over from a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 to the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and being unable to connect to RCS, reportedly seeing the error code 3100. A Google rep has since chimed in with a potential remedy, while hinting that this may be due to corrupted cache files that could have snuck through while switching devices via Samsung’s Smart Switch app.

Google’s advice includes updating to the latest version of Messages, toggling RCS off, clearing Carrier Services data, restarting the phone, and then switching RCS back on. Unfortunately for the user, these steps didn’t appear to fix the bug.

Another individual who reportedly faced the same ordeal says they fixed it by conducting a factory reset and not using Smart Switch to port the messages over. However, it doesn’t appear to be effective for everyone.

In a different Reddit post, another Galaxy device owner mentions facing a similar issue while switching to Verizon from AT&T. Google has offered a response here as well, saying the customer’s porting process may not have completed. However, what seems to have really fixed the issue for this person is a detailed six-part process suggested in one of the replies.

The best way to avoid this if you’re going to switch devices in the near future, at least according to one person who did it recently, is to turn off RCS before beginning the network switching process and only enable it after receiving the carrier’s confirmation of a successful port.

If you’re too far ahead in the process and RCS is currently non-functional, try the six-part workaround we mentioned above to get RCS working again on the Messages app.