Summary
A persistent bug in Google Messages is preventing users from connecting to the Rich Communication Services (RCS) servers. This issue seems to stem from a flaw in the app itself.
To temporarily resolve the problem, users may need to uninstall updates and sideload an older version of the app. For Android users, Google Messages is the prime option for an enhanced texting experience with friends on both Android and iPhone.
With RCS support, it aims to deliver capabilities comparable to popular communication apps. However, the reliability of RCS on Android has become a significant frustration.
Users frequently find the app failing to connect to Google’s servers, forcing them to revert to traditional SMS. Recently, this issue has resurfaced, affecting those using the latest version of Google Messages.
The Google Messages subreddit is overwhelmed with complaints from users unable to activate RCS on their devices. Many report that the service stopped working suddenly, and their devices now struggle to register and activate the feature.
Some users even mention that RCS is stuck on “Setting up.” Affected users have tried various troubleshooting methods, such as restarting their phones and clearing the app’s cache and data, but these efforts have not yielded results.
Reports indicate that the issue emerged earlier this week and continues to persist. One proposed solution that has worked for some involves uninstalling the updates to Google Messages and manually installing an older APK, with many users finding success with a version from December.
If this workaround proves effective, it’s advisable to disable auto-updates for Google Messages. Unfortunately, the root cause of the issue remains unclear, with no identifiable link to users’ devices or carriers.
Since reverting to an earlier version appears to resolve the issue, it is likely app-related. This recurring problem undermines the overall user experience and makes RCS feel unreliable.
Users may want to consider switching to other texting apps that promise greater reliability and a feature-rich experience.
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