Rooted Androids Struggle with Google Messages RCS

“Explore the struggle of Google Messages RCS on rooted Androids. Understand the reasons, impact, and potential solutions in this deep dive.”

Priya BhadaurjaMarch 4, 2024

0 74

Table of Contents

Rooted Androids Struggle with Google Messages RCS – a phrase that has become all too familiar for tech enthusiasts worldwide. In the realm of Android customization, rooting has always been a popular choice. It offers unparalleled control and customization options over one’s device. However, it’s not without its share of challenges.

One such challenge that has recently come to light is the struggle faced by rooted Android phones when trying to use Google Messages RCS (Rich Communication Services). This advanced messaging protocol, designed to supersede traditional SMS, offers a host of enhanced features such as high-resolution photo sharing, read receipts, and group chats.

However, users of rooted Android phones or those running custom ROMs have reported issues with this service. This article aims to delve deep into this issue, exploring why rooted Androids struggle with Google Messages RCS, and what potential solutions might look like. Stay tuned as we unpack this complex issue.

Understanding Google Messages RCS

Google Messages RCS, or Rich Communication Services, is an advanced messaging protocol that aims to replace traditional SMS. It offers a host of enhanced features such as high-resolution photo sharing, read receipts, and group chats.

However, recent reports suggest that Google is blocking RCS messaging on rooted Android smartphones and on smartphones with bootloader unlocked. According to Google, this step has been taken to prevent spam and abuse. A large volume of RCS spam comes from automation, which typically relies on modifications to the sending device.

Rooted smartphones provide users with control over Android system files, which allows them to edit and delete system files at will. This in turn gives users the ability to customize almost all aspects of the smartphone’s operating system (OS) and user interface (UI). Bootloader, the software responsible for loading the OS, when unlocked, gives users the permission to modify the OS or even install custom ROMs, which are essentially third-party versions of Android OS.

Interestingly, using the RCS messaging service on rooted devices does not show any error message. However, you cannot send an RCS message on the rooted or bootloader unlocked Android device. The messages sent with RCS turned on do not go through SMS/MMS fallback either, which Google said is default when RCS is not working. Disabling RCS messaging allows users to send messages over SMS on rooted devices.

This issue has sparked a debate in the tech community, with many users expressing their disappointment. As we delve deeper into this issue, we will explore the technical reasons behind this problem and discuss potential solutions. Stay tuned as we unravel the complexities of Google Messages RCS on rooted Android phones.

Rooted Android Phones and Custom ROMs

Rooted Android phones and custom ROMs have been a significant part of the Android ecosystem, offering users unparalleled control and customization options. However, these modifications come with their own set of challenges, one of which is the compatibility issue with Google Messages RCS.

Rooting an Android phone provides users with control over Android system files, allowing them to edit and delete system files at will. This level of control enables users to customize almost all aspects of the smartphone’s operating system (OS) and user interface (UI).

On the other hand, custom ROMs are aftermarket firmware productions based on the Android source code provided by Google. They are essentially third-party versions of Android OS. Some popular custom ROMs include Pixel Experience, Project Elixir, EvoX, LineageOS, and Paranoid Android. These ROMs offer a range of features and stability, catering to different user preferences.

However, Google has recently started blocking RCS messaging on rooted Android smartphones and on smartphones with bootloader unlocked. This move has sparked a debate in the tech community, with many users expressing their disappointment. The Google Messages app does not show any error messages when blocking RCS messages of these users and does not send the messages out as SMS or MMS either.

As we delve deeper into this issue, we will explore the technical reasons behind this problem and discuss potential solutions. Stay tuned as we unravel the complexities of Google Messages RCS on rooted Android phones.

The Struggle: Google Messages RCS on Rooted Androids

The struggle of Google Messages RCS on rooted Androids is a complex issue that has sparked a debate in the tech community. Users of rooted Android phones and those running custom ROMs have reported issues with Google Messages RCS. The Google Messages app does not show any error messages when blocking RCS messages of these users and does not send the messages out as SMS or MMS either.

Google is implementing Play Integrity API attestation checks specifically on the Google Messages app. This means that if an Android device is tampered with in any way, such as having its bootloader unlocked for installing a custom ROM or is rooted, these APIs throw up an error. This has led to multiple users reporting issues with RCS on rooted Android phones, where they can’t send or receive RCS messages even if a rooted phone passes checks.

Interestingly, using the RCS messaging service on rooted devices does not show any error message. However, you cannot send an RCS message on the rooted or bootloader unlocked Android device. The messages sent with RCS turned on do not go through SMS/MMS fallback either, which Google said is default when RCS is not working. However, disabling RCS messaging allows users to send messages over SMS on rooted devices.

This issue has sparked a debate in the tech community, with many users expressing their disappointment. Some users have started griping about it as far back as late 2023. Even if the rooted phone manages to get past the checks, the user is unable to send or receive RCS messages.

In response to concerns raised by users, a Google spokesperson stated to Android Central that blocking RCS features on rooted devices is part of its efforts to combat spam and fraud. The company continues to update its spam-fighting tactics to stay ahead of spammers who adapt their methods.

Possible Reasons for the Struggle

The struggle of Google Messages RCS on rooted Androids is a complex issue that has sparked a debate in the tech community. The primary reason behind this struggle is the implementation of Play Integrity API attestation checks specifically on the Google Messages app.

When an Android device is tampered with in any way, such as having its bootloader unlocked for installing a custom ROM or is rooted, these APIs throw up an error. This has led to multiple users reporting issues with RCS on rooted Android phones, where they can’t send or receive RCS messages even if a rooted phone passes checks.

Another reason is that Google is trying to prevent spam and abuse. A large volume of RCS spam comes from automation, which typically relies on modifications to the sending device.

However, the Google Messages app does not show any error messages when blocking RCS messages of these users and does not send the messages out as SMS or MMS either. This has left many users in the dark about their messaging issues.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Google Messages RCS on Rooted Androids

The future of Google Messages RCS on rooted Androids is uncertain. Google is implementing Play Integrity API attestation checks on the Google Messages app, which has led to issues with RCS on rooted Android phones. However, tech-savvy users have found a workaround by sidestepping the Play Integrity API.

Google has stated that this move is aimed at curbing spam and abuse on Google Messages. As the company continues to update its spam-fighting tactics, it remains to be seen how this will impact users of rooted Android phones and those running custom ROMs.

FAQ

1. Why is RCS not working in Google Messages?

RCS may not work in Google Messages due to several reasons. It could be because of issues with the device, carrier, or the Google Messages app itself. For instance, Google prevents RCS messaging from working on rooted Android devices. Also, if Google Messages isn’t set as the default messaging app, RCS may malfunction. Troubleshooting steps such as checking the RCS connection status, toggling chat features, clearing storage for Messages and Carrier Services, and resetting network options can help resolve these problems.

2. How do I force Google Messages to use RCS?

To force Google Messages to use RCS, you need to enable it in the settings. Open the Google Messages app, tap on your profile icon, go into Message Settings, select RCS chats, and toggle ‘Turn on RCS chats’ on. If your carrier and device aren’t automatically set up for RCS chats, you may be offered RCS chats.

3. Does Google Messages support RCS?

Yes, Google Messages does support RCS. RCS (Rich Communication Services) chats provide an upgraded, rich messaging experience. They show when someone is typing, offer read receipts, send messages over mobile data and Wi-Fi, and let you share files and high-resolution photos.

4. Should I turn off RCS?

Whether to turn off RCS or not depends on your personal preference and needs. While RCS offers advanced features like read receipts, media transfers, and improved group chats, it might not be the preferred solution for everyone. If you’re having issues with the connection, turning off the setting and reactivating it might be a good reason to do so.

5. Is RCS better than SMS?

RCS is considered an upgrade to SMS as it offers more modern features. These include read receipts, typing indicators, and multimedia sharing. Furthermore, RCS provides end-to-end encryption, making it more secure compared to SMS.

6. Why is o2 moving RCS to Google?

O2’s migration to Google Messages using Jibe is aimed at providing users with a better experience, improved interoperability with other carriers, and faster access to new RCS features as they’re added.

7. Is RCS better than WhatsApp?

RCS and WhatsApp are different messaging experiences and each has its own advantages. While RCS offers features like group chats and high-resolution media sharing, it lacks end-to-end encryption, voice/video calls, disappearing messages, and a web/desktop version that WhatsApp provides. However, RCS is integrated into the Android messaging system and doesn’t require a separate app download like WhatsApp.

8. How do I manually enable RCS messaging on Android?

To manually enable RCS messaging on Android, launch the Google Messages app, tap on your profile icon, go into Message Settings, select RCS chats, and toggle ‘Turn on RCS chats’ on.

9. How to force RCS on Android?

To force RCS on Android, you can follow the same steps as manually enabling RCS. However, if RCS is not available on your device or carrier, you might need to use a workaround. This involves setting specific flags in the Google Messages app. Please note that this method might not work on all devices and could potentially violate terms of service.

Conclusion: Rooted Androids Struggle with Google Messages RCS

Struggle of Google Messages RCS on rooted Androids is a complex issue that has sparked a debate in the tech community. As Google continues to update its spam-fighting tactics, it remains to be seen how this will impact users of rooted Android phones and those running custom ROMs.