How to Get “Chat” RCS Features on Verizon Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL

Verizon confirmed earlier this week that the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL would see support for RCS Universal Profile “Chat” features starting today. We are still awaiting their arrival to the majority of phone owners, but can at least help you see if your phone has it or it can turn it on.

If available, you’ll be able to take advantage of advanced messaging options, like sending larger text messages (up to 8,000 characters), seeing typing indicators, receiving read receipts when messages have been read, larger group chats (up to 100 participants), higher-quality image and video sharing, chatting over WiFi, and larger file transfers. It’ll be great at some point. Maybe.

Just know that in order to participate in the full “Chat” experience, you’ll need a supported phone that has RCS Chat features, as will the person you are talking to. As of right now, there aren’t many that do! On Verizon, you’ll have the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, so you’ll need to know someone with one of those phones on Verizon. You should also be able to talk to T-Mobile Galaxy S7 owners, and some Sprint folks.

So how do you turn it on or see if you have it?

How to turn on RCS “Chat” features on Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL

1. Open the Android Messages app
2. Tap the top-right menu button and choose Settings
3. Tap “Advanced”
4. Look for a “Chat features” at the top

Not seeing that option? There are various reasons for that. For one, Verizon may be rolling this out slowly (reddit) and you just haven’t been given the green light yet. There is nothing you can do if that’s the case. You should check in Google Play for app updates, though. You might need a Messages (link) or a Carrier Services (link) update.

Anyone seeing the option yet?