What RCS is vs. SMS/MMS
| Feature | SMS | MMS | RCS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text messages | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Images and video | No | Yes (limited) | Yes (high quality) |
| File size limit | 160 characters | 1 MB | Up to 100 MB |
| Read receipts | No | No | Yes |
| Typing indicators | No | No | Yes |
| Branded sender | No | No | Yes (verified business profile) |
| Interactive buttons | No | No | Yes (quick replies, URLs, call) |
| Carousel cards | No | No | Yes |
| Rich cards | No | No | Yes (image, title, description, buttons) |
| Fallback to SMS | N/A | N/A | Yes — automatic |
Supported carriers
RCS business messaging is supported by most major US carriers:- Google Messages — the default messaging app on most Android phones
- T-Mobile — full RCS support
- AT&T — RCS supported on most devices
- Verizon — RCS supported through Google Messages
RCS is not supported on Apple iMessage. When sending to an iPhone user, the message automatically falls back to SMS/MMS. Apple has announced RCS support in iOS 18+, which will expand reach over time.
Rich media capabilities
Verified business profile
Your business name, logo, and description appear at the top of the conversation. Verified profiles show a checkmark, building trust.Rich cards
Send structured cards with an image, title, description, and up to 4 action buttons (call, visit URL, quick reply).Carousel cards
Send a horizontal scrollable set of rich cards — ideal for product showcases, service menus, or multi-option responses.Suggested actions
Add interactive buttons below your message for quick replies, phone calls, map directions, or URL visits.Enabling RCS in HoopAI
Check eligibility
Contact support to verify your account is eligible for RCS business messaging. RCS requires carrier approval and business verification.
Complete business verification
Submit your business name, logo, description, website, and contact information for verification with the RCS registry.
Configure your brand profile
Once verified, set up your branded sender profile with your logo, colors, and business description.
Fallback to SMS
When the recipient does not support RCS (iPhone users, older Android devices, or areas without carrier support), the message automatically falls back to a standard SMS or MMS. You do not need to manage this manually — the platform handles detection and fallback.Current limitations
- iOS support is emerging — Apple’s RCS support in iOS 18+ is rolling out but may not support all business messaging features initially
- Not all Android devices support RCS — older devices or those without Google Messages may not receive RCS
- Carrier approval required — business RCS messaging requires verification and carrier approval, which can take 2-4 weeks
- Analytics — read receipt and delivery data may not be available for all carriers
- Cost — RCS messages may have different pricing than standard SMS. Check your account’s rate card in Settings > Billing > Usage
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a separate number for RCS?
Do I need a separate number for RCS?
No. RCS uses the same phone number as your SMS service. Messages are automatically upgraded to RCS when the recipient supports it.
Can I send RCS through workflows?
Can I send RCS through workflows?
RCS support in workflow actions depends on the current platform capabilities. Contact support to confirm availability for automated RCS messaging.
How do I know if a message was delivered via RCS or SMS?
How do I know if a message was delivered via RCS or SMS?
The conversation thread indicates the message type. RCS messages show delivery and read receipt indicators that are not available on standard SMS.