Larger file transfers
Send high-quality pictures and longer videos to enhance your messages.
Delivery and read receipts
See when your messages have been delivered and read.
Typing notification
Know when the person you're messaging with is typing a response.
RCS is here
Rich Communication Services (RCS) Advanced Messaging network standards let you chat and share larger files with more people* than ever before, up to 100 group chat participants. Send image, video, and other files up to 100MB in size.
We’re excited to begin featuring the Messages by Google application on new Android 12 OS and above devices.** This will offer RCS technology from the AT&T network to a growing list of popular smartphones from Samsung and more; and soon, deliver RCS features that function between the major U.S wireless carriers.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Advanced Messaging?Advanced Messaging is the AT&T next-generation RCS messaging service that allows you to send high-resolution photos and larger video files, up to 100MB per attachment, with group chats up to 100 participants. You’ll be able to see when your messages have been delivered, when they are read, and even when others are typing a response.
- Can I use Advanced Messaging on any phone?Advanced Messaging is only available on select Android smartphones and may not be compatible with certain rate plans. To enjoy the benefits of Advanced Messaging, you and the person you’re messaging will need AT&T Advanced Messaging-capable devices. The ability to share files up to 100MB, along with group messages with up to 100 participants, will vary depending on the smartphones being used.
- How do I use Advanced Messaging?
You can use Advanced Messaging if you and the people you’re messaging with:
Are AT&T postpaid wireless customers
Have RCS Advanced Messaging capable devices
Have the Enhanced 4G LTE Services setting on your device ON
Have devices within AT&T-owned and operated network coverage
Do not have a conflicting feature on your account, including the following:Â Â Â Â SMS or MMS blocks you have added to your account
      Data blocks you have added to your account.If you have one of these features, they must be removed from your account for Advanced Messaging to work.
- Do I need to install any apps or do anything special on my phone to use Advanced Messaging?No. As long as you and people you’re messaging with have Advanced Messaging capable devices, you don’t need to do anything on your phone or account to enjoy Advanced Messaging. As a general rule, please be sure that your phone is updated to the latest software.
To take advantage of Messages by Google, we’ll be rolling out a version of Messages that will be featured on new Android smartphones to take advantage of the new RCS technologies. Note that versions of Messages by Google separately downloaded from Google Play Store may not yet be compatible with RCS from AT&T. - Where can I use Advanced Messaging?You can use Advanced Messaging when you're in AT&T-owned and operated domestic coverage areas.
- How is Advanced Messaging different from AT&T standard messaging service?With Advanced Messaging, you can group chat with more people than standard SMS/MMS. Also, you can send and receive messages with larger file attachments than AT&T standard messaging service. Files can be up to 100MB in size. You can also see when your message has been delivered, when it’s been read, and when a response is being typed.
- How much does Advanced Messaging cost?
Standard MMS and SMS rates apply based on your current AT&T rate plan. If you are on a plan that includes an unlimited number of texts, you will not incur any additional charges when you use Advanced Messaging.
For capped Messaging plans or Pay-Per-Use customers, you will also be billed at your current messaging rates. But please note, if you send a message with multiple attachments with Advanced Messaging, each file you attach as well as your text will be counted and billed as individual messages.
For example, if you type a text message and attach 2 photos, those would count as 3 separate messages (1 SMS and 2 MMS) for billing purposes. Files can be photos, videos, contacts, calendar items, or anything else you attach to your text message.
- How do I manage Advanced Messaging?
You can manage Advanced Messaging, including turning it off, in the messaging Settings menu. In your phone’s messaging app, go to Settings and tap Advanced Messaging to turn Advanced Messaging on or off.
For Messages by Google, please see their Messages support for more information.
- Can I use Advanced Messaging with a group?Yes. You can send group chats as long as all participants meet the requirements for RCS Advanced Messaging. Please note that all participant smartphones must support the most recent version of Advanced Messaging to take advantage of the increased limit of group participants.
- How do I prevent others from seeing when I’ve read their message?
Go to your Messaging settings menu, select Advanced Messaging , and turn off Read Receipts.
For Messages by Google, please see their Messages support for more information.
- Can I use Advanced Messaging internationally?Not at this time. As with all smartphones with AT&T services, your devices can be used internationally, but not all features and services may be available. Learn more.
- What is RCS messaging?RCS stands for Rich Communication Services and is a set of technology rules and global standards that offer even more powerful Advanced Messaging possibilities. AT&T network smartphones that support RCS have the most feature-rich Advanced Messaging capabilities.
- Does Advanced Messaging from AT&T adhere to RCS standards?Yes! The Advanced Messaging enhancements being introduced to Android smartphones adhere to RCS standards. AT&T has made a number of network updates to support Advanced Messaging. As mobile carriers work to roll out RCS on devices within their networks, the goal is to have these new messaging enhancements work between carriers.
- Where can I get more information about Advanced Messaging?Read our Advanced Messaging support article.