Google is preventing RCS messaging from working on rooted Android devices, according to multiple user reports. Users with rooted phones or custom ROMs can no longer send or receive RCS messages through the Google Messages app.
In late November 2022, Reddit users started reporting problems with RCS on rooted devices. Some users have reported that their messages disappear after tapping “send”; others have reported failed verification even though RCS shows as connected.
Unlike when Google Pay stops working, no error message indicates why RCS isn’t functioning.This leaves users unaware that their messages aren’t going through.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-gen successor to SMS. It brings advanced features like read receipts, high-res photo sharing, video calls, and more. Google has heavily promoted RCS adoption as a way to modernise messaging.
SMS and MMS remain available on the affected phones. However, some users say SMS/MMS also failed for existing conversations.
The blocking stems from Google’s Play Integrity API, which checks whether phones are tampered with. Rooting trips the system since it involves unlocking the bootloader and gaining superuser access.
SafetyNet API checks also caused issues for rooted users. Now, RCS gets blocked as well through the newer Play Integrity API.
The RCS blocking has drawn criticism from some Android enthusiasts. Google confirmed they are intentionally blocking some rooted devices from RCS messaging. They cited the need to prevent spam and abuse by ensuring devices follow the RCS standard’s security measures. The company said it aims to balance security and customizability.