Since when do you not use the SMS messaging app on your mobile? Probably from the 6 hour crash of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. And it is that the current instant messaging apps have a lot of functions that make this app that comes pre-installed on the mobile look unattractive.
Is there a good reason to use the Messages app again? Yes, the ability to send messages for free . This is thanks to the fact that Google has spent years developing the RCS protocol that allows free messages to be sent over the Internet. But, to take advantage of it you have to have this function activated. You know how to do it? Don’t worry, here we explain how.
What options to activate to chat for free with the Google Messages app
The first thing you have to do is install the Google Messages app. Here below we leave you the download box in case you have not downloaded it yet. Now, not all messages sent from this app are free . The application allows you to send the already known SMS, and also RCS messages with the option called Chat Functions (the name that Google gives to the RCS protocol).
So SMS are paid, and RCS messages are free? Yes and no. SMS can cost you money depending on the rate you have contracted with your operator, or they can be free if you have an unlimited SMS plan. For its part, RCS messages can be free or have a cost if your operator charges you for data.
How to activate Chat Features that allow you to send messages for free
Generally speaking, we can say that in the Google Messages app, SMS are paid and RCS (Chat Features) messages are free . So what do you have to activate to chat without paying a dime? So the following function:
- Open the Google Messages app and tap the three vertical dots button .
- Now go into General Settings and tap on the Chat Features section.
- Finally, you just have to enable the Chat Features and you’re good to go.
How to chat for free with the Google Messages app
Once you have this feature activated, it will be very easy for you to take advantage of free RCS messages. Just send a message as you normally would with the app . It’s as simple as searching for the contact you want to chat with, writing the message and sending it.
Now, you should keep in mind that you will not always be able to send RCS messages. You can only do this with contacts who have this feature enabled . This means that when you write a message to a user who does not have it activated, it will be sent as an SMS.
And how to know if an SMS or an RCS will be sent before sending the message? Easy, in the send button the word SMS or a padlock will appear as shown in the image above. The padlock is the icon for RCS messages, as this conversation protocol is encrypted. Finally, we want to recommend this trick to discover which of your contacts use RCS messaging.
