Find out what to do to chat for free with Google Messages app. Since when do you not use the SMS messaging app on your mobile? Probably since the 6-hour fall of WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook. And is that the current instant messaging apps have a lot of features that make this app that comes preinstalled on the phone look unattractive.
Is there any good reason to go back to using the Messages app? Yes, the ability to send messages for free. This is thanks to the fact that Google has been developing for years the RCS protocol that allows you to send free messages over the Internet. But to take advantage of it, you need to have this feature enabled. Do you know how to do it? Don’t worry, we will explain how to do it below.
What options to activate to chat for free with the Google Messages app
The first thing you need to do is to install the Google Messages app. Here below is the download box in case you have not downloaded it yet. However, 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 tariff you have contracted with your operator, or they can be free if you have an unlimited SMS plan. On the other hand, RCS messages can be free or have a cost if your operator charges you for data.
How to activate the Chat Features that allow you to send free messages
Generally speaking, we can say that in the Google Messages app, SMS are paid and RCS messages (Chat Features) are free. So what do you have to activate to chat without paying a penny? Well, the following function:
- Open the Google Messages app and press the button the three vertical dots.
- Now go to General Settings and tap the Chat Features section.
- Finally, you just have to enable the Chat Features and you’re done.
- How to chat for free with the Google Messages app
Once you already have this feature enabled, it will be very easy for you to take advantage of the 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.
However, you should keep in mind that you will not always be able to send RCS messages. You can only do it with contacts that 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 do you know if it will be sent as an SMS or RCS before sending the message? Easy, in the send button will appear the word SMS or a padlock as shown in the image above. The padlock is the icon for RCS messages, as this conversation protocol is encrypted.