RCS in Xiaomi: Messaging Revolution or Just a Replacement of SMS?

What is RCS and why does Xiaomi support it?

If you’ve ever wondered why messages between iPhones and Androids look like outdated SMSs rather than modern chat with read notifications and high-quality media, the answer lies in Rich Communication Services (RCS) technology, a protocol that aims to replace the usual SMS and MMS with messenger features like encryption, reactions, large file transfers and even video calls right in the standard Messages app.

Xiaomi, as one of the largest Android smartphone makers, is actively implementing RCS support in its devices. Starting with models on MIUI 12 and later (including Redmi Note 11, Xiaomi 13, POCO F5, etc.), the service is available by default or can be activated manually. But why is it important? The fact is that RCS is not just “improved SMS”, but part of Google Messages’ global initiative to unify messaging between all Android devices, regardless of brand.

Unlike proprietary solutions like Apple’s iMessage, RCS is open standards, which means compatibility between Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi and others, but the nuance is that not all carriers support the technology, and some countries (like Russia) have been slower to adopt it due to regulatory constraints.

How is RCS different from SMS and messaging?

To understand the benefits of RCS, compare it to traditional messaging methods:

The main advantage of RCS over instant messengers is integration into the standard Messages app. You don't need to install additional programs like WhatsApp or Viber: messaging occurs via a phone number, like a regular SMS, but with advanced features, and RCS works even if the interlocutor has turned off mobile Internet (message will come as SMS), which is not available in classic instant messengers.

There are, however, downsides:

• 🔴 Not all operators support RCS (In Russia, only Beeline and Tele2 at the time of 2026).
• 🔴 There is no end-to-end encryption by default (unlike Signal or WhatsApp).
• 🔴 Google addiction: service tied to Google Messages, raising privacy questions.

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If you don't have RCS, check if Google Messages is installed as the default SMS app, which is a prerequisite for activating the service.

Step-by-step: how to turn on RCS on Xiaomi

RCS activation on Xiaomi smartphones takes no more than 5 minutes, but requires several key steps. Importantly, the procedure may differ depending on the model and version of MIUI, but the overall scheme is the same.

1. Install Google Messages as the default app: Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps → SMS App and select Google Messages (if not, download from Google Play).

Is Google Messages Installed?|Is there a stable internet (Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi) 4G/5G)?|Does your operator support you? RCS?|Is the firmware updated to the latest version?-->

If after activation, blue ticks do not appear in chats (a sign of RCS work), check:

• 📶 Internet connection: RCS Requires an active connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• 📱 Interviewer compatibility: It should also be included RCS Android-based.
• 🔄 App Updates: Google Play must have the latest version of Google Messages.

Which Xiaomi models support RCS?

Starting in 2020, all Xiaomi smartphones based on Android 10 and later theoretically support RCS, but the real work of the service depends on the version of MIUI and regional settings.

Important: Even if your model is on the list, RCS may not work because of:

• 📡 Telecom operator: in Russia, the service is officially supported only by Beeline and Tele2".
• 🌍 Regional restrictions: in some countries (e.g. China) RCS blocked.
• 🔧 Castomic firmware: on unofficial versions MIUI LineageOS may have errors.

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If your Xiaomi is released before 2020 (like the Redmi Note 8 or Mi 9), the chances of RCS support are minimal, in which case consider alternatives like WhatsApp or Signal.

Security and Privacy: What to Fear?

Despite Google's promises to protect data, RCS is raising questions from cybersecurity experts.

⚠️ Attention: By default RCS Google Messages uses transport encryption (protects data when you send it), but not end-to-end encryption (like WhatsApp), which means that in theory Google or the carrier can view your messages: 🕵️ Metadata collection: Google captures information about sending times, geolocations (if enabled) and devices. 🔗 Dependence on Google: For the job RCS Google account is required, which is not for everyone. 📡 Leakages through operators: in some countries, local laws require operators to keep their message history. How to minimize risks? Enable end-to-end encryption manually (available in beta version of Google Messages for some regions). VPN When sending sensitive data. disable chat backup to Google Drive if you don't need it. For maximum privacy, it is better to use specialized messengers like Signal or Session, but then you will lose integration with the standard Messages application". RCS vs iMessage: Why is Android lagging? One of the main reasons why iPhone users rarely switch to Android is the exclusive iMessage service. RCS, proposes: 🔒 End-to-end encryption by default (without additional settings). 🎨 More features: animations, stickers, integration with Apple ecosystem. 🌐 Global support: works wherever there is Internet, without any link to the operator. RCS Is there a few reasons why it hasn't caught up with iMessage?: Android fragmentation: manufacturers (including Xiaomi) often modify standard apps, which prevents unification. Operator resistance: many mobile operators are not interested in losing revenue from the revenue from the mobile service SMS. Lack of marketing: Google is not promoting RCS But that's slowly changing, and in 2026, Google announced a new protocol. RCS With better encryption, Xiaomi began to integrate the service more actively into its devices, perhaps a couple of years later, the gap between iMessage and the Internet. RCS shrink. 📊 What is the most popular messaging app?WhatsAppTelegramGoogle Messages (RCS)iMessage Another Future RCS: What should Xiaomi owners expect? experts predict that by 2026 RCS will become the standard protocol for messaging on Android, replacing SMS. For Xiaomi owners, this means: 📲 More features out of the box: video calls, file transfer without restrictions, chatbots for business. 🔄 Better compatibility between devices of different brands (e.g. between Xiaomi and Samsung). 💰 Savings on SMS: Operators will be forced to cut tariffs or abandon paid messages, but there are potential problems: 🛑 Censorship and moderation of content: Google is already testing tools to block spam RCS, Which can lead to excessive filtration. 📊 More advertising: in the future RCS For Xiaomi users in Russia and CIS, the position of local operators will be a key factor: if MTS and MegaFon join the support RCS, It will become a massive service, but it can be seen as a bonus for those who communicate primarily with other owners of Android devices. FAQ: Frequent questions about RCS Xiaomi ❓ Why am I not activating? RCS, The reasons may be: Your operator does not support RCS (Check the list on Google’s website). Google Messages Settings Enables “Only” SMS/MMS". Installed an outdated version of the application or firmware MIUI. Active. VPN Or a firewall that blocks the connection to Google servers. Solution: update Google Messages, check your network settings, and contact the operator. ❓ Can I use it? RCS No, Google Messages is the only official app for the moment. RCS Alternative clients (like Messages by Samsung) only work on devices of their respective brands. ❓ Will they be in? RCS - Read notifications appear if the person has an iPhone. RCS It only works between Android devices. If you text an iPhone user, the messages will be sent as normal. SMS without reading notice. ❓ How to turn off RCS, if I don't need it? Go to Google Messages → Settings → Chat functions and turn off the option Enable chat functions. All messages will be sent as SMS/MMS. ❓ Does he support RCS Money transfer or payments? - Right in chat - no, but Google is testing integration with Google Pay to send money through RCS (Apple Pay Cash in iMessage. 2026 The feature is only available in the US and India.