Google has recently implemented measures to block RCS (Rich Communication Services) functionality on rooted or bootloader-unlocked Android devices, affecting users’ ability to send and receive RCS messages through Google Messages. Despite the Messages app showing a successful connection to RCS, users on rooted phones have reported issues such as texts disappearing after sending without any error messages indicating the problem.
[PSA] Google is quietly blocking RCS on rooted devices.
byu/-Samg381- inGoogleMessages
Google’s decision to restrict RCS on rooted devices is part of its efforts to combat spam and ensure compliance with RCS standards. The company aims to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of its messaging platform by enforcing these restrictions. Rooted phones are expected to revert to SMS/MMS when RCS is unavailable; however, some users have encountered difficulties with this fallback mechanism, leading to missing texts in ongoing conversations.
Heads up: Users are reporting that the Google Messages app won't let them send or receive RCS messages if the OS is rooted or hasn't passed GMS certification (like most custom ROMs).
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) February 29, 2024
It seems that Google Messages has implemented Play Integrity API attestation checks, so be aware… pic.twitter.com/IwEKJQ0Z2v
To address concerns raised by users, Google has emphasized the importance of blocking RCS features on rooted devices as a strategy to combat spam and fraud effectively. While these actions align with Google’s broader efforts to enhance security and prevent misuse of its services, they have sparked debates among users regarding the implications of restricting a core communication feature on rooted devices.
Overall, Google’s move to block RCS functionality on rooted Android devices underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining the security and reliability of its messaging services, even if it raises questions about user freedom and device compatibility in the process.