Using RCS with Google Messages on GrapheneOS

Pixelated

cb474 Yes that's exactly what I'm saying! Currently in 3 RCS group chats and one by myself with my 3 phones for testing. I'm able to send and receive RCS messages, and media with no issues. I have google play store disable, no google account of course, and maintain apps via Obtainium. I use LTE only on my main (7 Pro), LTE/5G (7a) on one and WiF (7 Pro). As of this morning things are still working flawlessly. Typing indicator, read/sent blips all working. I also don't have the carrier services app on two of my phones but I do on one no permissions and disabled. Turning on airplane mode, and turning off cell data doesn't effect once I turn them back on I'm still able to utilize RCS

vontroxler

I've decided to disable RCS. I was potentially missing important messages so it's not worth it anymore. It only worked again briefly.

jumpdeer

Pixelated would you mind linking the specific APK? And what exactly do you mean by updating it via Obtanium?

Pixelated

jumpdeer Of course!

｢ https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/messenger-google-inc/messenger-google-inc-20240708_03_rc04-release/google-messages-messages-android_20240708_03_rc04-phone_dynamic-android-apk-download/ ｣

This is taken from their github page:

“Get Android app updates straight from the source.
Obtainium allows you to install and update apps directly from their releases pages, and receive notifications when new releases are made available.”

I don't use Google Play Store for installing and updating apps. If there is a specific app I'm after that I can't find anywhere I'll use Aurora Store and use that specifically for updating those apps but I haven't had the need to use Aurora much at all since I use sources like uptodown, apkpure, and github with Obtainium.

Chhezesteak

Pixelated nice. This apk works to get to the Connected state and then updating with Play store works without switching profiles (signatures match)

I just had to go through it again, but this will be more efficient having the old version already in my Downloads next time and not switching users.

Now we just need a local adb script to uninstall recent version, install old one, set permissions, set default sms. Then, open the app to get connected. Go update from Play.

I didn't have to reboot this time.

jumpdeer

Pixelated Is RCS still working for you?

user539

Wow this is 1500 post on this subject. Fun to read

cb474

@Pixelated @Chhezesteak If you're using the arm64-v8a version from APKMirror, what do you use to install the .apkm split/bundle package? I know APKMirror has an app for this, but are there better and/or simpler ways?

MrRoboto1212

cb474 I know APKMirror has an app for this

Honestly it's just efficient to use the app, have it simply install the APK quickly, and then disable the app

Pixelated

cb474 I used APKcombo Installer. I downloaded from the apkcombo website. Its useful for installing xapks, apkms, obbs, and standard apks.

cb474

MrRoboto1212 Honestly it's just efficient to use the app, have it simply install the APK quickly, and then disable the app

Thanks for the suggestion. Maybe that is the best way. Although I'm assuming if the app is collecting any kind of data it will just phone home in the period of time that it's enabled.

MrRoboto1212

cb474 i'm actually not sure if the app needs network perms or not, can someone test it? All it needs to do is access a local file

catp96

So I'm at the point where I'll just use SMS/MMS if whatever changes Google makes to RCS is just going to keep breaking down the line since I'm on GrapheneOS and really don't feel like reinstalling the stock Android and resetting up my phone again.

No big deal I'm using the default "Messaging" application that ships with Graphene, but is anyone else having issues specifically with receiving messages in group chats with iPhone/iMessage users? Also scenarios where sending images (and possibly any other multimedia like videos) to iPhone users not getting sent to them despite no error message that the message wasn't delivered.

This is probably a tired topic for the maintainers/contributors of this project and all I can take away from this is that the communication (at least here in the United States) is a fractured mess where every one uses 3 different phone number based protocols or the worst social media platforms ever invented. I'd almost wish I lived in a country that favored WhatsApp (even if owned by Meta) because at least it'll be consistent.

Lucario1829

catp96 you might have to deregister from imessage

floppyNood

jumpdeer I just went through the process again (uninstall when RCS fails after 24-36 hours), install outdated version, set as default, open app, update to current version, and it is continuing to work. TMobile, Pixel 9

Pixelated

jumpdeer Yes RCS is still going strong. I haven't had any issues with RCS since installing 20240708. I even tested turning off RCS on one of my devices and turning it back on and it worked right out the gate.

Chhezesteak

floppyNood same here

patienttruth99

Verizon Wireless - Back to not sending individual RCS, although it says connected. I tried toggling RCS off, as well as clearing cache while RCS is off. It reconnects almost immediately, but won't send RCS. Checked with VPN off too which hasn't been an issue lately.

version messages.android_20251009_00_RC00.phone_dynamic

com.google.android.apps.messaging
versionCode 291322063

targetSdk 36
minSdk 26

Installed: Sep 29, 2025; 09:22
Updated: Oct 27, 2025; 22:32

patienttruth99

patienttruth99 I downgraded to the version that worked for me above, and although it says "connected", nothing will send. Group messaging is broken also.

whoiswes

Pixelated

Same here. After downgrading to 20241120_00_RC07, both of my GOS devices have remained connected to RCS (T-Mo through US Mobile). One of them is in a group chat with my 8a (stock) and my work iPhone. That worked fine until recently, but it's the iPhone that no longer can handle RCS.

In any case, current GOS on T-Mo is working fine with an older version of Messages here.

jumpdeer

Pixelated Thanks for the update. Unfortunately your technique on Tmobile did not work for me. Shows as connected but RCS doesn't work on P7. Would it be possible for you to dump the logs?

elel

Strangely enough, RCS seems to have just started working over the last 2 days. I had been in the boat where group chats worked but individual ones had to fall back to SMS. Then a couple of my individual chats started going through as RCS, and now all of them work. Graphene has not updated so it must be a change on Google's or the carrier's part. Running a boost SIM sold through Ting.

Turtacular

whoiswes when you say "downgrading," do you mean uninstalling a later version of Messages (leaving RCS connected) and then installing an earlier version?

I'm on Mint and seem to have to install an earlier version, connect to RCS (etouffee will be false), upgrade (etouffee will become true), then repeat after 24 hours. I can get RCS connected on earlier versions without issue, but nothing in this thread has proven successful at getting etouffee provisioned except upgrading to a version of Messages which will not have connected to RCS on its own were it installed originally instead of upgraded.

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