Update (March 2, 4:26 a.m. ET): Google confirms the move to block RCS on rooted devices is part of its anti-spam efforts.
What you need to know
- Multiple users have reported RCS issues on rooted Android phones, where they cannot send or receive RCS messages even if the rooted phone passes the checks.
- Google appears to be implementing Play Integrity API attestation checks specifically in the Google Messages app.
- Google Messages does not send alerts despite claims of phone connectivity to RCS, leaving users unaware of the chat issue.
Google is getting stricter with rooted Android phones as it appears to be preventing people from using the RCS feature on Google Messages.
On a Reddit thread and the Google Messages support page, many users have complained that RCS works poorly on their rooted Android phones. Some started to complain about it as early as late 2023. Even if a rooted phone passes the checks, the user cannot send or receive RCS messages.
Focusing on the details, Google appears to be rolling out Play Integrity API “attestation checks” specifically on the Messages app, according to Mishaal Rahman.
In one case, RCS messages would mysteriously disappear after being sent. A number of accounts also point out that Google Messages didn’t send any signals that RCS chat encountered a problem, even though the app claimed the phone was connected to RCS.
On the other hand, tech-savvy users with knowledge of rooting have come up with a fairly simple solution, which boils down to bypassing the Play Integrity API.
Android Central has reached out to Google for comment and will update this article once we receive a response.
In a statement to 9to5Google, a company spokesperson mentioned that the search giant ensures that devices that send or receive messages comply with the operational guidelines set by the RCS standard. The move is aimed at curbing spam and abuse on Google Messages.
If your rooted phone cannot use RCS, it should default to SMS/MMS. However, according to some users, this backup plan did not pick up on their ongoing conversations, leaving them in the dark about messages from the other end.
Of course, if you decide to root your phone, you’re likely to run into a bunch of problems. Apps like Google Wallet and banking apps might throw in the towel because your device won’t pass the Play Integrity API test. Usually, Google sends you a warning message explaining that your device is not supported.
Google is understandably closing the door on banking apps and payment features for security reasons when it comes to rooted devices. However, turning off key communication functions on your phone without warning seems too much for many users.
Update
Google says blocking RCS features on phones with tweaked settings (rooted) is to fight spam.
“As we fight against spammers and fraudsters, we take a variety of metrics into account,” a Google representative told Android Central. “A large amount of RCS spam comes from automation, which typically relies on modifications to the sending device.”
Google says it’s constantly updating its anti-spam tactics to stay ahead of spammers who are constantly changing their tricks. “We will continue to look for ways to prevent spam and fraud while reducing the number of users affected,” the spokesperson said.