RCS MESSAGING

[Dab2899]

With the introduction of RCS messaging to iOS 18, will O2 UK be supporting this feature for iPhones?

[ijudd]

If you hear anything on timeline please do let us know on this thread. Thks for the excellent answer.

[Kuribo]

Been announced that Three UK will now support RCS for iPhone users from the 9th December. Saw December was announced in a YouTube channel I follow and then yesterday, partner (who is on Three) got a text message from Three saying it’s rolling out from the 9th… come on o2!

[Darko]

Hey Dab,

I can confirm o2 is supporting RCS since 18.2.

Force and install an update in General Settings, tap on Apps in Settings and find Messages, turn off RCS, then turn it back on. You will get a message “Waiting for activation”, just restart the phone after and it’s done.

Best regards,

Darko

[Cleoriff]

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@Darko wrote:

Hey Dab,

I can confirm o2 is supporting RCS since 18.2.

Force and install an update in General Settings, tap on Apps in Settings and find Messages, turn off RCS, then turn it back on. You will get a message “Waiting for activation”, just restart the phone after and it’s done.

Best regards,

Darko

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@madasaf1sh?

[madasaf1sh]

You shouldn't need to do that, as it is related to a carrier profile update, which should now be 61.1 if you dont have that then you need to make sure you are on 18.2 (GA) and it should apply automatically.. 

Then go into Settings, General, About and scroll down to o2 and the bit that shows the carrier profile tap on that and it will now say Voice, SMS and RCS.

You shouldn't need to reboot your phone at all...

Also be very aware Apple's implementation is about 3 or versions out compared to Android so be prepared to be very disappointed...

[Cleoriff]

Thanks @madasaf1sh.

[Darko]

Hi @madasaf1sh,

I have checked in “About” carrier (network) immediately after the update and the same profile was 61.1 which is in line with the update. However, when I tapped to see IMS status, it was showing only Voice & SMS.

Then additionally (after) I have switched off and switched back on RCS, restarted the phone and it was working and showing Voice, SMS & RCS.

I agree, it should not happen that way, but it did. 

Just trying to help from my experience.

Regards,

Darko

[Michael_K_O2 · Accepted solution]

It's true! RCS (Rich Communication Services) is now supported on the O2 network for customers using iOS 18.2 or later.

You can find everything you need to know about RCS here.

[gsmith45]

I ported into O2 from Giffgaff about 5 weeks ago - although there were numerous issues with a "split port" that meant it took 4 weeks for my number to actually arrive and for non-O2 users to be able to actually call me.  I have some residual issues around not being able to SMS non-iPhone users still, even on the O2 network. 

I've noticed that my RCS is still awaiting activation and am wondering if this is the root cause.

I'm on profile 61.1, with an iPhone16 Pro and ios18.2 etc  and have been through the steps in this thread multiple times to no avail.   Anyone else stuck awaiting activation?  I had my ticket on this escalated several weeks ago, but nothing has happened that I can see. 

[Darko]

Hi @gsmith45

I do not work for o2 or anything similar…

However, I have had “activation issue” too… Try to switching Off and switching back On RCS as toggle wise…

Once is ON and waiting for an activation, switch the phone Off and turn it back On. 
Not sure if that will help you, but it did to me.

Regards,

Darko