Updated (March 2, 4:26 a.m. ET): Google has acknowledged that its move to block RCS on rooted devices is part of its efforts to combat spam.
What you need to know
- Multiple users have reported issues with RCS on rooted Android smartphones. The problem is that a rooted smartphone cannot send or receive RCS messages even if it passes the check.
- Google appears to be implementing Play Integrity API attestation checks specifically in the Google Messages app.
- Google Messages does not provide any warnings despite claiming a phone connection to RCS, leaving users unaware of chat issues.
Google appears to be preventing users from using the RCS feature in Google Messages and is tightening its regulations on rooted Android phones.
In a Reddit thread and a Google Messages support page, many users complained about RCS working on their rooted Android smartphones. Some people are starting to complain about this issue as far back as late 2023. Even if the rooted phone manages to pass the check, the user will not be able to send or receive her RCS messages.
Looking at the details, it appears that Google is rolling out the Play Integrity API’s “attestation checking” specifically to the Messages app. Mishal Rahman.
In one instance, RCS messages would mysteriously disappear after being sent. Many accounts also pointed out that Google Messages did not send any signals indicating that RCS chats had hit a roadblock, even though the app claimed the phone was connected to RCS. I am.
Conversely, tech-savvy users with rooting know-how have come up with a very simple solution: bypassing the Play Integrity API.
Android Central has reached out to Google for comment. We will update this article once we receive a response.
In a statement to 9to5Google, a company spokesperson said the search giant ensures that devices sending and receiving messages comply with operational guidelines set out in the RCS standard. This measure is intended to curb spam and abuse in Google Messages.
If a rooted phone cannot use RCS, it is supposed to switch to SMS/MMS by default. However, according to some users, this backup plan didn’t work for ongoing chats, leaving them in the dark about the other person’s text messages.
Naturally, trying to root your phone can cause a lot of problems. Apps such as Google Wallet and banking applications may experience issues because the device does not pass Play Integrity API tests. Typically, Google will send you a warning message stating that your device is not supported.
When it comes to rooted devices, it’s understandable that Google would close the door on banking apps and payment functionality for security reasons. However, cutting off a cell phone’s critical communication functions without warning feels like a bit of a stretch for many users.
update
Google says it blocks RCS functionality on rooted phones to combat spam.
“We consider a variety of metrics when fighting spammers and scammers,” a Google representative told Android Central. “A large amount of his RCS spam is generated by automation and typically relies on changes to the sending device.”
Google says it continues to update its anti-spam tactics to stay ahead of ever-changing spammers. “We continue to explore ways to prevent spam and fraud while minimizing the number of users affected,” the spokesperson said.
