Trouble with texting

[tlight]

I just bought a Samsung Galaxy A16 phone. This was to replace an old ZTE phone that gave me a LOT of problems trying to text. It would always seem to switch over to "RCS" mode, and my friends could not receive the info of the text right away. Sometimes, it took a day before I got a reply! So, after MUCH frustration, (the phone was cheap and years old)) I decided to get this Galaxy A16 from eBay for a great deal, It was new and "unlocked" so I had no trouble switching my sim card to and notifying my carrier, (consumer cellular) and registering it.

Now, this phone is doing the SAME thing! It goes into "RCS" mode and I have trouble with texting and my friends complain that they have to have their "data" on to get the text, if at ALL!! 

There is NO setting in the phone that says ANYTHING about RCS mode! What is this and what can I do to stop it? I would GREATLY appreciate it if anyone can give me some suggestions on what to do! 

Thanks. Tom 

[Robin621k]

Open Google Messages, tap on your profile top right, go to message settings, the very top it says RCS chats, turn it off.

[AAbbott]

As @Robin621k said, either turn off the RCS completely, or go to the RCS  chats settings and turn on "automatically resend as text (SMS/MMS).  This will resend any message that can't be delivered as RCS (either because the other party does not have RCS turned on, or any other reason).  Either way would allow your messages to get to the recipient.

[ThomH]

Not sure that if the problem is the A16 or the Google messages that Samsung now mandates. After years of resisting I believe it is time as my granddaughter says, "switch over to the dark side " and get an iPhone. Samsung **bleep** up mandating Google messages. Heck, they won't even save messages. The A16 is absolutely a sad phone.

[Robin621k]

Samsung has not mandated the use of Google Messages!

[ThomH]

Yes, they have as of July 6th

[AAbbott]

Where did you get the idea that using Google messages is mandatory.  It is now the default messaging app on ALL Android phones, regardless of brand.  That still does not mean you must use it.  You are still free to choose another messaging app.  It also does not mean that you will like any of those other messaging apps any better.  Switching to Apple?  You get iMessages, which I promise you, you will hate more.

[ThomH]

Samsung stated that as of July 6th Google messages must be used

[AAbbott]

No, they said that as of July 6th Samsung messages would cease to function, and suggested the transition to Google messages, as it would then become the default messaging app. It is neither stated nor implied that you MUST use it. You only must use it if you want the RCS feature. You are free to use another texting app.

[ThomH]

Being unable to speak due to cancer surgery and radiation treatments I have no choice but to text. Else I am unable to communicate in real time