Chat features in samsung message app

[faithfulServant]

I purchased an unlocked S23 Ultra. I am currently on Verizon. I don't have the chat feature in the samsung messaging app. It shows up in Google messages but I don't want to use Google messages as my native sms app. I want to use samsung messages with chat features. Does anybody know if it's because I have an unlocked device? Or is anyone having the same concern? Or does anyone know how to get the chat feature. 

[VarVara]

I also purchases an unlocked phone. I disabled the Google messages. Then I swiped up on my screen, searched messages, and found the regular message app.
Unfortunately none of my messages or other important app features transferred over from my old phone. Even with using Smart Switch.

[Ekamek]

Sync only your messages to samsung account if you still have the old phone and sync them on the 23. Do the same with call logs if you want them moved.

[Letta0307]

I thinks rcs is carrier based and Verizon to my knowledge isn't a carrier I could be wrong but try googling to see sorry I couldn't help further

[Ekamek]

Yep. Verizon is one of 3 major carriers in the US and the only non-GSM provider. They do things a bit different though. RCS isn't one I would think they are restricting.

[Biggus]

They may only support it on the carrier specific firmware as well, this is a thing with a couple of features like voice over WiFi on t-mobile not working on unlocked phones

[Ekamek]

Not a Verizon user and didn't know they will go that low on features supported by both Google and Samsung. Learning everyday

[Biggus]

I think it's a matter of some custom code they use because of fragmented implementations of features between providers (which is the real problem). From my understanding flashing T-Mobile specific firmware would keep my phone unlocked effectively since I could go back to the standard firmware any time, but it's a process that isn't worth the better voice quality at home since most people text these days... That's the only feature I'm aware of that I can't enable, too. RCS is more important but getting the carriers to agree on a centralized server would be like pulling teeth without legislation.

[faithfulServant]

I agree. I believe it's only on the carrier firmware that our c s is available through samsung messages.

[faithfulServant]

You are correct. A few years ago Verizon was not on board with RCS. My husband upgraded with Verizon and his phone has it. With the native Samsung message app.