Google Messages RCS Activation Problem Solved by Reddit Workaround

If you’ve been frustrated by Google Messages getting stuck on the dreaded “Setting up” screen while trying to activate RCS, you’re not alone. A Reddit user may have uncovered a fix that Google hasn’t publicly shared.

The issue has been driving Android users crazy for weeks. You open Google Messages, see the spinning wheel next to “Setting up,” and no matter how many times you clear cache, restart your device, or try every other trick in the book, nothing works. Meanwhile, iPhone users continue to send high-quality photos with ease, leaving Android users stuck with outdated SMS.

Reddit user FourEightNineOneOne came across something unexpected while reading US Mobile’s help documentation. It turns out there’s an extra step that most troubleshooting guides miss: disabling Phone Number Verification in your Google settings before doing the usual cache-clearing process.

Here’s what worked for many users: go to Phone Settings > Google > All Services > Phone Number Verification, and turn it off. After that, clear the cache and data for both Google Messages and Carrier Services.

The fix has been described as “magical” by several people on Reddit. One user said they were “shocked at how it worked instantly” after trying countless other solutions. Another mentioned they had nearly given up hope before stumbling upon this workaround.

This isn’t the first time RCS connectivity problems have surfaced. We reported late last year that users were experiencing widespread issues, and more recently, the problem has resurfaced, as highlighted on PiunikaWeb.

At the same time, some users in the US have reported receiving a message that says, “RCS messaging is now provided by your wireless carrier and governed by their terms and privacy notice.” This points to significant backend changes. However, these alerts seem mostly tied to AT&T and related carriers like FirstNet.

That said, the Phone Number Verification method isn’t a guaranteed solution. Some users report it didn’t resolve their issue. Still, considering how many people have had success with it—and the fact that it only takes about 30 seconds to try—it’s worth testing if you’re stuck in the endless “Setting up” loop.

If you’ve tried it, feel free to share your experience in the comments and let others know whether it worked for you.

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