Rich Communication Services (RCS) enhances text messaging with features like read receipts, typing indicators, and high-resolution media sharing. Disabling this functionality returns messaging to SMS/MMS protocols, potentially reducing data usage and resolving compatibility issues with older devices or networks that do not fully support RCS. This action prevents the advanced features of RCS from functioning on the Android device.
Returning to SMS/MMS may be preferred by users concerned about data consumption, as RCS often relies on mobile data or Wi-Fi. It can also address instances where RCS implementation is inconsistent, leading to messaging errors or delays. Historically, SMS/MMS provided a universal messaging standard, a characteristic that reverting to these protocols can restore in situations where RCS is problematic.