Google Cracks Down on Rooted Android Devices, Blocking RCS Messaging Feature

Google Cracks Down on RCS Messages Feature for Rooted Android Devices

Google Messages, the popular messaging app for Android users, has recently faced a wave of complaints from users with rooted Android devices. These users, who have unlocked privileged access to the Android operating system, similar to jailbreaking iPhones, have reported being unable to send or receive RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages.

Messages Just Vanish for Rooted Android Users

Reddit user u/joefuf highlighted the issue, sharing their experience of RCS messages suddenly vanishing after being sent. Numerous reports from affected users reveal that Google Messages neither provided any indication that RCS chat was no longer functioning nor showed any disruption to the chat service.

Google Enforces Measures to Prevent Spam on Google Messages

Google, in response to the reported issue, clarified their stance on the matter. According to Ivy Hunt, Google’s communications manager, the company is “ensuring that message-issuing/devicereturning devices are following the operating measures defined by the RCS standard.” This initiative aims to prevent spam and abuse on Google Messages, including the feature’s use on rooted Android devices.

Blocking RCS Feature for Rooted Devices

With the recent wave of reports, it is evident that Google is indeed blocking RCS access on rooted Android devices. This measure is implemented to maintain the integrity and security of the RCS service, as rooted devices can potentially compromise user experience and expose devices to vulnerabilities.

According to Hunt, “Google rotates through many solutions to ensure that Android users can communicate sufficiently — and devices that may not have access to one communication protocol will always have at least one other available.” While users with rooted devices are no longer able to use RCS, they still retain access to SMS and MMS messaging as alternatives.

Missing Warning for RCS Disruption

Unlike other services, such as payment and banking apps, Google Messages fails to provide any warning message to users with rooted devices about the incompatibility of RCS. Users have expressed frustration over the lack of a warning despite the sudden disruption of RCS functionality. This absence of a warning message has aggravated the issue further.

It’s worth noting that rooted devices have been a concern for various services due to security considerations. In some cases, services like payment and banking apps have opted for outright blockage and display warning messages to ensure user security. Since Google Messages did not convey any warning to rooted device users about the RCS blockage, the inconvenience faced has been heightened.

The Google Messages support page, Reddit, and XDA’s web forum have been filled with user complaints on RCS message blockage over the past few months.