Google Messages RCS stuck on “Setting up” or “Verifying”? Fix it in 2026 without nuking your phone
The problem (and who it affects)
If Google Messages shows RCS chats / Chat features as “Setting up…” or “Verifying…” for hours or days, you’re not alone. This commonly hits people who:- Got a new Android phone and restored from backup
- Switched from physical SIM to eSIM (or replaced a SIM)
- Changed carriers or ported a number
- Had a phone lost/stolen and can’t turn off RCS on the old device
When RCS won’t register, you may see degraded group chats, missing read receipts, failed media, or messages falling back to SMS/MMS.
Why it happens (based on what we can verify)
RCS in Google Messages relies on a few moving parts:- Your phone number being correctly registered for RCS
- Google Messages being the default messaging app and able to complete activation
- The Carrier Services system app (on many devices) helping manage messaging services and provisioning
- In some cases, Google’s own remote deactivation/reactivation flow when you can’t disable RCS on the old device
Google explicitly provides a “Troubleshoot RCS chat” page and a deactivation portal to reset Chat features when you’re switching devices or having trouble receiving messages. That’s a strong signal that “stuck activation” is often a registration state problem that needs a reset, not a hardware failure. [1]
In parallel, major Android troubleshooting outlets have documented that clearing data for Carrier Services and Google Messages can resolve “stuck” RCS activation, and that some users only succeed after reinstalling/rolling back Messages, then updating once RCS connects. [2]
Fixes (start here: lowest-cost, fastest)
Solution 1: Do the simple toggle reset (10 minutes)
1. Open Google Messages 2. Tap your profile icon → Messages settings 3. Tap RCS chats 4. Toggle RCS chats Off 5. Wait 60 seconds 6. Toggle RCS chats OnIf it connects, you’re done.
Solution 2: Force a full RCS reset using Google’s deactivation portal
This is especially useful if you no longer have your old phone, or if your number seems “stuck” in limbo.1. Go to Google’s RCS deactivation page (the official “disable chat” portal)
2. Enter your phone number and request the verification code
3. Enter the 6-digit code and Deactivate
4. On your phone: in Messages → Settings → RCS chats, keep RCS Off for 5–10 minutes
5. Turn RCS back On and leave the phone on Wi‑Fi/cellular while it activates
Important: Google notes deactivation suspends RCS features and you can be removed from RCS group chats if not turned back on within 30 days. [1]
Solution 3: Clear Carrier Services + Messages data (the “stuck state” reset)
This is one of the most consistently reported fixes.1. Settings → Apps → See all apps
2. Find Carrier Services
- Tap Force stop
- Tap Storage & cache → Clear storage (or “Clear data”) and Clear cache
3. Go back and find Messages (Google Messages)
- Tap Force stop
- Tap Storage & cache → Clear storage and Clear cache
4. Restart the phone
5. Open Messages → RCS chats → turn On
Why this helps: it wipes the local provisioning/registration state so the app can attempt a clean RCS setup again. Troubleshooting outlets and many user reports point to this as a primary fix path. [2]
Solution 4: Update (or roll back) Google Messages, then update again
If your device shipped with a buggy build (or your restore introduced weird state), you can try:1. Open the Google Play Store → search Messages by Google
2. If you see Update, install it
3. If you’re already up to date and still stuck, try a controlled rollback approach described by reputable Android troubleshooting coverage:
- Uninstall Messages updates / reinstall Messages (varies by device)
- Activate RCS when prompted
- Then update Messages again once connected
This is not “official,” but it’s widely reported as effective when the basic resets fail. [2]
Solution 5: SIM/eSIM sanity checks (especially after porting)
These steps sound basic, but they matter:- Ensure your number is active for SMS + data (RCS activation needs a working line)
- Turn Airplane mode on for 30 seconds, then off
- If you recently ported, wait for the port to fully complete (some ports take longer than you expect)
- If you can, try a fresh SIM or convert to eSIM (some users report this instantly fixes activation)
If everything else fails, contact your carrier and ask specifically for help with:
- RCS provisioning / messaging feature registration, and
- confirming the line isn’t blocked from “advanced messaging” services
The 2026 checklist (printable)
- [ ] Restart phone; ensure data + SMS work
- [ ] Messages is set as the default SMS app
- [ ] Toggle RCS off/on in Messages settings
- [ ] Use Google’s RCS deactivation portal, then re-enable RCS [1]
- [ ] Force stop + clear storage for Carrier Services and Messages [2]
- [ ] Update Messages; if needed, roll back/reinstall then update again [2]
- [ ] SIM/eSIM refresh (or new SIM) if activation still hangs
- [ ] Escalate to carrier: ask about RCS provisioning on your line
FAQ
1) Will clearing Google Messages storage delete my text messages?
It can remove some local app state. If your messages are stored on-device only, clearing storage may affect local history. Consider backing up your messages first (or confirm how your device handles message storage/restores) before clearing app storage.2) Why does Google have a “disable chat” website at all?
Google’s official guidance is that if you’re switching devices, lost a phone, or have trouble receiving messages, you may need to temporarily deactivate RCS—especially if you can’t turn it off on the previous device. [1]3) I never get the verification code on the deactivation portal—what then?
That usually indicates an SMS delivery or line-provisioning issue. Try again on cellular (not Wi‑Fi calling), confirm your number can receive standard SMS, and contact your carrier if OTP codes aren’t arriving.4) How long should I wait on “Verifying” before trying the next step?
If it’s still verifying after ~15–30 minutes with stable connectivity, move on to the deactivation portal + app-data reset steps. [1] [2]5) Is this a Google bug or my carrier’s fault?
It can be either (or both). RCS registration depends on device/app state, your number’s registration, and sometimes carrier provisioning. That’s why the best approach is a layered reset: portal reset + local app reset + carrier escalation if needed. [1] [2]Key Takeaways
- RCS “Setting up/Verifying” is often a registration state problem, not a hardware problem.
- The highest-success path is: deactivate RCS remotely → clear Carrier Services + Messages data → re-enable RCS.
- SIM changes, eSIM conversions, and number ports can trigger stuck activation states.
- If the portal can’t send a code, you likely need carrier help to restore SMS/line provisioning.
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Problem: Google Messages RCS (Chat features) stuck on “Setting up” / “Verifying” after phone/SIM/carrier change.Fix steps: Toggle RCS off/on → use Google RCS deactivation portal to reset number → clear storage/cache for Carrier Services + Messages → restart → re-enable RCS → update/rollback Messages if needed → refresh SIM/eSIM → contact carrier for RCS provisioning.
Keywords: Google Messages RCS stuck setting up, RCS verifying forever, Chat features not connecting, Carrier Services clear data, messages.google.com disable chat, RCS deactivation code, Android RCS registration failed.