Since its launch, Google Messages has not allowed RCS for more than one phone number, but the app now offers dual-SIM (multi-SIM) support.

Update 17.08.: There were some reports of dual-SIM RCS support in Google Messages in January, but those were ultimately retracted. The feature seems to be coming back, according to a new report from a Messages beta user on the Nothing Phone 2.

In the RCS settings, we see two SIM cards “Connected,” while there is a new “Backup format for sending attachments” setting that says “SMS with link.” This sounds like the Google Photos video upload feature that was quietly removed last year. A return would be unexpected.

Originally 1/4: Version 20240102_00_RC01, the first beta of the new year, contains various strings related to multi-sim RCS support.

• Send and receive RCS chats on SIM %1$d when you verify your number
• SIM %1$s Switch RCS
• Your IT administrator has disabled RCS chats for all SIMs. %1$s
• RCS chats for all numbers will be disabled
• RCS chats for both numbers will be deactivated

Google has said from the start: “RCS chats are currently available for your default or preferred calling SIM and may be available for other SIMs later.”

It looks like the company is now getting around to adding support, which is important for the international rollout of RCS. Dual-SIM phones will see multiple numbers under Settings > RCS Chats, where there have been some visual improvements in recent weeks. Notice the checkboxes next to each number instead of the generic SIM card icon.

According to the report we received today, the second number cannot currently be set up because Google has not yet enabled the server-side elements for dual/multi-SIM RCS support in Messages.

Update 1/5: Users are now experiencing dual SIM RCS support going live. You can choose which number you want to use for an RCS call.

Photo credit: u/aniruddhdodiya

More about Google Messages:

Thanks to JEB Decompiler, which benefits some APK Insight teardowns.