topic Re: Group messages not working without data in Get Support

Group messages not working without data

Melanie13 — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:33:43 GMT

Hi I recently got a new phone s20 fe and now I'm unable to send messages in a group chat without my mobile data turned on. Previously on my old phone I had a Huawei and I was able to send messages to group chats just fine without needing my data turned on. Is there a fix for this?

Re: Group messages not working without data

AK32 — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:12:06 GMT

Hey there, are all other services working? (data, calls, etc) and are you able to send messages to 1 person? is it only group chats that arent working?

Id first try a power reset on your phone, you may want to try resetting network settings also.

Re: Group messages not working without data

hTideGnow — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:14:04 GMT

hi @Melanie13

you are likely using RCS, which is similar to iMessage, that needs data

if you just want group SSM, go to Google Message settings and turn off RCS there . Google Message -> Message Settings ->RCS Chats and toggle that off

Re: Group messages not working without data

Melanie13 — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:21:19 GMT

Hi, thanks for your suggestion. I tried turning off rcs chat but it still won't let me send group messages. When I try to send a mssg it just says "pls turn on mobile data"

Re: Group messages not working without data

Melanie13 — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:24:24 GMT

I also searched online and using public mobile resources it says my phone is not compatible with their network but I am able to use data and have conversations with 1 person using data and sms texting just fine. The only problem is it keeps prompting me to turn on data to send group messages. I can't even send group messages with wifi and yes I am able to send group mssgs if I have data on.

I also saw they posted an update about group messaging that older phones would be not compatible anymore but I want to exhaust all options before Im forced to get a new phone

Re: Group messages not working without data

Phil_Adelphus — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:52:30 GMT

@Melanie13 My retired phone is a Huawei and it wouldn't send or receive MMS (group and picture) messages without data being turned on. This is normal, so my guess is that something is different in the settings/apps with the Samsung.

Re: Group messages not working without data

Melanie13 — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:40:53 GMT

Yeah everything else works fine,it's only when I try to text in group chats. I tried resetting my network and restart my phone but it still doesn't work unless I have data turned on

Re: Group messages not working without data

slusagm — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:43:21 GMT

you are using RCS

did you turn off RCS from Google Message? It is on the settings menu in Google Message. Turn it off and you will send group chat with SMS and no need data (but MMS still need data turn on)