Here's a potential trick to get dual SIM RCS working on your Pixel phone

Early last year, we reported that Google might be working to add support for dual SIM RCS via its Messages app. Fast forward a few months and we began seeing reports of the feature rolling out to some users steadily. However, complaints online indicate that many users are still eagerly waiting to get dual SIM RCS support on their Pixel and other smartphones.

While doing my usual bug hunting on Google’s Issue Tracker, I noticed a particular thread discussing the problem that has garnered close to 400 votes from users who are “impacted”. Luckily, it seems some users have found a potential trick to enable it, and it doesn’t involve any complicated steps. If you have two active SIMs (one physical and one eSIM, for example) on your Pixel phone, this might be worth trying.

The process involves opting into beta programs for two apps: Google Messages and Carrier Services. Both apps need to be updated to their latest beta versions for this to work. According to user reports, the feature started working less than 24 hours after completing these steps. Dual-SIM RCS support appeared in the Google Messages settings, allowing both numbers to use RCS.

One person exclaimed, “Hallelujah! Opt-in to both betas, and dual-SIM RCS will be made available.” Others have confirmed the trick works in beta but haven’t seen it roll out widely yet.

To join the beta programs, go to the Google Play Store, search (or just tap these links) for Google Messages and Carrier Services, and tap “Join Beta” on each app’s listing. After updating both apps, check the RCS settings under Messages > Chat features to see if both SIMs are active.

It’s unclear when Google plans a full release of this feature. For now, this trick seems to be the best shot for dual-SIM users who want RCS on both numbers. If it works for you, it could save a lot of frustration, especially if you rely on both SIMs for communication.

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