Google Messages Now Supports Self-RCS Messaging

Messaging yourself has become a handy feature in popular messaging apps, doubling as a convenient notepad for quick thoughts without needing dedicated apps like Google Keep. WhatsApp introduced self-messaging in 2022, allowing users to send end-to-end encrypted messages, including images, videos, locations, stickers, and more, to their own number.

Now, Google Messages is stepping up its self-messaging game. Previously limited to SMS, the app has quietly introduced self-RCS messaging. This upgrade enables users to send high-resolution images, videos, GIFs, and text with no character limit, all over Wi-Fi and cellular. The switch was first highlighted by Reddit user seeareeff, as reported by Android Authority.

We’ve tested this feature on a Pixel 9 running the beta version of Google Messages (messages.android_20250210_01_RC00.phone.openbeta_dynamic beta), and it’s working as advertised. However, some Reddit users noted they’ve had self-RCS messaging for over a week, suggesting Google may have enabled it earlier for a subset of users.

What You Should Know About Self-RCS Messaging

While this new feature brings added convenience, it’s important to note that self-RCS messaging on Google Messages is not end-to-end encrypted—at least for now. Interestingly, dual-SIM users can cross-SIM self-message, and those messages will be encrypted.

Although it doesn’t quite match the thoroughness of dedicated note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote, this seamless option for quick note-taking is a welcome update. The enhancements made possible with RCS chat—like sending high-resolution media—make it even more useful. For now, the feature is only available in the beta version, but it’s expected to roll out to the stable channel soon.

Personal Take: A Nice Addition, But Telegram Still Wins for Me

I’ve been using Google Messages primarily for its RCS capabilities, especially when messaging friends or family who aren’t on internet-based platforms. However, my go-to app remains Telegram. Its speed, reliability, and fully functional desktop app make it indispensable for my workflow. While Google Messages does offer a web app for desktops, I find it clunky compared to Telegram’s smooth performance, especially on Linux.

If you’re part of the beta program, give the self-RCS messaging feature a try. It might not replace dedicated note-taking apps, but it’s a solid addition to Google Messages’ feature set.