RCS Getting Started

Get started with RCS messaging using the Telnyx RCS API.

Send rich, interactive messages with RCS (Rich Communication Services). This guide covers the setup process, approval timeline, and how to send your first RCS message.

What is RCS?

RCS is a messaging protocol that delivers app-like experiences in the native messaging app—no app download required. Unlike SMS/MMS, RCS supports:

• Rich cards with images, titles, and action buttons
• Carousels for product showcases
• Suggested replies for quick responses
• Read receipts and typing indicators
• High-resolution media (images, video, files)

RCS is currently supported on Android devices. Apple announced RCS support in iOS 18.

Prerequisites

• A Telnyx account

Approval process

RCS requires agent registration and carrier approval before you can send messages to the general public. The process is similar to short code approval:

1. Submit your RCS Agent

   Contact sales to start the onboarding process. Provide your brand details, use case, and sample message content.

2. Testing stage

   Once submitted, Telnyx moves your agent into a testing stage. During this phase, you can invite beta test numbers using the API to test your integration while waiting for carrier approval.

3. Carrier approval

   Carriers review and approve your agent. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks, similar to short code approval.

4. Go live

   Once approved, your RCS Agent can send messages to any RCS-capable device.

Testing during approval: You don’t have to wait for full carrier approval to start testing. Once your agent is in testing stage, you can add beta numbers and send test messages via the API.

1. Create a Messaging Profile

1. Go to Messaging

   Navigate to Messaging in the portal.

2. Create a profile

   Click Add new profile, give it a name (e.g., “RCS Profile”), and click Save.

3. Note your profile ID

   Copy the Messaging Profile ID—you’ll need it when sending messages.

2. Get your API key

Go to API Keys and copy your API key (or create one if needed).

3. Send an RCS message

Once your RCS Agent is in testing stage (or fully approved), you can send messages to your beta test numbers or approved destinations.

Text Message

Send a simple text message via RCS:

curl

curl -X POST https://api.telnyx.com/v2/messages/rcs \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "agent_id": "your_rcs_agent_id",
    "to": "[phone]",
    "messaging_profile_id": "your_messaging_profile_id",
    "agent_message": {
      "content_message": {
        "text": "Hello from Telnyx RCS!"
      }
    }
  }'

Rich Card

Send a rich card with an image and action button:

curl

curl -X POST https://api.telnyx.com/v2/messages/rcs \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "agent_id": "your_rcs_agent_id",
    "to": "[phone]",
    "messaging_profile_id": "your_messaging_profile_id",
    "agent_message": {
      "content_message": {
        "rich_card": {
          "standalone_card": {
            "card_orientation": "VERTICAL",
            "thumbnail_image_alignment": "LEFT",
            "card_content": {
              "title": "Welcome to Telnyx",
              "description": "Experience rich messaging with RCS",
              "media": {
                "height": "MEDIUM",
                "content_info": {
                  "file_url": "https://example.com/image.jpg"
                }
              },
              "suggestions": [
                {
                  "action": {
                    "text": "Learn More",
                    "postback_data": "learn_more_clicked",
                    "open_url_action": {
                      "url": "https://telnyx.com"
                    }
                  }
                }
              ]
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }'

Media URLs must be publicly accessible. Supported formats include JPEG, PNG, and GIF for images.

Suggested Replies

Add suggested reply buttons for quick customer responses:

curl

curl -X POST https://api.telnyx.com/v2/messages/rcs \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
  -d '{
    "agent_id": "your_rcs_agent_id",
    "to": "[phone]",
    "messaging_profile_id": "your_messaging_profile_id",
    "agent_message": {
      "content_message": {
        "text": "How would you rate your experience?",
        "suggestions": [
          {
            "reply": {
              "text": "Great!",
              "postback_data": "rating_great"
            }
          },
          {
            "reply": {
              "text": "Good",
              "postback_data": "rating_good"
            }
          },
          {
            "reply": {
              "text": "Could be better",
              "postback_data": "rating_poor"
            }
          }
        ]
      }
    }
  }'

Response

A successful response looks like this:

{
  "data": {
    "record_type": "message",
    "direction": "outbound",
    "id": "40319c33-f083-4d2a-a433-a91983b41be5",
    "type": "RCS",
    "messaging_profile_id": "400199c4-6145-43d2-a471-4c459220fcae",
    "from": {
      "agent_id": "your_rcs_agent_id",
      "carrier": "Telnyx",
      "agent_name": "Your Brand"
    },
    "to": [
      {
        "phone_number": "[phone]",
        "status": "queued",
        "carrier": "T-MOBILE USA, INC.",
        "line_type": "Wireless"
      }
    ],
    "encoding": "utf-8",
    "parts": 1,
    "rcs_message_category": "basic_message"
  }
}

4. Handle incoming messages

Set up a webhook to receive customer replies. See Receiving RCS Webhooks for details.

RCS vs SMS comparison

Feature	RCS	SMS
Rich media	✅ Images, video, files	❌ Text only (MMS for media)
Interactive buttons	✅ Suggested replies & actions	❌
Read receipts	✅	❌
Typing indicators	✅	❌
Branding	✅ Logo, colors, verified sender	❌
Character limit	None	160 (GSM-7)
Carrier registration	Required	10DLC/Toll-free required

Next steps

RCS with AI Assistant

Add AI-powered responses to your RCS agent

RCS Webhooks

Handle incoming RCS messages

RCS Capabilities

Check if a number supports RCS

API Reference

Explore all RCS parameters