Google Fi RCS chat feature not working for many (mostly OnePlus) users

Many OnePlus users, especially the ones on the Google Fi carrier network, have reported that they have been unable to set up the RCS feature on the Google Messages app for quite some time now.

This is apparent from plenty of complaints across several forums. And a few of them have been given below.

Just purchased the OnePlus 8T and am on Google Fi. Messages says chat features are not enabled for this phone. My sister has a OnePlus 8 Pro, on AT&T, and she does have RCS. Is there something I need to do to fix my phone? Is it because the 8T is newer? Any suggestions…
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Has anyone encountered this issue yet? RCS was working fine when I was on AT&T and as soon as I switched to Google Fi it stopped working. My phone is on the latest update, I deleted and reinstalled Google Messenger to no avail.
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Most reports of the issue come from OnePlus 8T users which released with OxygenOS 11 based on Android 11 pre-installed.

Some OnePlus 8 and 8 Pro users have also observed that RCS worked just fine before OxygenOS 11. But following the update, the feature broke immediately.

Moreover, affected users have already tried generic fixes like performing a reboot and clearing the Messages app’s data and cache. Few have even gone as far as factory resetting the device but to no luck.

Some OnePlus 8T users also reported that downloading the Google Fi app and activating the device disables RCS on Google Messages. The reason behind this behavior is unclear as of now.

I also have this issue on Fi with my OnePlus 8T. I noticed that RCS can be enabled up until I download the Fi app and activate the device. Then RCS shows unavailable in the messages app and stays that way. Source

If you are one of the users facing this issue, then there is good news. Both Google and OnePlus have acknowledged the RCS chat not working issue and funnily enough, are working on a fix for it at the same time.

I contacted Google Fi and they said they are aware of the issue and engineers are working on fixing it.
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Or it could be just that the two companies are working cooperatively towards fixing the problem. Hence, the fix may either roll out in the form of an OxygenOS update or perhaps through Google’s Carrier Services or Messages app.

For now, users are advised to simply wait as there is seemingly no workaround to get RCS working on OnePlus or any other device for that matter.

With that being said, be sure to check out our dedicated OxygenOS 11 bugs/issues tracker for further coverage on matters like these along with their resolutions, if any.

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