Galaxy Message Colors: Meaning and Function Differences (2025 Updated Guide)
Have you ever wondered why messages on your Galaxy smartphone appear in blue, green, or gray?
These colors are not just design choices—they indicate different message delivery methods and functionalities. This guide provides the latest information in 2025, along with practical tips for optimal use.
🔵 Blue Messages = RCS Chat (Data-Based)
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-generation messaging standard designed to replace SMS.
On Galaxy devices, it is offered as Chat+, providing features similar to messaging apps like KakaoTalk.
Key Features:
- Delivery method: Wi-Fi / LTE / 5G data
- Requirements: Both sender and recipient use Android + RCS enabled, active data connection
- Functionalities:
- Shows when the other party is typing
- Read receipts (‘1’ disappears once read)
- High-resolution photo and large file transfer
- Group chat support
- Cost: No SMS fee, only data usage
Use Cases:
- Sending photos or videos over Wi-Fi without cost
- Conversations requiring read receipts and typing indicators
🟢 Green Messages = SMS/MMS (Carrier-Based)
Green messages indicate the traditional text messaging method.
They are used automatically when data is unavailable or the recipient uses an iPhone.
Key Features:
- Delivery method: Mobile carrier networks (SKT, KT, LGU+)
- Requirements: Recipient uses iPhone or a device without RCS, data off, RCS disabled, or server issues
- Limitations: No read receipts or typing indicators, MMS usually limited to 3MB, SMS fees may apply
Use Cases:
- When internet connection is unstable
- Sending messages during international roaming with data off
⚪ Gray Messages = Received Messages
Gray messages indicate messages received from others.
Regardless of RCS or SMS, incoming messages are generally displayed in gray on messaging apps.
🔹 Message Color Summary Table
| Color | Delivery Method | Key Features | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔵 Blue | RCS (Data) | Read receipt, typing indicator, large file, group chat | None (data only) | Both sides RCS enabled + data connection |
| 🟢 Green | SMS/MMS (Carrier) | No read receipt/typing indicator, file size limits | SMS charges apply | RCS not supported or data off |
| ⚪ Gray | Received Message | Displays message from other party | None | Any delivery method |
🔹 2025 RCS Updates
- iPhone RCS Support: Starting in late 2025, iOS updates will allow RCS messaging between iPhones and Android devices.
- Samsung Chat+ Activation: Galaxy Messages → Menu (︙) → Settings → Chat+ → Enable Chat+
- Google Messages Support: Users can enable RCS and set read receipts and typing indicators individually in Google Messages.
🔹 Practical Tips & Data Saving
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Saver Mode | Settings → Connections → Data Usage → Enable Data Saver → Add Messages app as exception to prevent RCS delays |
| Wi-Fi Priority | Ensure Wi-Fi connection for sending high-res photos or videos |
| Check RCS Delivery | Look at the status icon next to the send button; reconnect via Wi-Fi if uncertain |
| Keep Software Updated | Maintain latest OS and messaging app updates for stable RCS connection |
| Monitor Data Usage | Check remaining data via carrier app to avoid overage charges |
🔹 Conclusion
Message colors on Galaxy devices provide important information about delivery method and functionality, not just aesthetics.
- Blue: RCS chat (data-based, messenger-level features)
- Green: SMS/MMS (carrier-based, possible charges)
- Gray: Received messages
Understanding these differences can help reduce unnecessary SMS fees and improve communication convenience.
From late 2025, iPhones will also support RCS, making message color distinctions even more intuitive and useful.
About the Author
