All iPhone users are familiar with the dreaded green bubble from Android devices. However, many users are curious if they can see when Android devices are responding or read receipts. Is this possible?
iPhone users cannot see when an Android user is typing in real-time since iPhones use iMessage, while Android devices use SMS or Google RCS, which is similar to iMessage and designed as an upgrade to SMS. So iPhone users will get the message once it’s sent, but not see Android users typing.
Don’t panic if you aren’t sure why you can’t see when an Android user is typing or if your message was delivered. These issues have straightforward explanations, which will be explained. So read on for everything you need to know.
Can Your iPhone Tell if an Android User is Typing?
Unfortunately, iPhone users cannot see when an Android user is typing in real-time. Instead, iPhone users will only receive the message after it has been sent.
You can determine if you’re texting an Android user if the text bubbles are green. iPhone users have blue text bubbles, which indicate they’re using iMessage.
Can You See an Android’s Read Receipts from an iPhone?
The short answer: No.
The Apple iMessage app only supports read receipts if your message is from another iPhone using iMessage. Even if both messages are from iPhone users, each of them must enable read receipts before the feature works.
There isn’t a way for you to see read receipts from an Android device. This is because iMessage uses internet connectivity to achieve read-receipt features. Android devices use standard Short Message Service (SMS) methods, which use cellular networks.
How to Tell When Someone is Typing on Android
Although typing notifications is a new feature on Android devices, it’s possible to see live updates when someone is sending a message. Unfortunately, not all Android devices support this feature and must use Google RCS over SMS.
Can Android Devices See When You Like a Text?
As long as both devices are using RCS and have the feature enabled, you will have the option to see someone like a text. If one user doesn’t have the feature active, you won’t have the option to like a text message.
What is Google RCS?
Google Rich Communication Services (RCS) is an upgrade to Short Message Services (SMS) and was designed to compete with the features of iMessage. Google RCS has many of the features of iMessage or third-party messaging apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
Google RCS is intended to replace regular text messaging systems and uses the internet to send messages. The technology is available to all manufacturers and developers, including Apple. However, it was estimated that less than 90 mobile operators would support RCS globally in 2020.
It’s unlikely that Apple will adopt the Google RCS technology in the future, meaning you may never have the chance to see read receipts from Android devices.
Google RCS vs. iMessage: What are the Differences?
Although Google RCS and iMessage accomplish similar tasks, they’re different technologies with unique features. The major difference is the exclusivity.
iMessage is only available for devices in the Apple ecosystem, like the Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Apple Watch. On the other hand, Google RCS works on any Android device from any manufacturer as long as it supports Android 5.0 or newer.
Google RCS Features
As mentioned earlier, Google RCS contains many of the same features you’ll encounter on iMessage, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger. Some of the features you’ll notice when you use Google RCS include the following:
- Send high-resolution photos and videos.
- Transfer files
- Support group conversations
- Allows voice calls
- Allows video calls
- Supports location sharing
- Chatbots
- Typing notifications
- Delivery receipts
Apple iMessage
Apple’s original messaging software was combined with iMessage and launched in 2011 with the iOS 5 update. Every year, Apple adds new features to the iMessage software with firmware and security updates.
However, iMessage and its features are exclusive to Apple products. Apple has not released the iMessage software to other manufacturers like Samsung or LG, which use Android. This allows Apple to keep users within its ecosystem for more extended periods.
Apple has the first mover’s advantage regarding messaging protocols and continues to pull users into its ecosystem. The Apple iMessage app has fundamental features, including end-to-end encryption.
Apple iMessage Features
The Apple iMessage app is an internet-based messaging platform. It can be accessed through the Message app on iOS, iPad, and macOS. iMessage is known for enhanced message features, like easy media transfers, text effects, and end-to-end encryption. Additional iMessage features include:
- iMessage requires Apple devices to sign into iCloud
- End-to-end encryption
- App Store for iMessage
- Stickers for messages
- Emoji and Animoji
- Pinned conversations, mentions, and inline replies
Can Apple Users Use RCS?
Unfortunately, Apple users can’t use Google RCS. This is mainly because Apple uses its proprietary iMessage platform for sending messages.
However, iMessage can receive texts from Android devices using RCS or SMS. Messages from these devices appear as green text bubbles and don’t support any iMessage features like reading receipts, typing notifications, or emoji reactions.
Can Android Users Use iMessage?
Generally speaking, it’s not possible to use iMessage on Android devices. This is because apple utilizes unique end-to-end encryption technology that secures texts from the device sent through the Apple servers.
Since the texts are encrypted, the iMessage platform is only available to devices programmed to decrypt the texts.
Which Devices Support RCS?
Unfortunately, Apple iOS users cannot use Google RCS. iOS does not support Google RCS in any capacity. It’s unknown whether Apple will support this feature in the future. However, it’s possible to use RCS on an Android device if your model supports the software.
First, your Android device will need Android 5.0 or higher installed. Google RCS doesn’t work on any software versions lower than Android 5.0. Furthermore, not all cellular networks support RCS, meaning you won’t have the option even if your phone is compatible.
How to Use Google RCS
Determining if your device can support Google RCS is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to start:
- First, launch the Google Play Store and search for Google Messages.
- Next, download and install the Google Messages app.
- After the app is installed, launch Google Messages.
- Near the top-right-hand corner of the app, you’ll notice three dots. Click them to launch the options.
- Click Settings.
- Choose General from the drop-down menu.
- Afterward, select Chat Features.
- You’ll notice a selection for Enable Chat Features if you have a Google RCS-compatible device. Select this option to enable RCS functionality.
Unfortunately, if your Android device or cellular carrier doesn’t support Google Rich Communication Services, you won’t have the option to enable this feature.
Google Messages isn’t the only messaging app that supports RCS. Several options, including the standard Messages app on Samsung Galaxy models, are available.
Are There Alternative Messaging Apps?
Unfortunately, iPhones can’t see typing notifications or read receipts from Android devices. However, there are several different third-party apps with useful features you can use to message each other.
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world. WhatsApp has over 2 billion active users each month. Some devices even have WhatsApp preinstalled when you take them out of the box.
WhatsApp frequently receives new features, updates, and security patches. The app has end-to-end encryption, which makes your messages more private and secure. WhatsApp is 100% free, allowing you to make voice and video calls, send files, and much more.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook, or Meta, owns WhatsApp and Messenger. One of the main reasons they own WhatsApp is to reduce the competition in the market. However, the Messenger app is still a prevalent messaging option.
Messenger helps manage SMS text messages and instant messages. In addition, you can store all these notifications in one place, increasing organization and accessibility.
Messenger includes voice calls, video calls, customization, emojis, and other features. In addition, you can react to messages and place games, making it a unique third-party platform. Apple and Android users can find the Messenger app in their respective App Stores.
Telegram
Telegram has some of the most features when it comes to third-party messaging apps. Although it’s been overshadowed by WhatsApp, it continues to gain popularity and active users.
Telegram allows users to have more than one profile picture, increasing customization and personalization. In addition, the ’secret chats’ feature provides end-to-end encryption and additional security.
The Telegram platform can also send undeleting text messages. Apple and Android users can find the Telegram app in their respective App Stores.
Wrapping Up
Unfortunately, iPhone users cannot see when Android users are typing or reading receipts from Android devices. This is because the iPhone uses the iMessage platform, while Android devices use Google RCS or SMS. iOS and Android users can also use third-party apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Telegram for unique chat-based features.