RCS in Messages in iOS 18.0 does not work when connected to VPN

Question

Level 1

18 points

RCS in Messages in iOS 18.0 does not work when connected to VPN

I recently upgraded to iOS 18.0 on my iPhone 12 Pro in order to get access to RCS for better chats with Android users. I noticed that it wasn't working (it was saying "Text Message - SMS" in all of the chats with Android users). I am usually connected with Proton VPN 24x7 and that sometimes blocks things so I tried disconnecting from Proton VPN and noticed this fixed the issue. I was able to send and receive RCS chat messages.

After doing further research, I noticed an app developer on the Apple Developer Forums and also Mozilla talking about their Mozilla VPN product reporting similar issues with RCS on iOS 18 when connected to a VPN.

Given my experience as well as these other two findings, it seems that Apple has to fix something related to RCS support while an iOS device is using VPN.

On VPN:

Off VPN:

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 30, 2024 2:12 PM

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Answer 1

scottwsx96 Author

Level 1

18 points

Jan 22, 2025 5:15 AM in response to Slamdancin

I’m using Proton VPN. The only options I have are Wireguard, Wireguard (TCP), and Stealth. The default is Smart, which automatically chooses the optimal VPN protocol for the environment. Generally, it will use Wireguard.

I have the same result with all of them: RCS doesn’t work and I do not receive texts from RCS Android users while on VPN. I tested with Proton VPN’s NetShield feature both on and off.

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Answer 2

Jan 21, 2025 9:50 AM in response to scottwsx96

I noticed this issue too when using the Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN. However, it only seems to interfere with RCS when using the IPsec protocol. When the VPN is configured to use either the WireGuard or OpenVPN protocols, RCS seems to work fine. Does your VPN allow you to adjust the underlying protocols that you’re using?

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Answer 3

haddigan

Level 1

8 points

Feb 7, 2025 5:00 AM in response to scottwsx96

I am astounded that this is an issue nearly half a year and multiple updates later. Turning off RCS messaging is not an option because I still can’t receive RCS messages. I’m constantly missing texts because of this. Completely unacceptable that such a glaring issue should go unaddressed and unacknowledged for so long

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