Before your RCS service can deliver messages to real recipients, it goes through verification, configuration, and approval by Google as well as the selected network operators. This article walks you through every step.
On the RCS service page, you will find the menu item Launch service on the left. Start the service from there. Once it has been created, the Add additional network operators button also appears.
Auf einen Blick
- Verification of the company by Google (1-3 business days).
- Define the service behavior and provide the preview (video, screenshots).
- Select the network operators.
- For German carriers (Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, O2, 1&1), additionally fill in the brand approval form and send it to support - review takes several weeks.
- Request launch - wait for carrier approval.
1. Verification
Google verifies that the requesting company is actually the owner of the brand specified. You may receive an email asking for confirmation at an address on your company domain. Free email addresses will be rejected.
2. Define service behavior
The form defines how your service interacts with users:
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Opt-in procedure | How do users give their consent? (Registration, offline source, double opt-in) |
| Triggering actions | Which user actions lead to a message? (Purchase, support request, appointment) |
| Service interactions | Which dialogs does the service support? (Transaction, offer, support) |
| Opt-out procedure | How do users stop receiving messages? (e.g. send STOP) |
These statements are binding. If you later send messages that do not match the described behavior, you risk having your service blocked.
3. Preview for network operators
Before granting approval, the carriers want to see what recipients will experience:
- Test access: Description of how the carriers can test the service (test website, sandbox, adding a test number).
- Video URL: short video (30-60 s) from the recipient perspective, including the opt-out flow.
- Screenshots: welcome message, typical dialog, opt-out confirmation.
4. Select network operators
Select the carriers you want your service to be deliverable through. If a desired network operator is missing, contact seven support.
Hinweis
German network operators: brand approval form required
For approval at Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone, Telefónica/O2, and 1&1, the carriers also require a completed brand approval form. Without this document, your RCS service will not go live in Germany.
- Form: RBM DE Brand Approval (PDF)
- Fill in completely and send to seven support before requesting launch.
- Review runs independently of the Google verification process and may take several weeks.
5. Request launch
Once all steps are complete, click Launch RCS service. The request is sent to the selected network operators for review. Incomplete requests are rejected and must be resubmitted from scratch.
6. Status and updates
You can see the current state at any time in the RCS service window under Launch service. You will also receive status changes by email.
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Request is with the carrier for review |
| Approved | Carrier has approved, sending is possible |
| Rejected | Carrier has rejected - check the reason and correct the request |
| Live | Service is finally active at the carrier |