29 August 2025

How to Set Custom RCS Group Chat Icons on Android

Blog

As the adoption of Rich Communication Services (RCS) continues to grow, Android users are enjoying a more advanced messaging experience than ever before. One particularly useful feature offered by many Android-based messaging apps leveraging RCS functionality is the ability to customize group chat details. Among these options is the ability to set a custom group chat icon — a visual identifier that enhances usability and personalization. Whether you’re managing a family messaging circle, team collaboration thread, or friends’ weekend plan group, learning how to set a custom RCS group chat icon can make the conversation more visually appealing and easier to identify.

What Is RCS and Why Customization Matters

RCS is the modern evolution of traditional SMS and MMS messaging. It includes features like read receipts, high-resolution media sharing, Wi-Fi support, and group chats. Unlike SMS, RCS allows for more interactive and customizable messaging options — including group communication enhancements such as naming the group and assigning a unique group chat icon.

Custom icons make it easier for users to recognize a specific group amidst a cluttered message list. They also enhance themes or branding for work groups and make chats much more fun and engaging for friends and family conversations.

Steps to Set a Custom RCS Group Chat Icon on Android

The process to set a custom RCS group chat icon varies slightly depending on which messaging app you’re using. The following steps apply broadly to Google’s Messages app, which is most common for RCS users on Android.

Open the RCS Supported Messaging App: Launch the Google Messages app or any third-party messaging app that supports RCS functionalities.
Select the Group Chat: From your list of conversations, tap on the group chat for which you want to change the icon.
Access Chat Settings: Tap on the group name at the top of the screen to enter the chat settings. This section provides access to group name, participants, and settings.
Edit Group Details: Tap on the pen or edit icon near the group title or photo (if any already exists). This will open the customization interface.
Select or Capture New Image:
- Tap on the current group icon or the default image placeholder.
- Select “Choose photo” to pick an image from your gallery, or “Take photo” to snap a new one using your camera.
Crop and Set the Icon: Once you’ve chosen or taken the image, you’ll be prompted to crop it. After confirming the crop, tap “Save” or “Apply” to make the change.

That’s it! Your custom RCS group chat icon has now been set, and everyone in the chat will see the new image.

Tips for Choosing a Great Group Icon

When setting a group chat icon, consider the following tips to make your choice stand out and serve its purpose well:

Simplicity: Choose a photo or image that is clear even when displayed as a small thumbnail.
Thematic Relevance: Pick an image related to the group’s purpose, like a soccer ball for your local football team chat.
Personal Touch: Use a real photo of the group or a memorable moment.
Color Recognition: Go for bright or unique colors that help the chat icon stand out.

Requirements and Limitations

To access the group chat icon customization feature, certain criteria need to be met:

Device Compatibility: Ensure you’re using an Android device running a recent version of the OS.
App Support: The messaging app must support RCS — Google Messages does by default when RCS is enabled.
Network Support: Your network carrier also needs to support RCS capabilities for full functionality.
Group Chat Ownership: In many apps, only the group creator or designated admin can change the chat icon.

Keep in mind that if any participant is using a non-RCS capable app or service like SMS or iPhone iMessage, they might not see the custom icon or face functionality inconsistencies.

How to Remove or Change an Existing Group Icon

Changing or removing an existing icon follows almost the same steps as setting one up. Navigate to the group chat settings by tapping on the group name, and then tap the icon again to select a new photo or revert to the default placeholder image.

Third-Party Apps and Icon Management

While Google’s Messages app is the default for many Android devices, other apps such as Samsung Messages, WhatsApp (though not technically RCS), and Signal offer similar customization features. However, group icon settings may not sync across apps. If you’re using multiple messaging apps, ensure you configure the settings directly within the one used to manage the chat.

Note: Some third-party apps may even allow you to apply sticker overlays or emojis to your chat icons for added customization features.

What Happens After You Set the Icon?

Once a new icon is saved, all group members should see the updated image. This change is usually instantaneous and applies to all participants’ chat interface. Some users may receive a small notification like “Group photo updated by [User Name]” as a courtesy update.

Best Practices for Group Chat Personalization

Alongside setting a custom icon, consider personalizing your group chat name and assigning nicknames to group members. These enhancements can significantly improve navigation, especially in professional settings where multiple work chats exist.

Encourage group consensus before making significant changes to chat icons or names, as these updates are reflected across all participants’ devices and may affect group cohesion.

Conclusion

Setting a custom RCS group chat icon on Android adds a personal and functional touch to your messaging experience. It’s a simple way to bring identity and order to the digital conversations that power our daily lives. While the exact steps can vary depending on your preferred messaging app, most Android phones equipped with RCS capabilities allow quick and easy customization when using supported platforms like Google Messages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can every participant in a group change the chat icon?
A: Not always. In most cases, only the group administrator or creator can change the icon.
Q: Will my icon changes be visible to iPhone users?
A: No. Since iPhones don’t support RCS, iPhone users won’t see the icon change and may not even see the group settings similarly.
Q: Can I set animated or GIF images as group icons?
A: Currently, most messaging apps only support static images like JPG or PNG files, so GIFs are not supported as group icons.
Q: What image dimensions are best for group chat icons?
A: A square image with a resolution of at least 400×400 pixels generally works best.
Q: How do I know if I have RCS enabled?
A: In Google Messages, go to Settings > Chat Features. If you see status as “Connected,” RCS is enabled.