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Google Adds RCS Archiving for Company-Managed Android Devices

The on-device system helps regulated employers meet record-keeping rules without breaking end-to-end encryption in transit.

Overview

  • Available on fully managed Pixel and other Android Enterprise devices, the feature must be enabled by IT and does not apply to personal phones.
  • Third-party archival apps integrate with Google Messages to capture when RCS texts are sent, received, edited, or deleted, and the capability also covers SMS and MMS.
  • Employees see a clear notification when archiving is active, and Google says message data is processed locally and not shared with Google.
  • Initial vendor support includes Celltrust, Smarsh, and 3rd Eye, with additional integrations expected in 2026.
  • Other encrypted messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram are unaffected by this update.