RCS Business Messaging API
Send rich cards, carousels, and interactive messages via Android's native messaging app. No app download needed. Automatic SMS fallback for 100% deliverability.
RCS Message Types
Text + Suggestions
Plain text with quick-reply chips and action buttons
Rich Card
Image, title, description, and action buttons in a card
Carousel
Swipeable gallery of up to 10 rich cards
Image
JPEG/PNG image message with optional caption
File
PDF, video, or audio file messages
Location
Pinned map location with label
Quick Start — Rich Card
# Send a Rich Card with action buttons
curl -X POST https://api.connexbetter.com/v1/rcs/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"to": "+919876543210",
"type": "rich_card",
"rich_card": {
"standalone_card": {
"card_orientation": "VERTICAL",
"card_content": {
"title": "Diwali Sale — 40% Off",
"description": "Shop our biggest sale of the year. Offer valid till 25 Oct.",
"media": {
"file_url": "https://cdn.example.com/diwali-banner.jpg",
"height": "TALL"
},
"suggestions": [
{
"action": {
"text": "Shop Now",
"postback_data": "shop_now_diwali",
"open_url_action": { "url": "https://example.com/sale" }
}
},
{
"reply": {
"text": "Remind me later",
"postback_data": "remind_later"
}
}
]
}
}
}
}'Carousel Message
# Send a Carousel (multiple rich cards)
curl -X POST https://api.connexbetter.com/v1/rcs/send \
-H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{
"to": "+919876543210",
"type": "carousel",
"carousel": {
"card_width": "MEDIUM",
"card_contents": [
{
"title": "iPhone 16 Pro",
"description": "Starting ₹1,19,900",
"media": { "file_url": "https://cdn.example.com/iphone16.jpg" },
"suggestions": [
{ "action": { "text": "Buy Now", "open_url_action": { "url": "https://example.com/iphone16" }, "postback_data": "buy_iphone" } }
]
},
{
"title": "Samsung S25 Ultra",
"description": "Starting ₹1,29,999",
"media": { "file_url": "https://cdn.example.com/s25.jpg" },
"suggestions": [
{ "action": { "text": "Buy Now", "open_url_action": { "url": "https://example.com/s25" }, "postback_data": "buy_samsung" } }
]
}
]
}
}'API Endpoints
/v1/rcs/sendSend a text, rich card, or carousel message
/v1/rcs/send-bulkSend RCS messages to multiple recipients
/v1/rcs/status/:messageIdGet delivery and read status
/v1/rcs/capabilities/:phoneNumberCheck if a number supports RCS
/v1/rcs/agentGet your RCS agent profile and settings
Automatic SMS Fallback
// Response for RCS-capable recipient
{
"messageId": "rcs_01HXYZ",
"status": "delivered",
"channel": "rcs",
"timestamp": "2025-09-15T10:30:00Z"
}
// Response for SMS fallback recipient
{
"messageId": "sms_01HABC",
"status": "delivered",
"channel": "sms_fallback",
"fallback_reason": "rcs_not_supported",
"timestamp": "2025-09-15T10:30:01Z"
}You can check RCS capability before sending using GET /v1/rcs/capabilities/:phoneNumber.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RCS and how is it different from SMS?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-generation messaging protocol built into Android's native messaging app. Unlike SMS, RCS supports images, videos, suggested replies, action buttons, verified sender branding, typing indicators, read receipts, and rich card carousels — all without requiring the user to install a separate app.
Which networks support RCS in India?
Jio and Airtel support RCS for their Android subscribers. Vi (Vodafone-Idea) is rolling out. RCS messages automatically fall back to SMS for subscribers on unsupported networks or for iOS users, ensuring 100% deliverability.
How do I register as an RCS Business Messaging sender?
ConnexBetter handles your RCS Business Messaging (RBM) agent registration with Google and the telecom operators. The process takes 7–14 business days and requires your business name, logo, website, and verified business details.
What are RCS suggested replies and action buttons?
Suggested replies are pre-set text options the user can tap (e.g. 'Yes', 'No', 'Tell me more'). Action buttons trigger specific actions: open URL, dial phone number, share location, or create calendar event. Both appear as tappable chips below the message.
Does RCS support chatbot / conversational flows?
Yes. RCS is designed for conversational messaging. You can build interactive flows using postback data from suggested replies and action buttons, then respond with follow-up rich cards based on user input — all within the native SMS app.
What is the RCS fallback behaviour?
When a recipient's device or network does not support RCS, ConnexBetter automatically falls back to SMS (for text messages) or MMS (for media). The API response includes a 'fallback' field indicating whether a message was delivered as RCS or SMS.
Ready to send RCS messages?
Get your RCS agent registered and start sending rich, branded messages to Android users across India.