What Is RCS OTP and How Does It Work?
Published: Aug 8, 2025
What if your next one-time password (OTP) came with buttons, branding, and end-to-end encryption in one message? That’s exactly what RCS OTP does, and it’s only a matter of time until it is the norm.
The internet is overflowing with login attempts, account verifications, and secure transactions, and the demand for safe authentication methods is at an all-time high. OTPs have become the go-to solution for verifying user identity since they provide protection beyond usernames and passwords. While effective, traditional SMS OTPs are starting to show their age. People are noticing that they’re limited in function (starting with the SMS character limit), vulnerable to phishing, and, at times, indistinguishable from spam.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) steps in as an upgrade. If you're wondering, “What does RCS message mean?” think of it as SMS with superpowers. It supports branding, interactivity, and encryption, all while offering a smarter way to deliver OTPs.
An RCS OTP can include verified sender IDs, clickable buttons, branded visuals, and delivery/read receipts. You get a seamless experience for users and a high-impact tool for businesses aiming to stand out while staying risk-free.
With rising cyber threats and user expectations growing every day, RCS OTP is becoming a much-needed evolution. This article covers the text message RCS meaning, its benefits for OTP, and much more.
What Is RCS Messaging?
RCS is designed to make mobile messaging more powerful and interactive without requiring a separate app. It is a communication protocol that turns standard text messages into rich, app-like flows within the phone’s default messaging app.
When it comes to SMS vs. RCS, the former is limited to plain text and links. But RCS supports a wide range of features that elevate both user experience and business communication. Messages sent via RCS are transmitted over the internet (rather than through the cellular network).
Key Features of RCS Messaging
Branding: Businesses can send messages with their official name, logo, and brand colors, which eliminates the anonymity of shortcodes or random numbers.
Verified sender: Every RCS business message comes from a verified source. This boosts trust and reduces the risk of phishing or fraud.
Rich media: RCS supports high-quality images, videos, GIFs, and even product carousels, making messages more engaging.
Actionable buttons: Users can tap on pre-set buttons to confirm actions, visit a website, schedule an appointment, or input responses, all without leaving the chat.
Read and delivery receipts: Similar to messaging apps, RCS shows when a message is delivered and read, which offers transparency for both sender and receiver.
What Is an RCS OTP?
An RCS OTP is a one-time password delivered through Rich Communication Services instead of SMS. It serves the same core purpose (verifying a user’s identity during logins, transactions, or sign-ups), but it does so with stronger security and a far better user experience.
With SMS OTPs, users receive a plain text code from a short number or a random sender. There’s no clear, visual branding, no confirmation of sender identity, and no visual guidance. This opens the door to spoofing and phishing, as malicious actors can mimic these messages easily. RCS OTP, however, changes that.
RCS supports verified sender IDs, visual branding, and dynamic message formats. Each message can display the company’s name and logo, include a verification badge, and be formatted to guide the user with call-to-action buttons, such as “Verify Now” or “Complete Login.”
So, how is RCS OTP a better solution than SMS OTP?
Security: RCS messages are sent from verified business profiles, which reduces the risk of phishing.
Brand recognition: The use of logos, color schemes, and brand names makes the message instantly recognizable.
User experience: Instead of copying and pasting codes, users can tap usable buttons to confirm their identity in one step.
Read receipts: RCS provides delivery and read confirmations. This helps businesses monitor OTP success rates in real time.
How Does RCS OTP Work?
On devices that support RCS, the average time it takes for users to receive and complete the OTP verification is less than eight seconds. Here’s how it works step by step:
1. Generating a Code
The Dexatel platform generates a unique, time-sensitive one-time password. You can customize the expiration period of the code, depending on your security requirements or use case, be it for account login, transaction approval, or password reset.
2. Delivering the RCS Message
Once generated, the OTP is delivered via RCS to the user’s Android Messages app. The message appears in a branded thread using your verified business profile, complete with your name, logo, and visual elements. Optional quick-action buttons (like “Verify” or “Confirm”) make it easy for the user to interact without typing.
3. User Confirmation
The recipient either enters the OTP manually or taps one of the buttons to approve the request right away. This eliminates friction and speeds up the verification process.
4. Smart Fallback as a Plan B
If RCS isn’t supported on the user’s device or network, the system automatically switches to an alternative channel, such as SMS, WhatsApp, or another messaging platform you’ve enabled. The fallback is seamless, so the user still receives the code with no delay.
5. Real-Time Tracking and Optimization
As the message is sent, read, and interacted with, Dexatel’s system feeds delivery and read status data directly into your analytics dashboard. This insight loop helps you monitor performance, track OTP conversion rates, and optimize campaigns for better success.
Top Benefits of RCS OTP for Businesses
Switching to RCS OTP comes with a range of benefits that go beyond sending a one-time password. It optimizes the entire verification process for both the business and the end user.
1. Verified Sender = Stronger Security
Every RCS message comes from a verified business profile. This means users can instantly recognize the sender, reducing the risk of phishing, spoofing, or fraudulent messages. With increasing concerns over cybersecurity, verified identity adds another layer of trust.
2. Branded User Experience
RCS supports full visual branding—including your company name, logo, and brand colors—within the messaging thread. Instead of receiving a plain text message from a short number, users see a familiar, professional interface that reinforces brand credibility and recognition.
3. Interactive and Action-Oriented
RCS OTPs can include tappable buttons for instant actions like “Verify,” “Approve,” or “Log In.” This eliminates friction and speeds up the user’s journey, especially on mobile. It’s intuitive and efficient, just as users expect.
4. Higher Engagement and Completion Rates
Rich, visual messaging tends to capture attention better than plain text. Combine that with instant call-to-actions, and users are more likely to complete the verification process quickly. On average, RCS OTP messages on supported devices are completed in under eight seconds.
5. Real-Time Insights
Delivery and read receipts give businesses a clear view of performance. You can track success rates, identify drop-offs, and refine your strategy with applicable data.
6. Automatic Fallback
Even if the recipient doesn’t have RCS, the system automatically falls back to SMS or other channels, so you can guarantee delivery without manual intervention.
Limitations and Considerations of RCS Messaging
While RCS OTP offers a modern alternative to SMS, there are a few limitations to be aware of before full implementation. These limitations don’t cancel out its benefits, but they do show the importance of having a fallback strategy in place and using analytics to track performance:
1. Device Compatibility and Platform Availability
RCS is primarily available on Android devices and on any device where RCS features are turned on in settings. Availability still depends on carrier support and regional rollout, so users should check their device and network settings to confirm RCS is active.
Recently, cross-platform messaging between Android and iOS has started to support some RCS-like features. When chatting between Android and iPhone users, you can now see typing indicators and read receipts. Other features include better group chat controls and the ability to share high-resolution images and videos in conversations.
2. Requires Mobile Data or Wi-Fi
Unlike SMS, RCS relies on an internet connection to deliver messages. Users must be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to receive and interact with RCS OTPs. In areas with poor connectivity or for users with limited data access, this may affect delivery speed or message visibility.
3. Carrier and Regional Availability
RCS availability also depends on carrier support and regional rollout. While many mobile carriers across the globe now support RCS, some networks still do not. This can create gaps in coverage, especially in certain countries or with smaller mobile providers.
4. User Settings and App Versions
The RCS functionality must be switched on in the user’s device, and they must be using a compatible version of the Android Messages app. If not, the message may not be delivered via RCS, even if technically supported.
Top Use Cases for RCS OTP
As a practical solution, RCS OTP fits into key business processes across industries. From finance to retail, any business that relies on identity verification can benefit from RCS OTP, since it makes every authentication step safer. Here’s how organizations are using RCS:
1. Banking and Fintech
With RCS OTP, banks and fintech apps can send tap-to-approve messages that look and feel like part of the official brand. These verified, encrypted messages protect users from phishing attempts while making login and transaction approvals faster.
2. eCommerce Checkout
Online retailers can facilitate the entire purchase process by sending RCS-based order confirmations. Businesses can embed a “Confirm Purchase” button right inside the message. Customers can verify orders, track shipping, or get support within a single chat thread.
3. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
For apps and digital services that rely on 2FA, RCS OTP combines security with usability. Users receive a time-sensitive code from a verified sender profile, complete with branding and responsive elements.
4. Account Sign-Up and Recovery
You can prevent fake accounts and reduce friction during sign-up with RCS OTP. Whether it's a new registration or password reset, the branded, real-time message flow reassures users and helps them complete it in seconds.
How Does Dexatel Support RCS OTP?
Dexatel offers an all-in-one messaging platform designed to simplify and safeguard how businesses communicate with their customers. The platform provides a centralized solution to manage your communication across channels. And now, RCS is fully supported, bringing next-generation messaging capabilities to your OTP flows.
What to Expect from Dexatel’s RCS Capabilities
Verified business identity: Messages are sent from a verified sender profile that includes your company name, logo, and a trust badge.
Branded experience: Add brand colors, visuals, and tap-to-verify buttons to create a smoother authentication process.
Secure delivery: RCS OTPs are transmitted over encrypted IP-based channels, which provide end-to-end protection for sensitive verification data.
Delivery and read tracking: With real-time receipts, you can monitor when each OTP is delivered and opened, and adjust expiration settings based on user behavior.
Smart fallback logic: If RCS isn’t available on the recipient’s device or network, the system switches to SMS, voice, or another enabled channel. You’re only charged once, based on the method that delivers the text.
Global reach and flexible billing: Dexatel supports delivery to over 190 countries, with pay-as-you-go pricing.
Built-in compliance: Dexatel aligns with industry standards and regional regulations, including GDPR and messaging policies, guaranteeing every message meets legal and ethical guidelines.
Rich analytics dashboard: Monitor performance with practical insights like delivery success, open rates, interaction times, and fallback rates in one centralized view.
Final Thoughts
Outdated methods are leaving gaps in security and user experience. RCS OTP is filling those by combining solid verification with tap-enabled messaging, verified sender identities, branded visuals, and instant action buttons. All these and more are making authentication safer and more user-friendly.
Dexatel boasts a reliable platform that integrates RCS OTP smoothly into existing systems. With global reach, smart fallback strategies, and deep analytics, businesses can provide security without sacrificing convenience.
Embracing RCS OTP is a step toward building stronger customer trust and reducing fraud. Sign up now and watch how Dexatel helps you implement RCS OTP in the best possible way.
