"Google Is Verifying Your Number for Chat Features" Explained

This Google Messages notice means it is turning on RCS chat features, such as typing indicators and Wi-Fi messaging, by checking your number. It is normal.

What is happening

Google Messages confirms your phone number with your carrier or Google before turning on RCS, the newer form of texting. Behind the scenes it may send a hidden text to your own number. It usually finishes on its own within minutes.

If it gets stuck

1. Check you have mobile data or Wi-Fi.
2. Open Messages › Settings › RCS chats and turn it off and on again.
3. Make sure Carrier Services and Google Messages are up to date in the Play Store.
4. Restart the phone.
5. If it still fails, leave it a day: carrier activation can be slow.

Does it cost anything?

The check uses a text to your own number, which most plans treat like any other text. Abroad, it may count as a roaming text.

Do you need RCS?

No. Normal texts and verification codes still work with RCS off. Turning it off is a reasonable fix if verification stays stuck. See RCS vs SMS.

Dual SIM phones

On a phone with two numbers, chat features are set up for each SIM separately. If one number verifies and the other does not, check that the second SIM has an active plan and can receive texts. Some carriers do not support chat features on secondary lines at all.

FAQ

Is "Google is verifying your number" a scam?

No. It is Google Messages setting up chat features.

Why is it stuck on verifying?

Often a carrier delay or an out-of-date app. Toggle RCS off and on, update, and restart.

Will turning off chat features stop my verification codes?

No. Codes arrive as normal texts.

Related: RCS vs SMS · turn SMS on or off · not receiving texts.