Google Launches RCS Archival for Enterprise Android Devices

Google has introduced a new feature called Android RCS Archival for its Pixel phones and other compatible Android Enterprise devices, enabling companies to archive messages sent through the Google Messages app on work-managed phones. The update, aimed at helping organizations meet regulatory requirements for record-keeping, allows employers to access the content of RCS, SMS, and MMS communications, raising privacy concerns for employees using company-provided devices.

The feature integrates third-party archiving applications directly into Google Messages, allowing them to capture details of messages as they are sent, received, edited, or deleted. Initial providers include Celltrust, Smarsh, and 3rd Eye, with additional options expected in 2026. This on-device archiving process preserves the end-to-end encryption that protects messages during transmission between users, but once decrypted on the receiving device, the content becomes readable for compliance purposes. Archiving occurs locally and is not shared with Google or stored in the cloud.

Previously, companies relied on mobile carriers to log text messages for legal discovery or regulatory requests, such as in disputes or...