Typing Indicators Defined

Typing indicators are real-time messaging features that show when the other person in a conversation is actively composing a message. These visual cues, often displayed as “User is typing…” notifications, make messaging feel more conversational, interactive, and human.

Unlike traditional SMS, which has no awareness of real-time user behavior, Rich Communication Services (RCS) natively supports typing indicators. This brings chat app-like functionality to carrier messaging. For businesses, typing indicators enhance customer support and sales conversations by reassuring users that an agent is actively crafting a response, reducing uncertainty and improving satisfaction.

How to Use it in a Sentence

Typing indicators let our customers see that an agent is replying in real time, which improves trust and reduces chat abandonment.

Common Typing Indicators FAQs

No. SMS does not support typing indicators. This feature is available in RCS.

They make customer conversations feel more natural and responsive, improving engagement and trust.

Typing indicators rely on RCS support, so both users need compatible messaging apps and carrier support for the feature to work.

Yes, as long as both participants use compatible RCS-enabled apps and networks that support the feature.

If turned off, their typing status will not be shared with others, maintaining privacy.