SMS messages are still widely used, even with the advent of online messaging apps. Most service providers and businesses contact their customers through this medium, and not everyone has access to the Internet. Therefore, this method of communication is still quite intact. Sometimes messaging apps do not work due to bugs in our phones. Or if we accidentally messed with the messaging settings on our device. This is very unfortunate because messaging apps are the closest thing we have to reach people and get information. However, if you try one or more of the solutions listed here, the problem on your Android phone can be fixed.
Why is my messaging app not working?
The reasons for the Android messaging app not working can be grouped into two categories: your device and your network. It’s possible that your messaging app isn’t working either because you messed with the settings or your device’s memory is full. Also, if your smartphone has a bug or your messaging app is outdated, it may stop working unexpectedly. The problem could also not be coming from your end but from your network provider, in which case it’s best to take some time and have the network restored. Any of these issues could be the cause of your messaging app not working, but we’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to resolve the problem.
Fixes for messaging app not working
As we mentioned earlier, there can be multiple reasons why your Android SMS app has stopped working. The best way to troubleshoot the issue is to systematically and methodically eliminate every possible reason. One of these troubleshooting tips should help you fix the problem of your Android messaging app not working. So let’s start with the very first tip.
Method 1: Check if Airplane Mode is enabled
Airplane mode is a feature on Android devices that stops all network activity. This can be helpful when you’re trying to conserve battery life or when you’re in an area with no service. If you’re having problems with your messaging app, the first thing you should ensure is that the airplane mode is turned off. This might sound too silly, but believe it or not, it’s one of the most common reasons.
Method 2: Force stop messaging app
If some features of your Messages app have stopped working, the app may have crashed in some way. The best way to fix this is to force close the app and reopen it. After that, the app will restart again. Here is how you can force close the Messages app:
Method 3: Restart the phone
This is one of the most effective ways to fix smartphone problems, and it works most of the time. However, when Android has been used for a long period of time, it tends to develop errors, which could be the reason for the “Android message app not working” problem. So, restarting the phone is worth a try. To do so, simply hold down the power button and select Restart. Then check if the problem is fixed when your phone boots up again.
Method 4: Clear cache and data
Caches and data are supposed to help you run applications on your devices without any problems. However, these caches may eventually become incompatible with your smartphone, or the caches in the messaging app may already be corrupted. Removing these old caches and data can help the app reboot with a clean slate and fix the Android messaging app not working issue. Follow the steps below to clear the caches and data from your device:
Method 5: Make Messages your default app
Messages only works on your phone if you set the app as the default app. If you have more than one messaging app on your phone or accidentally set Messages as the default messaging app, you may not be able to receive messages through the app. Follow these instructions to restore them;
Method 5: Update Messages app
Most of us ignore updating to the latest version of applications. However, outdated versions of apps are prone to bugs that could be the cause of this problem. Therefore, you should visit the Google Play Store to download the latest version of the application.
Method 6: Boot in Safe Mode
Android Messaging app crashing problem may occur due to an interference from a third-party application. If you are unable to point out the third-party app, which can be the reason, it makes sense to boot into the safe mode to confirm the cause. By booting into safe mode, you can determine if the issue is caused by a third party. In safe mode, third-party apps won’t work. Therefore, it’s a convenient way to determine if third-party apps are to blame. As soon as you return to regular mode, apps will work normally. For booting into safe mode, hold down the power button. A power menu will appear. When a pop-up asks you to confirm booting in safe mode, hold the Power button. Click OK.
Method 7: Make space for new messages
If you have unimportant threads with old messages on your device, it is best to delete them. You can also make room for new messages by deleting unused files in your memory/storage. This not only creates space for new messages, but also for the Messages app. Launch the file manager on your phone and delete junk files to make room.
Method 8: Reset Network Settings
As mentioned earlier, the messaging app error may not be coming from your phone. A glitch in your service provider’s network could be the cause of the problem. You can restore the network service by performing a network reset. To do this, perform the following steps:
Method 9: Factory Reset your phone
If none of the other approaches seem to be effective, this should be your last alternative. This method will delete all your data, but there is a high chance that it will solve the problem of the Android Messages app not working, as it will restart your phone as it was when you first turned it on. Before doing this, make sure that you have backed up your files. Then, follow the steps below to perform a factory reset:
Method 10: Contact your cellular carrier
Another way to fix the problem of the Android messaging app not working is to ask your mobile carrier for help. They should be able to help with the problem if it comes from their end since they have access to the system. You can also contact the manufacturer of your phone to solve the problem.
Troubleshooting “Android Messages not working” issue
Any of these methods can be the solution to the problem of the Android messaging app not working. But, in the meantime, you need to keep trying each of them until the problem on your phone is solved.
Restart the phone Delete old messages Free up space on your phone Update the app Clear cache Make Messages your default app Reset Network Settings Force stop Messages app
- Open the Settings app.
- Scroll down and tap Messages.
- Tap the Reset settings button.
- Tap Reset to confirm. Resetting message settings on a Samsung phone will reset all your messages to their default values. This will also delete any unsent messages. To restore your messages, you must first set up your messaging account again from scratch.
