Google Messages app is not working? How to fix

You might be in a situation where when you try to type a message, an error pops up saying, “Messages isn’t responding.” It poses a problem since you cannot send, or receive messages due to bugs, internet connection, or cellular service connection.

There are various reasons why the Google Messages app for the web is not working on your Android device. This article will explain the factors that lead to the Message app not working. You will also learn how to troubleshoot those problems and get to texting as usual.

How to fix the Messages app

To troubleshoot the Messages app:

1. Restart your Android device

The easiest way to fix an error on your phone is by restarting it. You can do this by pressing the Power button until a notification appears to restart the device. Press the Restart icon and wait for it to restart. Try opening the app and see whether it runs smoothly or still appears with an error.

2. Update the Message app

The Messages app is not working because it is outdated and experiencing bugs. You can fix this by going to Google Play Store and updating the app to the latest version. You can then open the app to see if it is running smoothly.

Go to Google Play Store and select Manage apps & devices.
Select Updates available.
Select the Update option that is next to the Messages app.

Once updated, you can open the app and check whether it runs smoothly.

3. Turn off Airplane mode

As silly as it sounds, you may have switched the Airplane mode on accidentally. You may have also switched it on and forgot to turn it on. When your phone is in this mode, it stops the Messages app from working. The solution to this is:

Go to the Settings app.
Select Network & Internet.
Turn off the toggle that is next to Airplane mode.

4. Ensure that there is a data connection

There should be data connection or credit when sending an MMS or SMS. The text messages are not sent on Wi-Fi because it is not on or there is insufficient credit or data. Ensure that your device is connected to an active data connection and that you have an active mobile plan.

5. Clear the app’s cache and data

Clearing the app’s cache data is a technique that works when your app has an error. There may be corrupted cache data from older files that prevent the app from running. Clearing them will give your app a fresh start.

It should be noted that your text messages and MMS will not be erased from your app. You should, however, back up important message conversations before cleaning up the app’s data. Below are steps on how you can clear cache data on an Android device:

Go to Settings.
Go to Apps.
Select See all apps and then select Messages.
Select Storage and Cache.
Tap on the Clear Cache option to clear the cache data or Clear Storage which will clean up all the Message app’s data.

6. Delete and uninstall the app

When you receive a message error that your Message app is not working, it is most likely that the app is unstable, experiencing bugs, or is incompatible with your Android phone. You can choose to download a cracked APK Messages app from a trusted download website until Google fixes the app.

To uninstall the app on an Android phone, long-press the Messages app until the Uninstall option appears on the screen. Select it or press X to delete it from your phone. You can then download an APK Messages app or go to the Google Play Store and download an updated version.

7. Set the Messages app as the default texting app

You may have more than one messaging app on your Android device, hence your Google Message not working. In this case, you need to set Google Messages as your default messaging app. You can do this by following this procedure:

Go to Settings.
Select Apps & Notifications.
Select Advanced and then Default apps.
Choose the SMS app option and set Google Messages as a default texting app.

8. Factory reset the phone

Factory resetting your device is among the last options when your app glitches, but it eventually gets your messaging app working back to normal. You only need to backup all the important files and data because it clears up all data stored on your phone.

Here are the steps on how to factory reset your phone:

Go to the Settings app.
Go to System.
Select the Reset options.
Tap on Erase all Data (or Factory Reset) option.
Follow the instructions given by the device to complete the process.

9. Check whether the SIM card is correctly placed

Messages may fail to send and be received because the SIM card is improperly placed or inserted in the SIM card slot.

You can check the SIM card by shutting down your phone and removing the sim card slot. Check whether the SIM card is properly placed and if not, reinsert it and switch on your phone.

10. Seek Professional Assistance

If none of these troubleshooting techniques do work, you need to seek professional help. You can send an email to the Messages customer service and provide the details on the error.

Another option is to contact your network provider if Google Messages is waiting for a connection.

Conclusion

Your Google Messages app is not working and may display an error due to the app’s bugs or the phone’s network. The app crashes because it is outdated and requires a new version. The above methods are quick and easy steps that do not require an additional tool.

If the above fixes do not work on your Messages app, contact your carrier service provider to check the network and fix the problem. You can also send feedback to the Messages app customer service to diagnose the problem. Either way, you will get your Google Messages app working again on your Android phone.

Melvin

Melvin is a senior writer at iMentality. A DIYer at heart, Melvin loves to craft things in the tech space. He has amassed over a decade of experience in tech writing with special focus on apps and tech guides.