Android users encountering Google Messages application crashes
Some users are experiencing issues with Google Messages, as the app crashes a few seconds after opening, particularly on Pixel and Samsung devices running Android 16 or its beta. This problem is related to a bug in the latest beta version of the app (version 20250805_00_RC00).
However, it's important to note that not all users have been impacted by this bug. Additionally, users can still successfully reply to notifications or use the chat head/bubble within Google Messages.
The root cause of this issue is a failed experiment by Google, affecting a limited number of beta users. Fortunately, Google has fixed the bug on the server side for beta users, requiring no action from users. An automatic update has been applied, and affected users might see the issue resolve without manual intervention.
For those still experiencing crashes, there are several workarounds that have proven effective:
- Uninstalling the latest updates: Rolling back the app by going to Settings > Apps > Messages, tapping the three-dot menu, and choosing "Uninstall updates" restores app functionality without deleting message history. Reinstalling the update afterward usually does not reintroduce the crash.
- Clearing the cache: Some users temporarily relieve crashes by clearing the app cache in Settings > Apps > Messages > Storage & cache and restarting the phone, although this may be less effective as crashes often return during advanced activities like RCS video sharing.
- Exiting the beta channel: Downgrading from the beta to the stable version ends the crashes, but may cause loss of recent message data, so it should be considered a last resort.
- Network and hardware resets: Some users report removing and reinserting the SIM card helps by forcing an RCS re-registration, and ensuring the app is not battery-optimized can improve stability.
If problems continue, switching to the stable app version or alternative SMS apps like Samsung Messages is recommended.
In summary, the crashes stem from a problematic beta update interacting with Android 16, and solutions focus on rollback, cache clearing, or waiting for Google's fix. Users are advised to keep an eye on their Google Messages for any further updates.
Update 8/8: Google has fixed the bug affecting Google Messages open beta users on the latest beta (version 20250805_00_RC00) released yesterday.
- Despite the issues with Google Messages on certain smartphones using Android 16, some users have found success by uninstalling the latest updates of the gadget, a process that can be initiated under Settings > Apps > Messages.
- For smartphone users who prefer to stay in the Google Messages beta but continue encountering crashes, they might consider switching to a stable app version or alternative SMS apps like Samsung Messages for a smoother experience.
