Google wants to unify messaging RCS and MMS through the Messages app on Android. However, the default messaging experience isn't as intuitive as you might think. You may sometimes encounter problems sending, receiving, or even opening text messages. Here's how to fix the Android Messages app not working issue.
1. Check the network connection
If you are dealing with one or two network bars on your phone, you will have problems sending or receiving new messages from the Android Messages app.
To reset your network, you can enable Airplane mode on your phone and then disable it after some time. Check to see if you have full network coverage.
You can also switch your mobile carrier if you keep getting poor network connectivity in your area.
2. Set Messages as the default app
Phone makers like Samsung ship their phones with a different messaging app. The Play Store is also full of third-party messaging apps. You need to set Android Messages as your default app to use it without any problems.
Step 1: Swipe up and open App drawer.
Step 2: Look for Settings app With a familiar gear icon. Open it.
Step 3: Scroll down to Application List.
Step 4: Locate Choose default apps.
Step 5: Click on SMS app and select Messages as default app.
3. Restart the Messages app.
Besides restarting your phone, you can choose to restart the app only. Here's how to restart the Messages app.
Step 1: Long press Messages app icon and select App Info Button.
Step 2: Click on Force stop.
Open the Messages app after a few seconds.
4. Clear app cache
All Android apps collect cache data in the background to improve performance. Sometimes, outdated cache data can cause app errors. Follow the steps below to clear the message cache.
Step 1: Long press Messages app icon and open Application Information List.
Step 2: go to the Storage list And press Clear cache option.
Open Android Messages and you should start receiving messages again.
5. Reset network settings
Changing the wrong network settings can cause problems with the Messages app. If you're unsure about the settings, it's best to reset your Android network settings. Let's do it.
Step 1: Open Settings app on your phone.
Step 2: Look for Reset Use the search bar and take a quick look at the search results.
Step 3: Locate Reset network settings Use the same option from the following menu.
6. Carrier Services Update
Carrier services enable the latest connectivity services and add more features to the Android Messages app. Outdated configurations can cause issues with the Messages app on Android.
Step 1: Open Google Play Store on your phone.
Step 2: Look for carrier services And open it.
Update carrier services from the following list.
7. Update Android Messages
Google distributes all app updates through the Play Store. The Android Messages app may not work due to an outdated build.
Go to the Play Store and search for Messages. Go to the Android Messages info page and update the app to the latest version.
8. Uninstall the latest updates
However, it's not recommended to update essential apps like Messages on the first day. Sometimes, it comes with unwanted bugs. If you notice that Android Messages isn't working after a new update, you need to uninstall the latest updates using the trick below.
Step 1: Long press Android Messages Icon and open Application Information List.
Step 2: Click on Three-dot menu at the top and select Uninstall updates.
Confirm your decision and the OS will reset the Messages app to the factory version.
9. Reinsert your SIM card.
Google recommends Reinsert your SIM card if you're still having trouble connecting to Messages. Use a SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM card. Reinsert it and try using the Messages app again.
10. Check your carrier
The default Android Messages app is tightly integrated with your local carrier. If your carrier experiences a service outage, you'll continue to experience issues with Android Messages.
Visit Downdetector Check with your local telecom company to confirm the issue. You can also use social media channels like Twitter to check the status.
Manage messages on Android
Android Messages not working can lead to an unwanted situation. You may be left waiting for a one-time password or other important messages. What trick worked to fix the Android Messages app not working issue? Share your results in the comments below.
