Android users experiencing repeated crashes in Google Messages app
In a recent development, some Google Messages open beta users on Android 16 (and 16 QPR1) have reported experiencing crashes with the app on Pixel and Samsung phones. However, Google has identified the issue and a fix has been applied automatically, so no action is required from users.
If you're still encountering crashes with the Google Messages app on the latest beta version (20250805_00_RC00), here are some steps you can take to attempt a permanent fix:
- Clear Cache and Data Clearing cache and data can help resolve corrupted temporary files causing crashes. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Storage & cache, then tap Clear cache and Clear storage/data. Note that clearing data will reset app settings and delete message caches (but not your actual SMS stored by the system).
- Revert to Stable Version Since the issue is with the beta build, consider uninstalling the beta update and reverting to the stable release. You can do this by opening the Google Play Store, navigating to My apps & games > Installed > Messages, opting out of the beta program if enrolled, uninstalling updates, and reinstalling the stable version fresh.
- Update or Reinstall Sometimes Google pushes incremental fixes quickly. Check if a newer beta or stable update is available and update the app. If an update isn’t available, uninstall and reinstall the app from the Play Store.
- Check for System Updates Sometimes app crashes are related to OS version issues. Make sure your device's Android version and security patches are up to date.
- Disable Experimental Features If you have enabled any experimental or developer options inside Google Messages, disable them. These can sometimes cause instability.
- Use Alternative SMS Apps Temporarily If the problem persists and messaging is critical, consider temporarily switching to another SMS app (such as Textra or Signal) until the Google Messages beta stabilizes.
If none of these options work, consider reporting the bug to Google with detailed logs through the beta feedback channel. This helps developers identify and fix the root cause in future releases.
Notably, users can successfully reply to notifications or use the chat head/bubble while the app is open. The bug persists even after basic troubleshooting steps like restarting the device or clearing cache. Reinstalling the updates does not wipe the message history in Google Messages.
The bug was caused by an experiment in the Google Messages beta and occurred with the latest beta (version 20250805_00_RC00) released on 8/7. It affected a limited number of Google Messages open beta users, but not all users were impacted.
Update 8/8: Google has fixed the bug affecting Google Messages open beta users that caused the app to crash a few seconds after opening. Reinstalling the updates in the three-dot overflow menu in Google Messages' App info resolves the bug.
- Despite the recent fix implemented by Google, if you're still experiencing crashes with the Google Messages app on smartphones like Pixel and Samsung, you might consider exploring gadgets like Textra or Signal as temporary SMS alternatives.
- As technology continues to advance, it's essential to keep updating smartphone apps, including Google Messages, to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently on your device.
