4 Ways to Fix Google Messages App Not Working

Basic Fixes:

• Check network connection: If you are dealing with one or two network bars on your phone, you will face issues sending or getting new messages from the Google Messages app. To reboot the network, enable and disable Airplane Mode on your phone and check again.
• Restart the Messages app: You can choose to reboot just the app. To do this, open all background apps and close the Google Messages app. Reopen it by tapping on the app icon and see if it is working as expected.
• Reinsert your SIM: If you continue to face issues connecting to Messages, remove and reinsert the SIM card using the SIM ejector tool. Then, reinsert it and try using the Messages app again.
• Check for app updates: The Google Messages app might not work due to an outdated build. Head to the Play Store, search for the Messages app, and update the app to the latest version.

Fix 1: Set Messages as the Default App

Certain phone makers ship phones with different message apps that are set as the default choice. In this case, you must select Google Messages as the default app to use without any issues. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps. Here, tap on Choose default apps.

Step 2: Then, tap on the SMS app and select Messages as the default app.

Fix 2: Clear Messages App Cache

All Android apps collect cache data in the background to improve performance. Sometimes, older cache data can lead to app errors. In this case, follow the steps below to clear the Messages cache.

Step 1: Long-press on the Messages app icon and open the app info menu.

Step 2: Go to the Storage menu and tap on Clear cache.

Fix 3: Uninstall Messages App Updates

Updating essential apps like Google Messages on day one is not advisable, as updates sometimes come with unwanted bugs. If you notice the Google Messages app not working after the new update, uninstall the latest updates using the trick below.

Step 1: Long tap on the Google Messages icon and open the app info menu.

Step 2: Tap on the three-dot menu at the top and select Uninstall updates.

Confirm your decision, and the OS will factory reset the Google Messages app.

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings

A wrong network setting tweak could cause an issue with the Google Messages app. If you aren’t sure about the settings, it’s best to reset the network settings on Android. Let’s use it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your phone and search for Reset using the search bar

Step 2: Tap on Reset network settings from the search results. Confirm the same when prompted.

Now, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process. Then, try using the Google Messages app again to see if it works as expected.