How fix Samsung Galaxy A3 text messaging issue after a firmware update

Messaging issues are among the most common problem Samsung Galaxy A3 owners have been complaining about and there are several factors that could have helped develop the problem. However, based on reports we received from our readers, it seems like these issues occurred shortly after the most recent firmware update. That of course, left to think that maybe they’ve downloaded a bad update. Well, that’s the more serious side of the problem. The less serious side would point to some corrupt system caches or files, or compatibility issues with some apps.

Fortunately, texting problems can be fixed with or without any help from a Samsung tech unless of course it’s due to some hardware issues that prevent the phone from receiving signal from the network. Your service provider however, may be able to help you fix this issue if it’s due to account-related issues or due to network problems. In this article, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your phone to determine what the problem really is so that you may be able to seek assistance from your provider or carrier if necessary. So, continue reading as this article may be able to help you.

Before we proceed with our troubleshooting, if you are looking for a solution to a different problem, you may want to visit our A3 troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common problems with this device. Find issues that are similar with yours and use the solutions we suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you need further assistance, you can always contact us by filling up our questionnaire here.

Troubleshooting Galaxy A3 that has texting issue after system update

Here’s the fact, the problem could be just due to the messaging app or it could be because of the firmware. We will try to troubleshoot your phone but be very careful not to accidentally delete any of your files and data if possible. For owners who are not comfortable troubleshooting their phones however, I suggest you ask someone who may be able to help you but for those who are willing to troubleshoot, continue reading…

Step 1: Try to reset the messaging app by clearing its cache and data

We will try to go after the messaging app first because that seems to be the trigger of the problem. But before doing anything, try to backup text messages you don’t want to lose because the following procedure will reset the app itself and probably delete all your messages. After the backup, follow these steps:

  1. From any Home screen, tap the Apps icon.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Applications.
  4. Tap Messages.
  5. Tap Storage.
  6. Tap Clear cache.
  7. Tap Clear data and then tap OK.

Open the app and try to send a text message to your own number to test if the message goes through and if your phone can actually receive it. If the problem still occurs, then move on to the next step.

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Step 2: Reboot your phone in Safe mode

Since the problem still occurs even after resetting the messaging app, we have to check if one or some of the third-party apps you installed in your phone is causing the problem. We have to temporarily disable all downloaded apps and try to send a text message to see if the error or problem would still show up. To do that, you just have to run your phone in safe mode and here’s how you do that:

  1. Turn the device off.
  2. Press and hold the Power key past the screen with the device name.
  3. When ‘SAMSUNG’ appears on the screen, release the Power key.
  4. Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
  5. Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
  6. Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
  7. Release the Volume down key when you see ‘Safe Mode’.

The default messaging app should still work even in safe mode so open it up and compose a text message you’re going to send to your own number. If the problem is seem fixed in this mode, then it’s caused by a third-party app. Find out which of the apps you installed is causing the problem and then uninstall it:

  1. From any Home screen, tap the Apps icon.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Applications.
  4. Tap the desired application in the default list or tap Menu icon > Show system apps to display preinstalled apps.
  5. Tap Uninstall.
  6. Tap Uninstall again to confirm.

However, if the issue persists even in this mode, then you have to try the next step.

Step 3: Delete all system caches so they’ll be replaced

If the system caches had been corrupted during the update process, the device’s performance will be affected and would lead to issues like this. It’s possible that this problem is just due to some corrupt system caches. To rule out this possibility, you need to wipe the cache partition so that all system caches will be deleted and that the firmware will create new ones that may conform with the new firmware. Follow the steps below to boot your Galaxy A3 in recovery mode and wipe cache partition.

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key, then press and hold the Power key.
  3. When the device logo screen displays, release only the Power key.
  4. When the Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
  5. Press the Volume down key several times key to highlight ‘wipe cache partition’.
  6. Press the Power key to select.
  7. Press the Volume down key to highlight ‘yes’ and press the Power key to select.
  8. When the wipe cache partition is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
  9. Press the Power key to restart the device.

After wiping the cache partition the device will take time rebooting for it is creating new files. When it boots up, launch your Messages app and see if the issue still persist, if so, then try the next step.

Step 4: Backup your files and data and reset your phone

At this point, if the problem is that you cannot send or receive text messages, you should call your service provider so that you will be advised about the status of your account or if there’s a network problem in your area.

If the issue with your phone is caused by the app you’re using, then you should reset your phone and it would take care of the problem. However, take time backing up your most important files and data as they will be deleted during the process. After the backup, disable the Factory Reset Protection so that you won’t be locked out of your device after the reset:

  1. From any Home screen, tap the Apps icon.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Tap Cloud and accounts.
  4. Tap Accounts.
  5. Tap Google.
  6. Tap your Google ID email address. If you have multiple accounts setup, you will need to repeat these steps for each account.
  7. Tap Menu.
  8. Tap Remove account.
  9. Tap REMOVE ACCOUNT.

How to perform Master Reset on your Galaxy A3

  1. Turn off the device.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key, then press and hold the Power key.
  3. When the device logo screen displays, release only the Power key
  4. When the Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
  5. Press the Volume down key several times key to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset.’
  6. Press Power button to select.
  7. Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
  8. Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
  9. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
  10. Press the Power key to restart the device.

I hope that this troubleshooting guide can help you one way or another. If you still have concerns you want to share with us, feel free to contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to help you.

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