How to fix your Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus that shows “Messages has stopped” error [Troubleshooting Guide]

The error “Messages has stopped” is among the most common problems you may encounter if you own a Galaxy device. It doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your phone when this error shows up because based on previous reports we received from our readers, this error might occur when the phone has difficulty sending and receiving text messages especially if there’s an existing network issue that’s affecting the phone’s capability to detect and receive signal.

In this post, we will tackle the “Unfortunately, Messages has stopped” error with the Samsung Galaxy S8+ as the subject of our troubleshooting. We will consider every possibility and rule them out one by one until we arrive at the point wherein we can easily tell what the problem is and what we need to do to fix it. So, if you’re one of the owners of this device that’s bugged by a similar problem, continue reading below as this post maybe able to help you.

Now, before we go to troubleshooting, if you are currently experiencing a different problem, try to visit our troubleshooting page for we have already addressed some of the most common issues owners encountered with their device. Find issues that are similar to yours and feel free to use our solutions or troubleshooting guides. If they don’t work, however, and if you need further assistance, contact us by completing our Android issues questionnaire. All we need is information so we can help you. Don’t worry, it’s free.

How to troubleshoot your Galaxy S8+ with “Messages has stopped” error

Problem: Hello guys. I hope you can help me with my problem. My phone is a Galaxy S8+ and recently, there’s an error that keeps popping up. It’s saying “Unfortunately, Messages has stopped” and when I hit OK, the error disappears only to reappear again when text messages come in or if I open the texting app. I’m not quite sure why it started to show up so if you guys know what to do about it, please help me.

Troubleshooting: The problems that are characterized by error messages are often minor issues and can be fixed by doing a troubleshooting procedure or two. The same goes for texting-related issues wherein the user is notified by an error “Messages has stopped.” This is the kind of problem you should try fixing by yourself, with that said, here’s what I suggest you do:

Step 1: Clear the cache and data of the Messages app

With this kind of problem, it’s logical to go after the app that’s crashing, in this case the Messages app. But since it’s a built-in app, you really cannot remove it from your phone to get rid of the problem. The best thing you could do is just reset it by clearing its cache and data. If the problem is limited to the app, then clearing the cache and data should be able to fix it.

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Apps.
Tap Messages.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear cache.
Tap Clear data and then tap OK.

After this, open the app again and try sending a text message to your own number to see if the error still shows up. If it does, then move on to the next step.

Step 2: Reboot your S8+ in Safe mode to find out if it’s caused by a third-party app

We will now try to isolate the problem to know if the apps you downloaded have something to do with this problem. Try disabling all third-party elements in your phone by starting it up in safe mode.

Turn the device off.
Press and hold the Power key past the model name screen.
When “SAMSUNG” appears on the screen, release the Power key.
Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Release the Volume down key when you see Safe Mode.

Once in this mode, open the Messages app and if the error still pops up, continue your troubleshooting. However, if the problem is seem fixed in this mode, then it’s clear that one or some of the apps you installed caused the problem. You need to find those apps and uninstall them one by one but first, try to update them:

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Play Store.
Tap the Menu key and then tap My Apps. To keep your apps automatically updated, tap the Menu > Settings then tap Auto-update apps to select the check box.
Choose one of the following options:
- Tap Update [xx] to update all applications with updates available.
- Tap an individual application and then tap Update to update a single application.

If you already have some apps that you suspect are causing the problem, then clear their cache and data or even uninstall them to see if the problem can be fixed.

How to clear apps cache and data on your Galaxy S8+

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Apps.
Tap the desired application in the default list or tap 3 dots icon > Show system apps to display pre-installed apps.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear cache.
Tap Clear data and then tap OK.

How to uninstall applications from your Galaxy S8+

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Apps.
Tap the desired application in the default list or tap 3 dots icon > Show system apps to display pre-installed apps.
Tap the desired application.
Tap Uninstall.
Tap Uninstall again to confirm.

Step 3: Start your phone up in Recovery Mode and wipe cache partition

Assuming the error still shows up even when your phone is in safe mode, then go after the system caches as some of them may have already been corrupted or obsolete. Your job is to delete them all so that the system can create new caches that are compatible with firmware. You can do so by starting your phone up in Recovery mode and wiping the cache partition:

Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe cache partition”
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key to highlight “yes” and press the Power key to select.
When the wipe cache partition is complete, “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
Press the Power key to restart the device.

Step 4: Backup your files and data and then do the Master Reset

If the error still shows up after wiping the cache partition, then you have no other option but to reset your S8+. However, make sure you make a backup of your important files and data as they will be deleted. Also, don’t forget to disable the Factory Reset Protection so you won’t locked out of your device after the reset.

How to disable Galaxy S8+ Factory Reset Protection

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings.
Tap Cloud and accounts.
Tap Accounts.
Tap Google.
Tap on your Google ID email address if multiple accounts are setup. If you have multiple accounts setup, you will need to repeat these steps for each account.
Tap 3 dot icon.
Tap Remove account.
Tap REMOVE ACCOUNT.

How to perform the Master Reset on your Galaxy S8+

Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe data / factory reset.
Press Power button to select.
Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
When the master reset is complete, “Reboot system now” is highlighted.
Press the Power key to restart the device.

You may also reset your phone from the Settings menu…

From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
Tap Settings > Cloud and accounts.
Tap Backup and restore.
If desired, tap Back up my data to move the slider to ON or OFF.
If desired, tap Restore to move the slider to ON or OFF.
Tap the back button to the Settings menu and tap General Management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Tap Reset device.
If you have screen lock turned on, enter your credentials.
Tap Continue.
Tap Delete all.

I hope this guide helps.

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