How to fix Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus with "Messages has stopped" error (easy steps)

The error message “Unfortunately, Messages has stopped” that keeps bugging many of our readers that own Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus units is a notification that tells users that the default text messaging app has crashed. It could be just a problem with the app or it could be just a result of a serious firmware issue since it’s a pre-installed application. That’s what we need to find out first in order to fix this problem.

So, in this post, I will walk you through in troubleshooting your Galaxy S8 Plus with its messaging app that keeps crashing. We will try to determine what causes it to stop working by ruling out every possibility. After which, we will try to formulate a solution that may get rid of the error message and make the app work perfectly again. So, if you’re one of the owners of this device and are currently having issues sending text messages because the app keeps on crashing, continue reading as this post may be able to help you one way or another.

But before anything else, if you have another issue with your phone, drop by our troubleshooting page as we have already addressed hundreds of issues reported by the owners. Odds are that there are already existing solutions on our website or at least, there are similar problems we already fixed. So, try to find ones that are similar or related to your problem. If you need further assistance, however, feel free to contact us by filling up our Android issues questionnaire.

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

Texting problems aren’t really that complicated especially if the issue is with the app like the one we’re tackling here. By doing the following procedures, you may be able to get rid of the error message without asking anybody for help. Here’s what you should do…

First solution: Reboot your phone

This is necessary especially if it’s the first time you’re having this kind of problem. It’s possible that the error is just a result of a minor firmware glitch. It’s something that a normal reboot can actually fix. Take time to restart your S8 Plus and then try to open Messages and send a text to your own number so that you would know if it goes through or not. If the problem remained, try doing the forced restart instead. Press and hold the volume down and power keys at the same time for 10 seconds or more. Your phone will reboot like it normally does and then you could try to see if the problem still remains. If this doesn’t fix the problem, try doing the next procedure.

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Second solution: Run your phone in safe mode

This is to determine if the problem is caused by a third-party application or not because if it’s a third-party app, the solution to that is to uninstall the app itself so you can continue texting without having to experience the same problem. In safe mode, all third-party applications are temporarily disabled so if the problem doesn’t occur in this environment, then it’s clear there’s an app that causes it. Find that app and uninstall it.

Here’s how you restart your phone 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.

And here’s how you uninstall an app from your device:

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 preinstalled apps.
Tap the desired application.
Tap Uninstall.
Tap Uninstall again to confirm.

On the other hand, if the problem continues to occur even in safe mode, then you should try the next procedure.

Third solution: Clear cache and data of Messages

This resets the app and brings it back to its default settings and configuration. If the problem is with the app only, then this procedure is more than enough to fix it.

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

After this, open the app and send a text message to your own number. If the message doesn’t go through or if the app still crashes, move on to the next procedure.

Fourth solution: Delete all system caches

At this stage, we’re already trying to see if the problem is with the firmware but for the sake of your files and data, I suggest you try clearing the cache partition first so that all system caches will be deleted and replaced with new ones. Here’s how you do that:

Turn off the device.
Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
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).
Press the Volume down key several times to highlight “wipe cache partition.”
Press the Power key 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.

If the “Messages has stopped” error still shows up after this, then you have no other choice but to reset your phone.

Fifth solution: Backup your important files and reset your phone

Any app-related concerns can be fixed by a reset and this is no exception. However, before you reset your device, make sure you make a backup of your important files and data as they will be deleted and you may no longer recover them if that happens. After the backup, follow these steps to reset your device:

Back up data on the internal memory. If you have signed into a Google account on the device, you have activated Anti-theft and will need your Google credentials to finish the Master reset.
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.

I hope that we’ve been able to help you one way or another. If you have other concerns you want to share with us, feel free to contact us anytime or leave a comment below.

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How to fix Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus with “Messages has stopped” error (easy steps)