How to fix “Syncing messages Temporary background processing” message on Galaxy Note9

Some owners of Verizon Galaxy Note9 devices are wondering what to do with “Syncing messages Temporary background processing” message that keeps popping up. If you’re one of them, learn how to deal with this error below.

Problem: Verizon Message+ Syncing messages Temporary background processing message and video keeps pausing when on mobile data

I have a few issues I need help with. I recently upgraded from the Galaxy S8 to the Note 9. I am using Message+ and this notification has appeared in the pull down menu since I got the phone at the beginning of November: ”Syncing messages – Temporary background processing.” I have another notification that says “2 apps are using the battery: Message+ and Security & Privacy”. I’m not sure what to do about this?

Also, when streaming video at work (not using wifi) the video will play for a few seconds then pause for a few seconds, repeat. Before I moved to the Note 9 my S8 would stream video without using wifi without any problems at all. I can stream just fine at home. Rebecca

Solution: Let’s discuss each of the issues separately.

Issue 1: Verizon Message+ Syncing messages Temporary background processing message

We want to make it clear that Syncing messages Temporary background processing error only happens when using Verizon’s messaging app — Message+. Technically, this is not an error message but more of a reminder to the user that the device is performing background tasks or syncing with a remote server. This is so that messages from said remote server will be displayed on a device requesting them.

How to fix Syncing messages Temporary background processing error

There’s a few things that you can do to deal with this issue.

Disable Syncing messages Temporary background processing notification

We currently don’t have a Verizon device to use but supposedly, you should be able to turn Syncing messages Temporary background processing notification by tapping on it when it appears. There should be an option to disable it and prevent it from appearing next time. Unless Verizon made changes to their firmware, this should be the easy fix for your concern.

Forced reboot

Sometimes, this simple procedure can fix bugs that developed after the system has run for a long time. By manually forcing your Galaxy Note9 to reboot, you’re basically simulating a battery pull, which, in older mobiles with removable battery packs, was an effective way to refresh the system. If you haven’t tried this one yet, here are the steps that you can do:

Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons for approximately 10 seconds or until the device power cycles. Allow several seconds for the Maintenance Boot Mode screen to appear.
From the Maintenance Boot Mode screen, select Normal Boot. You can use the volume buttons to cycle through the available options and the lower left button (below the volume buttons) to select. Wait for up to 90 seconds for the reset to complete.

Delete Message+ app data

In case the problem is caused by an unknown bug within the app, try to return Message+ to its defaults with these steps:

Open Settings app.
Tap Apps.
Tap on More settings at the upper right (three-dot icon).
Select Show system apps.
Find and tap your app.
Tap Storage.
Tap Clear Data button.
Restart your Note9 and check for the problem.

WARNING: You may end up losing your text messages if you delete Message+ data. Be sure to back your messages before doing the steps above.

Talk to Verizon

If the problem won’t go away at all, call Verizon and report the bug to them.

Use another messaging app

As a workaround, you can try to use the Samsung messaging app called Messages, or any other app that you can download from the Play Store. Google’s own Android Messages app is also a good alternative. You can use them while waiting for a permanent fix from Verizon.

Issue 2: Galaxy Note9 video keeps pausing when on mobile data

The cause of this problem may be poor mobile data connection, app bug, or software glitch. To troubleshoot the problem, follow our suggestions below.

Check mobile data speed

When on mobile data connection and having a problem playing videos, do a speed test to see how fast internet speed is. If the internet connection is slow or intermittent, video streaming may be affected. Improve the situation by making sure device is getting good 4G LTE signals (at least 3 signal bars) with internet speed of at least 3Mbps. Anything slower than that can cause buffering while streaming.

Reset app preferences

Another good way to solve this problem is by making sure that you set all apps back to their known working state. This is done by resetting all apps back to their original configuration. Here’s how:

Open Settings app.
Tap Apps.
Tap More settings (three-dot) icon at the upper right.
Tap Reset app preferences.

Contact Verizon

If mobile data connection is really spotty, or if you want to improve its speed, we suggest that you bring the matter to your network operator. Let them know of the problem