How to fix “Unfortunately, IMS Service Has Stopped” On Galaxy S9
The IMS Service or IP Multimedia Subsystem Service allows the Android software of the phone such as the S9 to work properly with a vendor or carrier provided communication app. This makes calls and SMS to be delivered via an IP network. There are however instances when this service will fail to work which is why you might see the error message “Unfortunately, IMS Service Has Stopped”. If you are seeing this error message in your Samsung Galaxy S9 then you should follow the troubleshooting steps listed below which when performed will fix the problem.
How to fix “Unfortunately, IMS Service Has Stopped” On Galaxy S9
Check if a downloaded app is causing the problem
The first thing you will need to do is to check if the problem is caused by an app you downloaded. The best way to do this is to start the phone in Safe Mode as only the pre-installed apps are allowed to run in this mode.
- Turn the phone off.
- Press and hold the Power key past the model name screen appearing on the 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.
- When Safe mode appears in the bottom left corner of the screen, release the Volume down key.
Clear the cache and data of the Messages app
In case the issue still persists then there’s a possibility that it can be caused by cached data of the messaging app that has been corrupted. If this is the case then you will need to clear the cache and data of the messages app.
- From any Home screen, tap Apps.
- Tap Settings.
- Scroll to ‘APPLICATIONS,’ then tap Application manager.
- Swipe right to the ALL screen.
- Scroll to and tap Messages.
- Tap Clear cache.
- Tap Clear data, then OK.
Factory reset the S9
In case the above steps fails to fix the problem then you will have to perform a factory reset. This will revert your phone back to its original factory condition. Make sure to backup your phone data before performing a reset as it will be deleted in the process.
- Turn off the phone.
- 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 phone.