Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus shows “Messenger has stopped” error
The error message “Unfortunately, Messenger has stopped” that seems to be bugging some owners of the Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus actually means that the Facebook Messenger has crashed for some reason. Most of the time it’s just an issue with the app itself but sometimes, it’s a result of a firmware issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
When troubleshooting a third-party application, the result is often positive. After all, if the problem continues even after doing some procedures, you can just remove the app so that you can continue using your phone without dealing with the error. However, we know for a fact that such app might be very important to you as you might be using it to communicate with family and friends. So, this troubleshooting guide seeks to fix the problem. Continue reading we may be able to help you fix the ‘Messenger has stopped’ error.
Before anything else, if you have other issues with your device, try to browse through our troubleshooting page as we’ve already addressed several issues with this device. Odds are that we’ve already published a post that tackles similar problems. Try finding issues that have similar symptoms with what you currently have and feel free to use the solutions we’ve suggested. If they don’t work for you or if you still need our help, then fill up our questionnaire and hit submit to contact us.
Fixing Galaxy S10 Plus with ‘Messenger has stopped’ error
In troubleshooting your phone with this kind of problem, you just need to be thorough. You must rule out one possibility after another until the problem is fixed. With that being said, here’s what I suggest you do about this…
First solution: Reset Messenger
The first thing you need to do if you’re getting the Messenger has stopped error when using the app is to clear its cache and data. This will reset the app back to its default settings and configuration. If this problem is limited to the app only, you should be able to fix it using these steps:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to pull the notification panel down.
- Tap the Settings icon on the upper-right corner of the screen.
- Scroll to and tap Apps.
- Find and tap on Messenger.
- Tap Storage.
- Touch Clear cache.
- Touch Clear data and then touch OK to confirm.
After doing this, open the app to see if the Messenger has stopped error still shows up. If the error pops up only when it’s opened by the main Facebook app, then you should also do the same to Facebook itself. However, if the problem continues even after doing this, then you should try the next solution.
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Second solution: Update Messenger
Popular applications are being updated regularly to make sure they will work properly. App updates are usually downloaded automatically but if you’ve disabled such feature, you may have to update your apps manually. That could be the case here. So, follow these steps to see if there’s an update available for Messenger…
- From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
- Tap Play Store > Menu > My Apps.
- Find and tap Messenger and then tap Update to update it.
After this and the Messenger has stopped error continues to bug you, then there’s no other choice but to do the next step.
Third solution: Uninstall Messenger and reinstall it
Unlike the main Facebook app, Messenger doesn’t come pre-installed on your phone. You really have to download and install it on your device to be able to use it. Needless to say, you can also remove it from your phone without any issues.
The reason why I want you to uninstall it is that in so doing, you will remove all its cache and data files that may have been corrupted and at the same time remove all its associations with other apps and services. And by reinstalling it, you can rest assured that you’re using the latest version of the app.
- From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
- Tap Settings > Apps.
- Find and tap Messenger.
- Tap UNINSTALL > OK.
- Reboot your phone to refresh its memory.
- Once it becomes active, open Play Store.
- Search for ‘messenger’ and then install it.
After this, try to open the app by tapping it’s icon from the app drawer and through the main app. If the Messenger has stopped error still pops up, you should reset your phone.
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Fourth solution: Backup your files and reset your phone
At this point, if the messenger has stopped error continues to pop up even after doing the steps above, then it could be just a result of a firmware issue. Therefore, you will need to master reset your device to bring all its settings back to factory defaults which could potentially fix any firmware and performance issues.
However, before the reset, make sure to backup your important files and data as they will be deleted. Also remove both your Google and Samsung accounts so you won’t be locked out after the reset. Once everything is set and ready, follow these steps to reset your device:
- Back up data on the internal memory. If you have signed into a Samsung account on the device, you have activated Anti-theft and will need your Samsung 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 Galaxy S10+ logo shows, release all buttons.
- Press the Volume down key several times to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset’.
- Press Power button to select.
- Press the Volume down key to highlight Yes.
- 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 fix the problem with your device. We would appreciate it if you helped us spread the word so please share this post if you found it helpful. Thank you so much for reading!
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