As of Thursday afternoon, some Google Messages users are having the app crash a few seconds after opening.
Update 8/8: Google has fixed this bug for users on the Messages beta:
“We frequently test new features as part of our beta programs. This bug, which was caused by an experiment, affected a limited number of Google Messages open beta users and has now been fixed. The fix was applied automatically, so no action is required from users.”
Top comment by Barry Graham
Uninstalling the updates and reinstalling them fixed my wife's Galaxy S23, which has the beta version. My Pixel 8 which also has the beta version did not have this issue. Clearing cache did NOT resolve the issue. I didn't clear the data as this would have wiped out the messages, even though it may have fixed it. Do NOT clear the storage before trying uninstall and reinstall of updates.
Where did you hear that others were having the issue?
For those impacted, launching Google Messages to the homepage (conversation list) closes the app after a few seconds.
Curiously, they can successfully reply to notifications or use the chat head/bubble.
This is happening with the latest beta (version 20250805_00_RC00) released yesterday, with reports from Android 16 (and 16 QPR1) on Pixel and Samsung phones. Not all users are impacted.
Basic troubleshooting steps like restarting the device or clearing cache does not help. Some have had luck going to App info and uninstalling updates from the three-dot overflow menu in the top-right corner. Reinstalling the update resolves the problem. Doing this will not wipe your message history.
More on Google Messages:
- Google Messages has a new text/chat Details page
- Google Messages on Wear OS getting Material 3 Expressive redesign
- Google Messages testing RCS’ new MLS encryption
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