Samsung Messages crash: Google Meet likely to blame

Key Points:

Samsung Messages app crashes for Galaxy users, linked to Google Meet.
Standard troubleshooting fails; force-stopping Google Meet resolves the issue.
Switching to Google Messages is a viable alternative.

Samsung, a leading force in the smartphone industry, is facing an unexpected setback as users report widespread crashes of its Messages app. This pre-installed app, favored for its SMS, MMS, and RCS capabilities, has been rendered unusable for many. The glitch began suddenly, leaving users unable to access their conversations and essential messages.

Reports flooded in from users on Reddit and Samsung’s official support channels. The Messages app remains installed, displaying conversation lists, but crashes immediately upon attempting to initiate a new message. Basic troubleshooting steps, such as clearing the cache or restarting the phone, proved ineffective.

Relief came from a Samsung moderator who suggested that the root cause was an issue with Google Meet. The recommended fix involves force-stopping Google Meet and uninstalling its updates. Users can do this by navigating to Settings → Apps → Google Meet → Force stop, then tapping the menu button (⋮) and selecting Uninstall updates. Some users may prefer to disable Google Meet entirely.

This workaround has been confirmed by several Reddit users, who reported that their Messages app functioned correctly after applying the fix. As an alternative, Samsung users can opt for Google Messages, which also supports RCS chats and is pre-installed on many devices. While switching apps might be inconvenient, it offers a reliable solution until a permanent fix is issued.

While troubleshooting, some users may inadvertently delete messages. For those affected, guides are available to help recover deleted texts on Samsung phones, ensuring that critical information is not lost during this disruption.