Some Google Messages users are reporting that the app is crashing for them within seconds of launching. The issue does not seem to be widespread, but it is preventing affected users from accessing their chat list. The bug primarily appears to affect Pixel and Samsung devices running Android 16 or a beta version of the OS.
Some Google Messages users running the v0805 beta report on Reddit that the app is crashing within seconds of opening for them (via 9to5Google). While they can still respond to incoming messages through notifications or chat bubbles, accessing the main conversation list causes the app to crash almost immediately.
The crash appears to have started happening randomly, indicating this might be a server-side issue on Google’s part.
As a workaround, some users exited the beta channel and downgraded to the stable version, which put an end to the crashes. This might cause you to lose your existing texts, so only try this as a last resort. For others, force stopping the app and clearing the cache helped.
Some users also fixed the issue by uninstalling the latest update and reinstalling it from the Play Store. If the Messages app is crashing on your phone as well, you can try these workarounds until Google resolves the matter from its end.
While most complaints about the crashing bug come from Samsung and Pixel users, some Xiaomi and Motorola users are also facing the same problem. But considering the lack of user complaints on X and other social media platforms, it does not seem to be widespread.
Bugs and Google Messages beta builds go hand-in-hand
Google regularly tests upcoming features through the Messages beta channel. But running these bleeding-edge builds has its drawbacks — random bugs being one of them. Back in June, a bug in Google Messages beta caused the app to crash instantly when users tried to forward images, links, and videos. The build also broke sharing using Android’s share sheet.
So, if you use Google Messages to keep in touch with your friends and family, consider reverting to its stable build. While new features might take a while to show up, the stable release is typically devoid of such bugs.
