3 Ways to Fix Messages App Keeps Crashing or Freezing on iPhone

Quick Tips

• Open Settings and tap on Messages > turn off the iMessage toggle. Wait a while, then turn it back on.
• Go to Messages app settings and tap on Keep Messages > 30 Days > tap on Delete to confirm.
• Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. Set up the iPhone again and check.

Basic Fixes:

• Check the Messages app server status: If there is an issue with Apple’s servers, it can affect the functioning of the Messages app. Go to Apple’s System Status page and check the dot next to iMessage. If it is anything but green, wait some time before using the app.
• Restart the Messages app: Forcing the Messages app to close will close all app functions and prevent it from running in the background. Then, once you open it again, it will load all features and functions from scratch, fixing any related issues.
• Check for iOS updates: Apple is usually quick to fix software bugs or glitches. So, there’s a good chance that any pending software updates might help you fix such issues and get your Messages app up and running.

Fix 1: Disable and Re-Enable Messages

Since iMessage allows you to send your messages over the internet, there are provisions within the Messages app’s settings menu to turn this feature on or off. So, to fix the issue of iMessage crashing or freezing on your iPhone, you can disable and then re-enable iMessage. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings > tap on Messages. Turn off the toggle for iMessage.

Wait a while and turn on the toggle again. Then, restart your device and check if the Messages app is working properly on your iPhone.

Fix 2: Set Messages to Auto Delete

Your Messages app might be bogged down due to dozens of unwanted messages currently stored there. And while you can individually delete messages, it is not a viable long-term solution. Instead, you can set your Messages app to delete messages after a certain period. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Settings → Messages. Here, tap on Keep Messages.

Step 2: From the options, select 30 Days. If prompted, tap on Delete to finish the process.

Tip: You can also select the 1 Year option to retain your texts longer.

Fix 3: Reset iPhone Settings

Resetting all settings will only delete all your iPhone’s settings and will not affect other device data. It might be extremely useful in solving the issue of the iPhone not opening the Messages app and is especially helpful if you cannot find the exact cause behind this error. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on General. Here, tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.

Step 2: Then, tap on Reset. From the options, tap on Reset All Settings.

Follow the on-screen instructions to reset all your iPhone’s settings. Once done, open the Messages app and see if it works as expected.