Top 8 Ways to Fix Unfortunately Messenger Has Stopped Error on Android

The Facebook Messenger app is an integral part of millions of Facebook users. However, you may encounter issues such as Messenger not responding or stopping during a live conversion with friends and family. Read on to find out why this happens and how to fix the ‘Unfortunately, Messenger has stopped’ error on Android.

1. Restart the App

Sometimes a simple trick like restarting the app can fix the problem for you. To control the Messenger app, you can open the multitasking menu, close the app, and then reopen the app.

2. Update Messenger App

Facebook releases frequent Messenger app updates to add new features and fix bugs. A recent buggy build may have broken the Messenger app for you. The company quickly resolves such issues with app updates via the Google Play Store.

Open Google Play Store on your phone. Go to the Messenger app description and update the app to the latest version. Open the app after successful installation and you will no longer get the ‘Sorry, Messenger has stopped’ error.

3. Leave the Messenger Beta Program

If you’re part of the Messenger beta program to test unannounced features and you keep getting the ‘Sorry, Messenger has stopped’ error, it’s time to leave the program.

Open Google Play Store on your phone and go to Messenger app page. Scroll down and you will see the option to leave the program. Uninstall the app and download the stable version from Google Play Store.

4. Clear Messenger Storage

If you use the Messenger app a lot, it will consume an insane amount of storage space on the device. Sometimes, it can slow down the response of the app and give the error ‘Unfortunately, Messenger has stopped’.

The Android operating system allows you to clear the storage space on the phone. Here’s how to do it.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on your phone.

Step 2: Scroll down to Storage.

Stage 3: Select Other apps.

Step 4: Find Messenger from the list. Tap on it.

Step 5: Tap on Clear Storage from the menu below.

Now, these are many steps to accomplish a single task. Alternatively, you can long-press on the Messenger app icon and select App info to jump directly to the Storage section.

5. Clear Cache

A bad cache can ruin your day. Every Android app collects cache data to remember your login and other data to speed up the navigation and app opening process. Clearing the cache of the Messenger app can fix the ‘Unfortunately, Messenger has stopped’ error for you. Go through the steps below.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on your phone.

Step 2: Scroll down to Storage.

Stage 3: Select Other apps.

Step 4: Find Messenger from the list. Tap on it.

Step 5: Tap on Clear Cache from the menu below.

As mentioned above, you can long press the Messenger app icon and select App info from the floating menu. It will take you directly to the Messenger App info screen embedded in Settings.

6. Uninstall Apps from Multitasking Menu

If you’re using an Android phone with only 3GB or 4GB of RAM, it may not be wise to keep multiple apps open in the background. You need to remove these apps from the list and make room for new apps like Messenger to open.

Open the multitasking menu on your phone and remove irrelevant apps from the list.

7. Get Messenger Out of Digital Balance

Messenger is an absolutely addictive app. Using the Digital Wellbeing app, you can set a time limit for app usage for that day. If you reach the time limit for daily Messenger usage, you’ll see a gray app icon and you won’t be using the app. Follow the steps below to remove Messenger from the app limit list. Here’s how to do it.

Stage 1: Open the Settings app on your phone.

Step 2: Scroll down to Digital Balance and parental controls.

Stage 3: Tap the usage graph.

Step 4: Scroll down to see the Messenger app with a time limit.

Step 5: Tap on it and select delete from the menu below.

8. Use Messenger Lite

If the default Messenger app keeps giving you trouble, it’s time to choose the Messenger Lite app from the Google Play Store. The Messenger lite version does not include all the features of the Messenger app. In a way, Messenger Lite is a toned down version of the Messenger app.

Download Messenger Lite for Android

Get Started with Messenger on Android

Facebook Messenger continues to jump the popularity chart day by day. If you are still having problems with the app, follow the steps above and fix the ‘Unfortunately, Messenger has stopped’ error on your Android phone. Which trick worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

Next: Messenger also allows you to change the chat theme color in the app. Read the post below to learn how to change chat theme color in Facebook Messenger.