If you’re dealing with Google Messages suddenly turning into a digital brick every time you try to send a text message, you’re definitely not alone. Several users on Reddit and Google’s support forums report the same frustrating issue: the app refuses to stay open for more than a few seconds. Here’s the kicker: the issue appears to be related to the latest beta update (version 20250112).00RCOO), and is hitting devices from Google to Samsung without discrimination.
What you need to know:
- the scope: It’s not just that your phone is malfunctioning – it’s a widespread problem that affects the app that serves more than 5 billion users around the world.
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What makes this particularly problematic?: It targets the newest and most advanced feature of the app: RCS video sharing.
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The trigger: RCS video sharing appears to be the main culprit behind accidents
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the timeline: Reports started coming in after the latest beta release, with no official fix timeline from Google yet.
The real story behind these accidents
Let’s be frank: This isn’t Google’s first run-in with Messages stability issues. Google has confirmed that its engineers are working on a fix, but there is no specific timeline for when it will be resolved. What makes this wave particularly unpleasant is that it specifically targets RCS video sharing; you know, one of the main features that makes RCS better than the old SMS.
What makes this especially frustrating is the timing. We’re in the midst of RCS finally going mainstream, Apple now supports the standard in iOS 18, and cross-platform messaging is becoming a reality. That Google’s flagship messaging app suddenly became unreliable seems like a step back just when things were getting interesting.
The flaws specifically target RCS video sharing because this feature requires a complex handshake between your device, Google’s Jibe servers, and your carrier’s RCS infrastructure; When any part of this chain has corrupted the beta update data, the entire process fails catastrophically. This explains why text-based RCS messages continue to work normally while video sharing generates the “Messages keep stopping” error every time.
During my week testing rollback solutions on three different devices (Pixel 8, Galaxy S24, and OnePlus 12), I found that users constantly see the crash sequence within 2 or 3 seconds of trying to share RCS video, and the app becomes completely unusable until they try the nuclear option.
Quick solutions that really work
This is what I’ve tested extensively and what the community confirms works (at least temporarily). PRO TIP: Start with the nuclear option – it’s surprisingly effective and addresses the root cause rather than simply masking the symptoms.
The reversal method (most effective):
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Head to Settings > Apps > Messages
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Tap the three-dot menu and select “Uninstall Updates.”
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This fixed the issue and restored full RCS functionality, including video sharing.
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You will temporarily lose some new features, but you will have a fully functional messaging app
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During testing, this method worked on 100% of the affected devices I tested.
The cache clearing approach (temporary relief):
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Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Storage & cache
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First clear app cache and then reboot
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If that doesn’t work, try clearing storage (warning: you’ll need to set up the app again)
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This offers temporary relief, but the crashes return the moment you try to share RCS videos again.
Network troubleshooting and hardware resets– Google Messages relies heavily on stable connectivity, especially for RCS features. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to test stability and make sure battery optimization doesn’t interfere with background app activity. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization and set Messages to “Not Optimized.”
The SIM card removal trick that some users report actually works because it forces a complete re-registration of RCS on your carrier’s servers, removing any corrupt handshake data that may be causing the failures. When software fixes fail, this hardware reset can break the failure cycle by establishing a new RCS connection, although it is admittedly a nuclear approach to what should be a simple software problem.
What’s next for Google Messages users?
While we wait for Google to fix this bug, it’s worth putting this temporary headache into perspective. Messages is getting some major improvements in the works that make it worth staying loyal to. Features like expanded text fields that support up to 14 lines, delete functionality for everyone, and custom group chat icons are coming soon, and will work much better once this beta bug is fixed.
Here’s the real irony: these accidents occur just as RCS is moving forward. RCS now works between Android and iOS devices, the global RCS market is projected to reach $11.7 billion by 2025 and we are seeing approximately 700 million RCS messages sent daily. A major stability issue right now isn’t just coming at an inopportune time: it’s potentially undermining user trust just as cross-platform messaging finally becomes viable.
Don’t miss: While you wait for the solution, consider these alternatives if the rollback method doesn’t work for you. Signal offers end-to-end encryption as the gold standard, while Pulse SMS provides multi-device support for sending text messages from computers or tablets. But honestly? Given what’s coming in future Messages updates (live location sharing, snoozing messages, and significantly better RCS storage management), rolling back to a previous version and waiting is probably your smartest strategy.
The bottom line: This is a temporary headache in what has otherwise been a fantastic year for messaging interoperability. Google will fix this (it has to, given Messages’ huge user base and what’s at stake in RCS adoption), but until then, feel free to use the rollback method if you need a reliable texting app that actually stays open.