
How Do I Fix 'iMessage Keeps Crashing'?
Mar 25, 2025 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions
"My messages app started crashing about an hour ago, I can't send or receive messages. When I load the app, it shows me a black screen. Every once in a while I will receive all of the messages sent to me in the past ten minutes or so, but I can't read them on the app. I can't send messages through the pictures app either. " --- from discussions.apple.com
There is a reason why there is always hype around iPhone lovers, as iPhones and other Apple devices comprise many cool and unique features that make them special in the market. One of the best features of iPhones is the iMessage app, which is similar but quite better than SMS services on other smartphones.
iMessage is used to send messages, location, photos, videos, and other information with enhanced features that are specially designed in Apple devices such as iPad and iPhones. It uses both a Wi-Fi connection and cellular data to send messages instantly. But sometimes, iPhones users complain that they are facing a problem that the iMessage app gets not working or keeps crashing while using this app.
In this article, we will bring you efficient solutions to solve this error and will also recommend an app that will help with the issues related to your phone.
Part 1: Why Does My iMessage Keep Crashing?
There can be a number of reasons that can cause a issue in your iMessage. Firstly, there can be some changes in the settings of your iPhone that may cause a hindrance in delivering the messages. Furthermore, if any updates are pending or an outdated version of iOS is functioning, this can also cause an error of iMessage keeps crashing.
One thing which most commonly occurs is that many times, due to an abundance of data stored in the iMessage app, it leads to an impact on the speed of your app. iMessage app uses a Wi-Fi connection to send messages, so if your iPhone is connected to a poor internet connection, it can also cause the iMessage app to crash. Moreover, if the server of the iPhone is down so ultimately, you won’t be able to send messages.
The above-mentioned causes can possibly make iMessage stop working, so make sure that you carefully check all these factors before.
Part 2: How to Fix “iMessage Keeps Crashing”?
As every problem has solutions, so don’t worry if your iMessage keeps crashing even after trying to fix this. In this section, we will bring you ten different and reliable solutions to solve this error. Let’s dive into details:
2.1. 9 Ways to Fix 'iMessage Keeps Crashing'
Fix 1: Force Quit iMessage App
Many times, to refresh the phone, force quitting the app actually works in many cases. To eradicate the error of iMessage keeps crashing, follow the below instructions:
Step 1: If your iPhone does not have a home screen button, then swipe up a little from the bottom of your screen. Hold for a second, and you could see the apps that were running behind.
Step 2: Now tap on the iMessage app and drag it up to force quit. Afterward, wait for some seconds and reopen your iMessage app and check whether the app is functioning or not.
Fix 2: Restart iPhone
Restarting the phone is a must-go option whenever you face any kind of issue with your phone. In order to restart the iPhone, pay attention to the following steps:
Step 1: Firstly, go to the “Settings” of your iPhone to find the option of shutting down the phone. After you open the settings, scroll down and tap on the option of “General".
Step 2: After tapping on “General”, scroll down again, where you will see the option of “Shut Down". Tap on it, and your iPhone will be switched off eventually.
Step 3: Wait for a minute and turn on your iPhone by pressing and holding the “Power” button until the Apple logo appears. Then go to the iMessage app and check if it’s working or not.
Fix 3: Delete iMessage Automatically
When your iMessage app keeps saving older messages and data, it starts slowing down the speed of the app. So it's better to delete the messages after a while to prevent any kind of error. In order to delete messages automatically, we are jotting down the simple steps below:
Step 1: To initiate, tap on the “Settings” app of your iPhone, then tap on the option of “Messages” to modify its settings.
Step 2: Afterward, tap on “Keep Messages” and select the time period, like 30 days or 1 year. Don't choose “Forever” as it won't delete any message, and old messages will be stored. Changing these settings will automatically delete older messages according to the time period.
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Fix 4: Disable and Re-Enable iMessage
If your iMessage is still crashing, then disabling and re-enabling this app can fix this error. In order to do so, pay heed to the following steps:
Step 1: To start, go to the “Settings” of your iPhone and tap on the “Messages” option. Afterward, you would see different options displayed on your screen.
Step 2: From the given option, you would see the option of the iMessage feature from where you tap on its toggle to disable it. Wait for some minutes and again tap on it to enable it.
Step 3: After re-enabling the app, go to the iMessage app to check if it is functioning properly or not.
Fix 5: Free Up Storage Space
If your device is running low on storage, this could be affecting iMessage. Clearing up space may help the app function smoothly.
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Once storage is cleared, check if iMessage behaves as expected.
Fix 6: Update your iOS Version
If any updates are pending of the iOS in your iPhone that it can also crash your iMessage app. To update iOS, here are easy and simple steps to complete the task:
Step 1: Tap on the icon of “Settings” to initiate the process. Now tap on the option of “General” to access the iPhone general settings.
Step 2: Afterward, from the displayed page, tap on the option of "Software Update," and your phone will automatically find any pending updates for your iPhone.
Step 3: If there are pending updates, tap on the option of "Download and Install" and agree to all the terms and conditions of that pending update. After tapping on "Install," your software will be updated.
Fix 7: Use 3D Touch Feature
If your iMessage keeps crashing, try to send the messages to your desired contact using the 3D touch. In order to do so, hold the iMessage icon till it displays the contacts you have recently messaged. Then, click on your desired contact to whom you want to send the message and type the message by tapping on the reply button. Once done, your message will be sent to your contact.
Fix 8: Check Apple Server Status
As we mentioned above in the causes, there can be a possibility that the iMessage Apple Server of iPhone is down, disrupting the functionality of the iMessage app. If it is the main cause, then it's a widespread issue; that is why your iMessage keeps crashing.
Fix 9: Strong Wi-Fi Connection
As the iMessage app uses a Wi-Fi connection to send and receive messages, there can be a problem with your internet connection, causing the error. Ensure that your device is connected to a stable and strong internet connection to prevent iMessage from crashing or freezing.
2.2 What If Nothing Works?
If you've tried all the steps above and iMessage still keeps crashing, you might need to escalate the issue:
Fix 1: Repair your iOS System and Keep Your Data Intact
To repair any kind of issue related to your iPhone, we are presenting you with a fantastic app that is Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS), which is specially designed for all iOS users. It can repair multiple issues like black screens or any lost data. Its advanced mode enables it to tackle all the severe and complicated issues related to iOS.
Moreover, in many cases, it will eradicate issues related to system repair without any lost data. It is also compatible with almost every Apple device, such as iPad, iPhones, and iPod touch. With only a few clicks and steps, your issue with iOS devices will be fixed that does not require any professional skill.
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- Works for all models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
- Fully compatible with the latest iOS version.
Fix 2: Contact Apple Support:
- Use the Apple Support app or visit the Apple Support website to get help.
Fix 3: Reset iPhone Settings
Sometimes, an error occurs due to the problem in settings. To reset your iPhone settings, the steps are:
Step 1: Open the “Settings” of your iPhone and tap on the option of “General”. Afterward, the general page will open, from where you have to select “Transfer or Reset iPhone”.
Step 2: Now tap on the “Reset” option and then click on “Reset All Settings". Now it will ask the password of your phone to proceed.
Step 3: Give the required password and tap on confirmation. In this way, all settings of your iPhone will be reset.
Always consult Apple support before opting for a factory reset.
Part 3. Tips to Keep iMessage Running Smoothly
- Regularly update your device software.
- Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources that could interfere with iMessage.
- Monitor and maintain sufficient free storage on your device.
- Periodically delete outdated message threads to prevent potential issues.
Conclusion
If you are facing the issue in which your iMessage keeps crashing, then this article will save your day as it includes ten different solutions that will eventually sort out this problem. All the solutions mentioned above are well tested, so they will indeed work for you. Furthermore, we also recommended an excellent tool for all Apple devices that is Dr.Fone, that will take care of all your concerns regarding iOS system issues.
Daisy Raines
staff Editor
Generally rated4.5(105participated)