Messenger Keeps Crashing? Fixes for Android and iPhone

There's nothing more irritating than Messenger closing itself the moment you open it, especially when you're mid-conversation with a customer. The reassuring part is that Messenger's help centre has a dedicated article for exactly this, and it boils down to two main causes: not enough storage on your device, and an out-of-date or damaged copy of the app. Here's the full run-through, with the Android and iPhone steps it lists.

Why Messenger keeps crashing, according to Messenger's help pages

The help article on troubleshooting the Messenger app is short and specific. It says that if your device runs out of storage, this may cause the app to crash. It also says that installing the latest version may help fix problems when something's not working, and that you may want to uninstall the app and then reinstall it.

So the plan is simple. Free up space, update, and if it still crashes, reinstall. I'd do them in that order because each one is quicker and less disruptive than the next.

Step one when Messenger keeps crashing: free up storage

Messenger's help pages say to remove large files or unused apps from your phone to create more storage space. They also point you to Apple's and Google's own help for checking and managing storage from your iOS or Android settings. You don't need to delete anything precious. Start with these:

• Apps you haven't opened in months.
• Large videos you've already backed up elsewhere.
• Downloads you no longer need.

After clearing some room, reopen Messenger. If it now behaves, that was the cause. If it still closes, move on to the update.

Step two: update the Messenger app

Update Messenger on Android

1. Visit the Messenger app in the Play Store.
2. Tap Update.

Update Messenger on iPhone or iPad

1. Visit the Messenger app in the App Store.
2. Tap Update.

There's also an extra tip for Apple devices. The iPhone version of the help page says to update your device by installing the latest version of iOS, with the how-to at Apple Support. An old iOS version can be a reason an app misbehaves. If you want a fuller walkthrough of updating across devices, I've written a guide to updating Messenger.

If you're having trouble downloading the update, Messenger's help pages say to check your internet connectivity, and that for best results you should connect to Wi-Fi before downloading.

Step three: uninstall and reinstall Messenger

If the app is still crashing after that, the help pages say a reinstall is a sensible next move. Reinstalling removes the app and gives you a fresh copy. Before you do it, make sure you remember your login details, because you'll need to sign in again.

Uninstall Messenger on Android

1. Go to your phone's settings and open your application manager.
2. Tap Messenger.
3. Tap Uninstall, then OK.
4. Download Messenger again from the Play Store.

Uninstall Messenger on iPhone or iPad

1. Tap and hold the app until it jiggles.
2. Tap the minus sign in the top left corner of the app.
3. Tap Delete App.
4. Download Messenger again from the App Store.

Messenger's help pages link to Apple's guidance on deleting an app, and the application manager wording on Android can differ by phone, so menus vary. If your phone words things differently, look for the Messenger entry in your app settings.

Messenger keeps crashing: the order I'd work in

Order	Fix	Why it's on the list
1	Free up storage	Messenger's help pages say running out of storage may cause the app to crash
2	Update Messenger	The latest version may fix problems
3	Update iOS (iPhone)	Listed in the iPhone version of the help page
4	Uninstall and reinstall	A fresh copy of the app
5	Report the problem	If it still crashes after all of the above

What if Messenger still crashes after a reinstall?

Messenger's Fix a problem section lists a few more pages that may be relevant: one on reporting a problem with the Messenger app and one on the operating systems that support the Messenger app. If your phone is very old, the second is worth checking, because an old operating system may be the reason the app can't run well. I wouldn't speculate beyond that, since the help centre is the source for what's supported.

Use the report option in the Messenger Help Centre to tell the team what's happening. Say which phone you have, which software version it's on, and what you tried, so they can see the pattern.

Keep Messenger from crashing again

• Keep a decent amount of storage free.
• Turn on app updates so Messenger stays current.
• Restart your phone from time to time. Messenger's own tips include closing the app and restarting your device.
• Use Wi-Fi when you download updates.

If you rely on Messenger for customers, it's worth having a backup way to reach you, such as your email address on your page, so a crash never leaves a customer stranded. And if you're new to the app, my guide to what the Messenger app is explains what it does and how it relates to Facebook.

If you want the full set, start at the Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Messenger keep crashing?

Messenger's help pages say running out of device storage may cause the app to crash, and that installing the latest version may fix problems.

How do I stop Messenger from crashing?

Remove large files or unused apps, update Messenger, and if it still crashes, uninstall and reinstall it.

How do I update Messenger on iPhone?

Visit the Messenger app in the App Store and tap Update. Messenger's help pages also suggest updating iOS.

How do I reinstall Messenger on Android?

Open your phone's settings, go to the application manager, tap Messenger, tap Uninstall then OK, and download it again from the Play Store.

Do I lose my messages if I reinstall Messenger?

Messenger's help pages in the troubleshooting article don't discuss message loss, so I wouldn't promise anything. Make sure you know your login details before you uninstall.

What if Messenger still crashes?

Check that your phone's operating system is supported, and report the problem through the Messenger Help Centre.