As what I've always saying from my previous articles, if this error message "Unfortunately, Messenger has stopped working" appears on the screen it means that the app is crashing. It could be the app's cache and data had been outdated especially if you installed a recent system on your Galaxy S3.
So, in this troubleshooting guide, we will discuss one of the most common issues that our readers sent to us. According to them, that their device refused to attach photos in Messenger and if they have to force attach a photo the error message will automatically pop-up on the screen without apparent reason. In this instance, all we need to do is to isolate all possibilities until we can find a solution and resolve the problem.
Here are the Step by Step procedures that you should perform
Step 1: Reboot your phone in Safe mode
Sometimes, due to some incompatible apps running in the system the firmware could no longer function normally and triggered performance-related issues in the device. This time, we will try to isolate the issue by booting your phone in safe mode. Meaning, only the pre-installed apps will be running in the system while the third-party ones will be disabled temporarily. So, while in this state and you could already attach photos and the error message won't show up, then, it is evident that a culprit is causing it. Find that app and uninstall to fix the problem.
- Turn off your Galaxy S3 and wait for a few seconds.
- Turn the phone on.
- When the Samsung logo appears, press the Volume Down key.
- Release it once you enter the Safe mode.
- You will see label that says 'Safe mode' in the bottom left corner of the screen.
However, if the method is not helping the issue, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Try to reset your Messenger app
This time, we have to eliminate the suspicion that outdated app's cache and data is causing the issue. In other words, we will have to delete all old cache and data stored in the app to be sure that all of it are new and could run smoothly once you launch again the app. Here's how:
- From the Home screen, tap the Menu key.
- Tap Settings.
- Scroll to and tap Application manager.
- Swipe left to choose All tab.
- Scroll to and tap Messenger.
- Tap Clear Cache button.
- Tap Clear Data button.
- Tap OK.
After you do the reset, launch again your app and see if the issue still persists. If not, then, an outdated cache and data caused the issue. However, if the device still function the same, follow the next step.
Step 3: Check if your Messenger app is up to date
In dealing with this type of problem it is imperative that you should check if a certain app you are using is updated. Because if not, that may be the factor that the issue is happening on your phone. So, the best thing that you should do now is to verify if the Messenger needs to be updated.
- From the Home screen, tap Apps.
- Tap Play Store.
- Tap the Menu key then Select Settings.
- Tap auto-update apps.
- Tap the desired app you want to update.
But if the App is up to date and you're still unable to attach image/photos and the error message still pops-up, then you don't have to choice but to perform Factory reset. Meaning, you have to bring the device back to its original form by erasing all downloaded apps and personal files and data saved on your phone. The good thing is, there is a big chance that the issue will be fixed after you do this method. However, before you follow the steps create first a backup for all your files so that you can restore it easily when the issue is resolved. This is how you do the reset:
- From the Home screen, tap the Menu button.
- Choose Settings.
- Tap on accounts tab and choose Backup and Reset.
- Tap Factory Data Reset.
- Tap Reset device.
- Touch Delete all.
I hope after all the methods your phone will function normally.
