If you open Message+ today and find yourself staring at a frozen screen, an endless “sending” spinner, or a crash the moment you try to type—you’re not alone. Verizon officially retired Message+ in 2024, and as of 2026 the app is no longer supported. Even if it still launches on your phone, messages may fail to send, group chats can break, and sync errors are common. The good news: you can be back to reliable texting in under 15 minutes. This guide walks you through every fix that still works, explains exactly why Message+ stopped cooperating, and shows you how to transition to a smooth, future-proof messaging setup.
Why Message+ Stopped Working
Verizon ended support for Message+ to consolidate around Google Messages, which natively supports Rich Communication Services (RCS). RCS enables read receipts, typing indicators, high-res media sharing, and better group chat management. Maintaining two separate messaging platforms became costly and technically complex, so Verizon chose the modern, universally compatible option.
What This Means for Your Phone
- No more updates – Message+ will not receive bug fixes or security patches.
- Server-side features disabled – Verizon has turned off the cloud infrastructure that powered message sync, backup, and some MMS functions.
- Group chats may break – RCS-based threads in Google Messages will not work with Message+ recipients unless everyone switches.
Even if the app still opens, core functions like sending SMS or MMS may fail because the backend is gone. The only reliable long-term fix is moving to a supported messaging app.
Common Symptoms of a Failing Message+ App
Recognising the exact problem helps you skip unnecessary steps. Here are the most frequent complaints users report:
App Crashes Immediately on Opening
The app closes or freezes within seconds. This is usually caused by missing server handshake processes or corrupted local data.
Messages Stuck on “Sending”
You tap send, the gray bubble sits there, and nothing happens. Even with strong Wi‑Fi or mobile data, the message never goes through.
No Incoming Texts or Severe Delays
Friends tell you they sent a message, but it arrives hours later—or never. This points to a broken sync between your device and the now‑defunct Verizon message relay.
Group Chat Chaos
Old Message+ group threads either show “Invalid recipient,” drop members, or fail to deliver media. Creating a new group in Google Messages is often the only fix.
Battery Drain and Overheating
A misbehaving app that continually retries failed connections can eat battery and heat up your phone. This symptom often appears alongside the sending failures above.
Basic Troubleshooting (Before You Switch)
Even though Message+ is discontinued, a handful of basic steps can still temporarily restore basic SMS/MMS functionality. Try these first.
Force Stop and Clear Cache
- Go to Settings > Apps > Message+.
- Tap Force Stop – this kills any stuck background processes.
- Then tap Storage & Cache > Clear Cache (do not clear data yet).
- Reopen Message+. If it works, the problem was just a temporary glitch.
If the issue returns after a few minutes, move to clearing app data or reinstalling.
Update Your Phone’s Operating System
An outdated OS can cause compatibility problems. Check for system updates:
- Android: Settings > System > System Update.
- iOS: Settings > General > Software Update.
Even if Message+ itself can’t be updated, a fresh OS build can resolve underlying network or permission bugs.
Restart Your Device
This clears memory leaks and resets background services. Hold the power button and select Restart. Once the phone reboots, open Message+ and send a test text.
Toggle Network Modes
Weak or unstable connections can mimic app failures. Switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data, or toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds then off. If messages send immediately after, the problem was a lost data session.
Advanced Fixes (If Basic Steps Fail)
When a restart and cache clear don’t help, these deeper methods sometimes squeeze a few more days of life out of Message+.
Reinstall the App
Uninstalling and reinstalling wipes all corrupted files. (Your text messages are stored on your SIM or phone memory, not in the app itself, so you won’t lose them.)
- Long-press the Message+ icon > Uninstall.
- Go to the Play Store or App Store and download the latest available version.
- Launch the app and grant permissions for SMS, contacts, and storage.
Reset Network Settings
This erases saved Wi‑Fi networks, Bluetooth pairings, and cellular APN settings—then restores defaults. It often resolves connection‑related sending failures.
- Android: Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
- iOS: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
After the reset, reconnect to Wi‑Fi and test Message+.
Verify Your SIM and Account
A poorly seated SIM or a suspended account can block all messaging. Remove the SIM tray, inspect the card for damage, reinsert it firmly, and restart. Then call your carrier’s customer service to confirm your line is active and that SMS/MMS is provisioned.
Switching to Google Messages (The Permanent Fix)
Since Message+ no longer has a functional back end, the smartest move is to adopt Google Messages—the app Verizon now recommends for all its customers. It supports RCS, works across Android devices, and receives continuous updates.
Step 1: Set Google Messages as Default
- Install Google Messages from the Play Store (it may already be preinstalled).
- Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps > SMS App.
- Tap Google Messages.
Now every text you send or receive will route through Google Messages.
Step 2: Enable RCS (Rich Chat Features)
- Open Google Messages, tap the three‑dot menu in the top right.
- Go to Settings > Chat features.
- Toggle Enable chat features.
- Wait for the “Connected” status (this may take a minute while your phone number is verified).
Once RCS is on, you’ll see typing indicators, read receipts, and larger media file support.
Step 3: Transfer Your Messages
Google Messages automatically reads SMS/MMS stored on your device. You do not need to export anything from Message+. However, group chats created in Message+ may appear as broken threads. If you need to preserve a specific conversation, use the Chat backup feature in Google Messages (or a third‑party tool like SMS Backup & Restore) before deleting the old app.
Step 4: Customise Notifications
Open Google Messages, tap the three dots > Settings > Notifications. Adjust sound, vibration, lock‑screen previews, and priority settings so you never miss an incoming message.
Alternative Messaging Apps Worth Considering
If you prefer a different ecosystem, several mature apps offer strong reliability and privacy:
| App | Key Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|---|
| End‑to‑end encryption, huge user base | Requires phone number; owned by Meta | |
| Signal | Gold‑standard privacy, open source | Fewer users than WhatsApp or Messenger |
| Telegram | Large group chats, cloud sync | Default chats not encrypted end‑to‑end |
| Facebook Messenger | Integrated with Facebook, free calls | Heavy data collection |
Pick the one that matches your top priority—privacy, cross‑platform reach, or feature richness.
Preventing Future Messaging Problems
Once you’ve switched, a few habits keep your messaging reliable:
- Keep apps updated – Turn on automatic updates so your messaging app always has the latest bug fixes.
- Review permissions monthly – Go to Settings > Apps > [Messaging App] > Permissions and confirm SMS, phone, contacts, and storage are allowed.
- Back up messages periodically – Use your app’s built‑in backup (Google Messages backs up to Google Drive) to avoid losing important threads.
- Stay informed about carrier changes – Subscribe to your carrier’s support alerts or visit their website every few months for service updates. The same principle applies to other devices that rely on network connectivity; for example, troubleshooting a Bluetooth connection that won't pair follows a similar reset-and-update workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Message+ completely dead in 2026?
Yes. Verizon shut down the server infrastructure in 2024. The app may open but will not reliably send or receive messages. Only a switch to Google Messages or another supported app will restore full functionality.
Why can’t I send MMS or group texts in Message+?
Verizon disabled the backend that handles MMS routing and group management. Even if SMS works temporarily, MMS and group threads require server support that no longer exists.
Will I lose my text history if I uninstall Message+?
No. SMS/MMS messages are stored on your phone’s internal memory or SIM card. They will remain available to any new SMS app you set as default. Group chat metadata from Message+ may not transfer, so save critical conversations manually before switching.
What should I do if Google Messages also fails?
First, confirm it is set as the default SMS app. Then check RCS connection status under Chat features. If still broken, reset your phone’s network settings and verify your carrier supports RCS (most do as of 2026). If you continue to struggle with a device that freezes during setup, you can apply similar power‑cycle steps used for a washer that won't drain—often a hard reset resolves stuck electronics.
Conclusion
Message+ not working is not a problem you have to live with. Verizon’s decision to retire the app was final, but the path forward is straightforward. Start with the quick fixes: clear cache, restart your phone, toggle network modes. If those fail, reinstall the app or reset your network settings. For a permanent, frustration‑free messaging experience, move to Google Messages—enable RCS, transfer your conversations, and customise your notifications. Within half an hour you’ll have reliable texting again, and you’ll be set for years to come.
