Summary: Did you encounter the error message “Unfortunately, IMS service has stopped” on Android? If YES, and you don’t know why this is occurring on your Android phone and how to fix it. Don’t Fret! In this troubleshooting guide, you will learn what IMS service is, why you get this error and how to fix “Unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” on Android. So, just keep reading this guide until you get rid of this error message.
What Is IMS Service On Android?
IMS service stands for IP Multimedia Subsystem Service. IMS is an architectural framework that provides its users to deliver lots of multimedia services.
IMS lets your Android device run smoothly with carrier communication or 3rd party applications. IP Multimedia Subsystem Service allows you make to calls and receive/send text SMS via the IP network. This error mostly occurs on Samsung phones.
Nevertheless, sometimes IMS won’t work due to bugs or some other reasons.
So, let’s know the reasons due to which IMS service could stop working on Android.
Additional Reading: Solved: Currently Unable To Send Your Message It Will Send When Service Becomes Available
What Are The Reasons For Error “Unfortunately, IMS Service Has Stopped” On Android?
There could be many unexpected reasons for IMS Service error on Android. Below, I have mentioned some of the causes that will help you to know why you receive this error.
- Cache: As you know that every apps store cache files so that the apps can open quickly. However, when these cache files become corrupted and they cause issues with specific Android apps especially Messaging apps. And when the app doesn’t work correctly then it sends you the IMS service error.
- Outdated Android OS: It may be possible that the manufacturer’s UI or operating system contains glitches that were solved with the latest update but you have not updated your Android OS to the latest version. And that’s why you are encountering this issue.
- Default Message App: Due to your location and network provider your device’s configuration settings can interfere with certain elements. So, the Message app can work improperly and send you errors.
- Third-Party Apps: Most of the time, the 3rd party apps contains bugs and cause issue in the default message app.
- Outdated Applications: If you have not updated the apps then they might not work properly with the updated Android OS version. It may be also possible that the apps contain some bugs and it has been fixed by the app’s developers in the latest updates.
Additional Reading: How To Fix Verizon Messages App Not Working On Android
Anyway, let’s dig into the methods to fix error “Unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” on Android.
Note: All the solutions that I am going to discuss below will be applicable to all brands of Android phones such as Samsung, LG, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, Realme, OnePlus, Vivo, Oppo, Sony, Huawei, Moto, Lenovo, etc.
1. Update Apps
If some apps are not updated to the latest version then they can conflict with the Android OS even with other apps. Hence, you should go to Google Play Store and check updates for the apps.
Here, follow the steps to update the apps.
Step 1: Launch Google Play Store app on your phone.
Step 2: After that, tap on your Profile photos at the top right corner of the screen and then hit on “My Apps & Games” option.
Step 3: Next, go to the Update section, there you will find all the apps updates.
Step 4: You can update the apps one by one or you can tap on “Update All” button to install the update for all apps together.
Now, you need to wait until all apps get updated. After this, check the error is occurring or not.
Additional Reading: How To Fix Error 98 SMS Termination Denied On Android
2. Enter Safe Mode
As I have told you that some third-party apps can be culprits for this error message. So, to confirm this, if they are really causing this problem or not, you can boot your Android device into safe mode. Here follow the steps to enter safe mode.
Once your device is entered into safe mode check whether the error is persisting or not. If not, then it means that third-party apps are the culprit for it. And to fix it you need to exit safe mode and uninstall the recently installed app one by one and thereby checking whether the issue is solved or not.
3. Clear Cache And Data Of Message App
The IMS Service error is connected to messaging app and that’s why it is necessary to clear cache and data of it. So that, if the temporary cache files are corrupted and due to which you are facing this problem then it will be fixed.
Below, learn how to clear the cache and data of Messaging app.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app and then hit on Apps/Applications/Manage Apps/Apps & Notifications (the option depends on your Android phone model).
Step 2: There, you will find all the installed apps list. Select Message app from there and tap on it.
Step 3: Next, you need to tap on Storage.
Step 4: After this, tap on Clear Cache and then on Clear Data button.
Step 5: Now, restart your Android device and then check IMS service keeps stopping is solved or not.
Additional Reading: Causes And Solutions: Why Your SMS Delayed or Not Delivered
4. Install Latest Version Of Android OS
It is possible that your device Manufacturer’s UI or Android OS is going through some error and it is fixed with the latest update but you have not installed it yet. Hence, I would suggest you to check the latest version of OS for your device and install it immediately.
Here, know the steps to install the latest version of Android operation system.
Note: Make sure your phone has enough battery and is connected to a stable internet connection. If it has a low battery then plug it for charging and then follow the steps to install the update.
Step 1: Navigate to Settings and then tap on “About Phone”.
Step 2: Then hit on Software Update and choose the option Check for update.
Step 3: If the latest update is available then it will show you the “Download Now” option or “Install and download” option. Tap on the button to install the latest update.
Step 4: Once the installation gets completed, your device will restart to normal.
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5. Wipe Cache Partition
If you have not cleared the cache partition for a long time then it can also get corrupted and create problems with other apps particularly, with the default Message app. Hence, you should wipe the cache partition in recovery mode, maybe this can help you to get rid of IMS service has stopped working on Android.
Below, learn how to wipe cache partition.
Step 1: Firstly, you need to boot your Android device into recovery mode.
Step 2: Once your device successfully entered recovery mode, use the Volume Down key to scroll down and highlight “Wipe Cache Partition” option.
Step 3: Press the Power key to select it and then wait until the cache partition gets erased.
Step 4: After this, use the Volume Down key to highlight “Reboot System now” option.
Step 5: Next, press the Power key to select it and your Android smartphone will restart.
Note: Follow the steps very carefully as a small mistake during this can cause your device software to get bricked permanently.
Additional Reading: How To Use Edge Panel On Samsung Phone
6. Reset Configuration Message
You can also reset the configuration message from your default message app to resolve this issue.
Here, follow the steps to do this.
Step 1: Launch the default Message app.
Step 2: Next, tap on 3 dots and then tap on more settings.
Step 3: Choose Configuration messages option.
Step 4: Now, tap on Delete located at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 5: After this, restart your Android device.
Now, check whether the error message is solved or not.
Additional Reading: How To Permanently Delete Text Messages On Samsung Phone
7. Change Message Configurations
If the configuration settings of your device network carrier are interfering with specific elements of the message application and due to which it doesn’t work as it should.
Therefore, here you will know how to disable the network settings of the carrier in the messaging app.
Here, learn how to do the same:
For Rich Communications:
Step 1: Run the default Message app and tap on three vertical dots or menu button located at the top right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Choose “Settings” option and then tap on “Choose chat settings”.
Step 3: After this, hit on “Rich Communications Settings” and then untick “Rich Communications”.
Step 4: Now, restart your Android device and see if the issue is solved or not.
For AT&T:
Step 1: On your phone, launch the default Message app.
Step 2: Tap on 3 vertical dots and choose “Settings”.
Step 3: After this, hit on “AT&T Messages Backup & Sync” and choose the option “Disable the Sync”.
Step 4: Now, restart your mobile.
Note: Ensure that it will not re-enable back automatically after the restart. If it will be then disable it again and don’t restart your phone.
Additional Reading: How To Recover Text Messages After Factory Reset On Android
8. Factory Reset Your Android In Recovery Mode
If you have tried all the above methods but still the error message is occurring then lastly you should factory reset your Android phone. But before doing this, make sure you have created a backup of all important data because factory reset will erase all of your device’s data.
Here, follow the below steps to factory reset your device:
Step 1: Firstly, you need to boot your Android device into recovery mode.
Step 2: After this, scroll down using the Volume Down button to highlight “wipe data/factory reset” option.
Step 3: Then press the Power button to select it.
Step 4: Now, press the Volume Down key to highlight “YES” and press the Power key to select it.
Step 5: Once the reset process gets completed, “Reboot system now” will get highlighted.
Step 6: You need to press and hold the Power button to reboot your Android smartphone in normal mode.
Conclusion
In this guide, we have provided 8 different methods to fix “Unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” error On Android. I know this error is very irritating but you don’t need to worry as above mentioned methods will help you to get out of this error.

Wan to know About Me. Well, I have experince of almost 11 years in writing topics related to Android and other tech. Previously, I used to write Blogs for the company where I was working earlier. Now, I love to write tips, tricks, fixes for errors, data recovery solutions, and more related to Android for my own Website. Besides that, I love to travel and explore places, watch movies and play online games.