Do you keep getting the “unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” message on your Android device? It can be quite annoying to get this message every time you want to make a phone call or send a text message.
Many Android users have encountered this problem, so you’re not alone. This article will explain why this happens and walks you through several troubleshooting steps to fix this issue. Let’s get into it.
What Is The IMS Service?
IMS stands for IP Multimedia Subsystem. IP means Internet Protocol. The IMS service comes pre-installed on your Android device and helps it connect to and communicate with your service provider.
It allows phone calls, text messages, and multimedia messages to be carried through the right IP network system. It automatically connects its service to your service provider.
Rest assured, the IMS Service is not a virus. So you don’t need to worry about your phone being hacked if you get this message.
Why Has IMS Service Stopped?
Your Android phone may display an “Unfortunately, IMS Service Has Stopped” error message for a variety of reasons including a corrupt cache app, software bug, force restart, interruption of the IMS service caused by a newly installed app, Android update issues, and Safe mode.
Other causes of the “IMS Service Has Stopped” error include:
- Third-party app interference
- Out-of-date software
- IMS registration status
- Out-of-date Message application
- Message app configuration
- Software glitches
How to Fix “IMS Service Has Stopped” Error
If you get the Unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” error message, you need to disable the Rich communication services (RCS) on your phone. Open the Messages app > Settings > Chat features > Uncheck Enable chat features
If that didn’t solve the problem, don’t worry! We’ve got more tips for you to try to fix the “IMS Service Has Stopped” error message on your Android phone.
1. Restart Your Device
Sometimes, this error might come from a system glitch. Restarting your phone will clear the ram and all processes running on the phone. This gives your device a fresh start and can help to clear bugs.
To restart your Android Device, please follow these steps:
- Long-press the ON/OFF button on the side of your device until you get a prompt like the one below.
- Click on Restart to power off and then power on the device.
Note: The interface you get may differ from the image above if you have a different Android brand. The buttons will still be the same.
2. Reset Configuration Messages
Resetting configuration messages can put an end to the “unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” prompt. To reset configuration messages, follow these steps:
- Open the Messages app.
- Click on the menu button (three dots).
- Select “Configuration Messages“.
A list of configuration messages will appear.
- Click on Select All and then Delete.
- Delete the configuration messages.
Your IMS service should work now, and you will be able to make calls and send text messages.
3. Delete All Text Messages
If too many messages are on your device, the IMS Service might stop functioning properly.
Deleting these text messages might help. Remember to back up important text messages before deleting them all.
To delete your text messages, follow these steps:
- Open the Messages app.
- Press and hold on to one message.
- Tick the Click All button and click on the Delete button.
Restart your device. The IMS Service will work fine now and there will be no pop-ups.
4. Clear Cache and Data of Messages App
Clearing the app cache can help to free up space on your Android phone and solve glitches and bugs.
Clear the cache and data of the Messages app to solve the “unfortunately, IMS service has stopped.” Follow these easy steps to do so:
- Go to Settings and then click on Apps
- In the apps list, look for the Messages app.
- Go to its Storage.
- Click on Clear Cache and Clear Data.
Restart your device and try making a call. The IMS error will be fixed.
5. Clear Cache of IMS Service
The cache of the IMS Service might be corrupt, so, it needs to be cleared. To clear the IMS Service cache, follow these easy steps:
- Go to Settings and click on Apps.
- Click on the menu button in the apps list and select “Show System Apps“.
- Now, search for IMS Service in the Apps list.
- Open its Storage and clear the IMS Service cache.
- Restart your Device.
Try to send a message or place a call. The error will no longer be there.
6. Check for Third-Party Apps Interference
Third-party apps are applications created by people or organizations other than your device manufacturer. Sometimes, these apps aren’t compatible with your device and can cause problems.
To check for third-party interference, run your Android device in Safe Mode. Safe Mode disables all third-party applications.
When your phone is in Safe Mode, you will only be able to access apps created by your manufacturer. All other apps will be greyed out.
To run your device in Safe Mode, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the ON/OFF button on the side of your Android device.
- When the menu pops up, long-press the Power Off button.
- Click on Safe Mode and wait for your device to restart.
When your phone comes up, it will only have the manufacturer’s apps on it. All third-party apps will be greyed out. There will also be a grey box with “Safe Mode” written in it at the bottom of the screen.
Now, try sending a message or making a phone call. If the “unfortunately, IMS service has stopped” prompt doesn’t come up, the problem is from your third-party apps.
Now that you have found the issue, you just have to uninstall the third-party apps manually, one after the other.
Restart your device after uninstalling each app and check to see if you fixed the problem by removing that app.
Uninstalling an app is pretty simple. Follow these steps to uninstall your third-party apps:
- Go to your apps list and long-press the app of your choice. In the options there, click on Uninstall.
- Confirm that you want to uninstall the app by clicking OK.
If the problem persists, uninstall another app, restart and check. Soon, the error will be gone.
7. Update Your Android Device
An out-of-date Android version can cause problems for your phone and its apps. Updating your OS regularly allows your Android device to work optimally and gets rid of bugs.
To update your Operating System, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings and select Software Update.
- If there is an update available, click on Download and Install.
- Click on Download to start the software update.
Wait for the OS to install. After updating and installing, you try to send messages or make a call. The error will be fixed.
8. Update All Apps
If your apps are out-of-date, they can clash with the software and other services running on your device.
Follow these steps to update your apps:
- Open the Google Play Store app and click on your account icon at the top right.
- Now, click on Manage Apps and Device.
- If there, are updates available, you will see “Updates Available”.
- Select Update All.
Restart your device and the “unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” error will be gone.
9. Factory Reset Your Device
A factory reset should always be the last resort, but if all fails, this might be your only option. Back up all your important data and files in a cloud storage service of your choice, as a factory reset will clear all your data.
Before you reset your phone, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely back up your Android phone.
To factory reset your phone, follow these simple steps:
- Open Settings and go to General Management.
- Click on Reset.
- Choose Factory Data Reset. It will wipe out your phone and erase all of your data.
- Click on the Reset button to completely reset your phone to the factory settings.
After resetting your device, the “unfortunately, IMS Service has stopped” problem should be gone for good.
Final Thoughts on Unfortunately IMS Service Has Stopped
It’s frustrating when you get the “Unfortunately IMS Service Has Stopped” error message on your phone, but you can get rid of it by trying the following fixes:
- Restart Your Device
- Reset Configuration Messages
- Delete All Text Messages
- Clear Cache and Data of Messages App
- Clear Cache of IMS Service
- Check for Third-Party Interference
- Update Your Android Device
- Update All Apps
- Factory Reset Your Device
The easiest way to get rid of the “Unfortunately IMS Service Has Stopped” is to deactivate the Rich communication services (RCS) on your phone.
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, we encourage you to suggest them in the comments below.
