If your Facebook Messenger app is crashing on your iPhone SE, especially after an iOS update, you’re not alone. Many users have experienced this issue, often triggered by outdated app versions, system glitches, or even low storage. The good news? Most Messenger app crashes can be fixed with a few simple steps.
Here’s how to troubleshoot and stop Messenger from crashing on your iPhone SE.
🔄 Step 1: Check for App and iOS Updates
First things first — make sure both your iPhone and the Messenger app are updated.
To update iOS:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install
To update Messenger:
- Open the App Store
- Tap your profile icon at the top right
- Scroll down to Messenger and tap Update if available
Then restart your iPhone and try opening Messenger again.
🧼 Step 2: Force Close All Background Apps
Background apps can conflict with each other or overload the system, causing crashes.
How to force close apps:
- Double-press the Home button
- Swipe up on all open app cards to close them
- Restart your iPhone
Then reopen Messenger and test its stability.
🗑 Step 3: Uninstall and Reinstall Messenger
If the app is still crashing, it might be corrupted.
To uninstall:
- Tap and hold the Messenger icon
- Tap the X, then confirm Delete App
To reinstall:
- Open the App Store
- Search for Messenger
- Tap Get to reinstall
Once installed, sign back into your Facebook account and check if the app works.
⚙️ Step 4: Reset All Settings (No Data Loss)
Sometimes misconfigured settings after an iOS update can affect app behavior.
To reset all settings:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset > Reset All Settings
- Enter your passcode and confirm
This will reset Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other system preferences but won’t erase your data.
💾 Step 5: Check Available Storage
Low internal storage can cause apps to crash or freeze.
To check storage:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- If you’re low on space, delete old apps, photos, or videos
- Aim to keep at least 1–2GB of free space
Then reopen Messenger and see if the problem persists.
🔁 Step 6: Factory Reset (If All Else Fails)
If nothing works, you may need to perform a full system reset.
⚠️ This will erase all data. Be sure to back up your iPhone first via iCloud or iTunes.
To reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Follow the prompts to factory reset your iPhone
Once reset, reinstall Messenger and test before restoring other apps or data.
📞 Still Crashing? Contact Facebook Support
If Messenger continues to crash:
- Visit the Facebook Help Center
- Report the issue directly from the Facebook app
- Use an alternative messaging app (like WhatsApp or iMessage) while you wait for a patch