How to Fix the iOS 8 Text Message Bug Causing iPhone Crashing/Reboot

Is it just my mum who texts like this:

Last week, news is flying around regarding an iOS bug that causes the Message app to crash and iPhone to reboot when a certain string of text is received. Apple has published an official support document and advices users to ask Siri to "read unread messages" to temporarily fix the bug before the update is available. Here is the step-by-step guide:

1. Ask Siri to "read unread messages."
2. Use Siri to reply to the malicious message. After you reply, you'll be able to open Messages again.
3. In Messages, swipe left to delete the entire thread. Or tap and hold the malicious message, tap More, and delete the message from the thread.

But, many users say that they still cannot open their Message app. Then, you can try these ways that I gather from our talented readers:

Way 1: Prevent crashes from the lock screen

1. Launch the Settings app on iPhone/iPad

2. Tap on Notifications.

3. Tap on Messages.

4. Toggle Show on Lock Screen to OFF.

Way 2: If you don't mind all your messages being deleted...

1. Go to Settings>General>Date & Time

2. Turn of Set Automatically if you have it on

3. Set the date forward at least 30 days

4. Go to Settings > Messages. Under Messages History, tap Keep Messages

5. Tap 30 Days and Delete

6. Go back to Settings>General>Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically

7. Try your luck in opening the Message app.

Luckier, if you lose your text messages during the process, you can use FonePaw iPhone Data Recovery to retrieve deleted text messaged from iPhone.