Duplicate messages typically happen when either the sender or the recipient is in an area experiencing poor network connection or when there is a glitch in the system while delivering the message from one end to another.

After extensive research, it was found that this is a real problem, experienced mainly by users who own Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

So if you are reading this article, it is probably because you have been on the sending or receiving end of a duplicate message or two and are probably wondering how to fix duplicate messages on Android.

Why you are getting duplicate texts on your Android phone

These are the likely reasons why your Android sends duplicate texts.

1. You are in a low coverage area

This is probably the most common reason why text messages keep duplicating. It means either you or the recipient’s mobile phone is frequently disconnecting and reconnecting to the network due to low network coverage in the area.

In this situation, the text will re-deliver once the phone has connected to the network, even if the initial message was already delivered.

2. You could be using two messaging apps

As unbelievable as it sounds, it is still entirely possible. Every Android phone comes with a pre-installed messaging app by default.

However, there are many third-party messaging apps available on the Play Store that can you can easily install.

If you have any of these third-party apps installed on your Android phone, you might see two notifications for the same message from different apps.

One common example is if you are using Google Messages alongside the native Samsung messaging app.

3. Problem with your messaging app

The default messaging app on your phone could have a bug or glitch that causes you to send or receive duplicate text messages.

You’ll have to wait it out for the bug to fix or for Samsung to release an update that fixes the issue.

4. Outdated messaging app or phone software

For your Android phone to function properly and to its optimal ability, it needs to be kept up to date with software updates, and the same applies to the apps on the phone.

For example, if your phone’s OS or messaging app is outdated, it might malfunction, and one of the consequences could be duplicate messages.

5. Issue with your phone

It is also very probable that your phone is why you are receiving or sending duplicate messages.

It could be that a corrupt or buggy software update is the cause or an entirely different and unrelated app installed on your phone.

6. Duplicate MMS?

Duplicate MMS could be related to the internet connection of either the recipient or the sender. For example, you might send or receive a duplicate MMS if either phone’s upload or download speed is too low.

Suppose you seem only to be receiving duplicate texts from one person and nobody else, and you don’t experience the problem when you send messages.

In that case, it is likely a problem on their end, and you should probably ask them to check it out and try out one of the following steps to fix it.

How do you fix duplicate messages on Android?

Once you have discovered the cause of your problem, you can try any of these solutions.

You may try a couple of them until your problem is solved.

1. Restart your phone

Many Android users who experience this issue say that they quickly resolve it by restarting their phones. However, if you can save yourself the hassle of trying the other methods and restart your phone, then by all means, try it first.

If it doesn’t work, try any of the following solutions.

2. Uninstall the second messaging app

If you have a third-party messaging app, it is most likely the reason you are receiving duplicates, and you should most probably get rid of it.

To uninstall the app:

• Open your home screen, press and hold the icon of the app you want to uninstall
• An overlay menu will appear
• Press ‘Uninstall’ or ‘Remove app.’

Alternatively, you can uninstall it by opening the Play Store, searching for the app, and clicking on ‘Uninstall’ beside the app’s name.

If you don’t want to uninstall the app, you can disable it by opening the settings on your phone, clicking on the apps option, scrolling down to the app you want to disable, and tapping on ‘Disable’ or ‘Force stop.’

3. Turn on/off airplane mode

If you suspect the issue is caused by poor network coverage, try turning the airplane mode on and then off so your phone can reconnect to the network again.

You can easily do this from the status bar on your phone.

4. Clear the messaging app’s cache or data

Clearing your cache removes any unused files the app might be keeping in your phone’s storage affecting its functionality.

However, if you clear the data, all data related to the app will be deleted, and none of your saved information will be available. In simpler terms, the app will be new.

To do this:

• Open Settings on your phone
• Tap on the ‘Device care’ option
• At the bottom of the screen, tap on the ‘Storage’ option and then the ‘Apps’ option. A dropdown list of the apps will appear, and you can pick the app you want to clear.
• Click on the ‘Clear cache or ‘Clear data’ option, depending on what action you want to take on the app.

Remember that clearing data is permanent. You should, therefore, save any data that you wouldn’t want to lose.

5. Update your phone

Not only do manufacturers add new features with updates, but if the previous version had any issues or bugs, the updates also aim to fix them.

Hence, it is important to keep your phone up to date with the latest software to keep it functioning properly.

If you notice that duplicate messages only appeared after you updated your phone, wait a few days, as it is probably still not ready

6. Change your SIM card

If your sim card is old, it could be experiencing challenges receiving the best network coverage.

Try replacing it with a new one.

7. Factory reset your phone

This should only be the last resort if you try all other solutions and none works. This is because when you factory reset your phone, all the data is lost, and it becomes brand new, as the name suggests.

If you choose to factory reset, back up all your important data so you can recover it after the process.

• First, open the settings and tap on ‘General management.’
• Scroll down to the ‘Backup and reset option
• Tap on the ‘Factory data reset’ option, and confirm by tapping ‘Reset.’
• You might be asked to enter your password. All your data will be erased, and your phone will automatically restart after the process is done. You can now set up your phone again.

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The post Why you’re receiving duplicate messages on Android appeared first on AppDrum.

But if you have not encrypted your messaging app, you rely heavily on text messages to stay in contact with family and friends.

Although sending a text message is simple, convenient, and quick, anybody can read your conversations if they pick it up. So, a solution is to hide your messaging apps.

But have you considered going for secret messaging apps that look like games?

These apps allow you to hide your communication in plain sight since they are basically games with a chat feature. You can play games and chat with family and friends simultaneously.

And it is hard for anyone who gains access to your phone to even bother about opening those apps.

Top 5 secret messaging apps that look like games

If you want the best app to chat secretly, here are five options you should consider.

1. Calculator Pro+

Calculator Pro+ is one of your Android device’s best secret texting apps. The application will help you hide your private conversations and prevent spam.

The app allows you to add any secret message or a specific number as a Private Contact. So, whenever you receive a message from the Private Contact, the app will move it to a folder disguised as a calculator.

Calculator Pro+ also provides free texting between users. You can send unlimited text, location details, and photos to your contacts and keep the conversation going.

2. Confide

Confide is a secret messaging application for Android and iOS devices. It allows you to communicate privately with confidential messages and leave no digital trace.

Furthermore, the app allows encrypted messaging, anonymous texts, and private chat.

As one of the many hidden chat apps, Confide has many features, including disappearing messages, spy protection, screenshot prevention, incognito mode, private and group messaging, and the option to retract unread messages.

In addition, confide lets you enjoy encrypted messaging, giving you the confidence that nobody will look through your private conversations.

3. Plato

Plato is one of the best video games with a hidden chat feature. It is available for Android and iOS devices and allows you to play multiplayer games.

However, the best part of the app is that it gives you an interface you can use to chat with friends and family.

Plato has dozens of public chat rooms you can use to communicate through text. An advantage is that you do not even have to play 45 games on the app.

Instead, you can use the chat feature to start messaging your friend or family member.

4. Wickr Me

Wickr Me is one of the unique secret apps that look like games. It allows you to instantly connect with your friends or groups through encrypted voice calling, voice memos, and end-to-end encryption.

Furthermore, the app will enable you to share files, videos, and images and determine who can access your content.

Wickr Me offers a unique feature called Shredder. It overwrites all deleted content on your device, ensuring your communication remains secure and private.

With the app, you’ll enjoy encrypted messaging anonymous text, and anonymous chat anytime.

5. Yubo

Yubo is one of the many texting apps disguised as games for Android and iOS devices.

It is also a social community where people can find new friends through interactions and live streaming.

In addition, it offers a live chat interface that makes it easier for you to communicate.

Yobo also gives you the flexibility of using its features. In other words, you decide whether you want to chat with friends or live stream content.

In addition, you can use the app to express yourself or message people secretly.

Wrapping up

You have many options when it comes to finding the best secret messaging apps that look like games. 

The apps above allow you to chat with friends through text while playing a game. But you also do not have to play the game to chat.

Furthermore, their app icons do not appear to be messaging apps on your phone.

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• Whisper alternatives for secret messaging

The post 5 best secret messaging apps that look like games appeared first on AppDrum.