This Bizarre Google Messages Bug Is Causing Android Phones To Overheat

Given that this bug has not yet impacted a large enough user base, Google is yet to acknowledge the problem or even issue a fix. While some users have claimed that a recent beta version of Google Messages has seemingly fixed the issue (via 9to5Google), it remains to be seen if this really is the case. Additionally, the behavior of the issue is unpredictable, with some users claiming that they are unable to recreate the problem in every instance.

With Google yet to issue an official update, users have suggested a few hacks as a workaround to this problem. The easiest way to fix this is by simply closing Google Messages from the “Recents” menu, after which point the app should no longer have access to the camera. The other, more drastic option is to revoke camera permissions from the Messages app. This workaround, however, also means that you will not be able to use the live view feature within Google Messages until the permission is turned back on. While the method to remove camera permissions differs from one device to another, you should be able to hold the “Messages” icon and open the dedicated settings menu for the app on most phones. After doing that, scroll down to the “Permissions” section and then make sure the part that says “Camera” has its toggle set to “Don’t allow.”