Many T-Mobile customers using LG smartphones have encountered a persistent and frustrating error message: “LG IMS keeps stopping.” This pop-up can appear repeatedly, disrupting phone calls, messaging, and mobile data connectivity. The issue is particularly prevalent among users of LG devices like the Velvet, Wing, and various G and V series models on the T-Mobile network. Understanding what this service is and why it fails is the first step toward a permanent solution.
The term “IMS” stands for IP Multimedia Subsystem, a fundamental architectural framework that enables the delivery of modern communication services over IP networks. For the average user, this translates to the system that manages Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for high-definition calling, Wi-Fi calling, and Rich Communication Services (RCS) for advanced messaging. When the LG IMS service, which is the proprietary application managing these functions on LG phones, encounters a conflict or error, it crashes, resulting in the notorious notification and a potential loss of core telephony features.
The root causes of this failure are varied, often stemming from software conflicts following an operating system update, corrupted cached data within the phone’s system services, incorrect network settings, or an outdated version of the application itself. The problem is not a sign of a permanently broken device but is typically a software glitch that can be resolved through a series of systematic troubleshooting steps. The following eight proven fixes are designed to be executed in order of increasing complexity, starting with the simplest and fastest solutions before moving to more comprehensive measures.
Restart Your LG Phone: The First and Fastest Fix
Before delving into more intricate software adjustments, always begin with a simple restart. This is the most effective and least disruptive initial step for resolving transient software glitches, including those affecting the LG IMS service. A restart, often called a soft reset, powers down the device’s operating system completely and then reloads it fresh upon startup. This action clears the device’s temporary memory (RAM) and terminates all background processes, which can include the stuck or corrupted process that is causing the IMS service to crash.
To perform a standard restart, press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears on the screen. Then, select the “Restart” or “Reboot” option. If your phone is unresponsive to touch input due to the persistent error pop-ups, you can force a restart by pressing and holding the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously for approximately 10-15 seconds. The screen will go black and the LG logo will reappear, indicating the device is rebooting. Allow the phone a full minute to complete its startup sequence and re-establish a connection with the T-Mobile network before checking if the “LG IMS keeps stopping” error has ceased.
This method resolves a significant number of reported cases because it gives the system a clean slate. It is a foundational step in IT support for any software-related issue and should never be skipped. If the problem returns after some time, it indicates a deeper issue that requires the following, more targeted solutions.
Clear the Cache and Data for the LG IMS App
If a simple restart provides only temporary relief or no relief at all, the next step is to address potential data corruption within the LG IMS application itself. As the app operates, it stores temporary files, or cache, to help it load information faster. Over time, or particularly after a system update, this cached data can become outdated or corrupted, leading to conflicts and crashes. Clearing this cache is a safe and non-destructive procedure that does not delete any personal information like contacts or messages.
To clear the cache and data for the LG IMS service, navigate to your phone’s Settings menu. Scroll down and select “Apps” or “Application manager.” You may need to tap “See all apps” or a similar option to display the complete list of system applications. Locate and select “LG IMS” from the list. If you cannot find it easily, use the search function at the top of the App list. Once inside the LG IMS app info screen, tap on “Storage.” You will see two options: “Clear Cache” and “Clear Data.”
Begin by tapping “Clear Cache.” This is a low-impact step that often resolves the issue. If the error persists, return to the same menu and tap “Clear Storage” or “Clear Data.” This is a more significant step as it will reset the application to its default state, deleting all of its settings. Your phone will need to re-establish the initial configuration for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling, but this process is usually automatic. After clearing the data, restart your phone once more to allow the LG IMS service to initialize properly with a fresh set of data.
Update Your LG Phone’s Software
Software updates are crucial for maintaining device stability and security. LG and T-Mobile regularly release updates that include bug fixes, performance improvements, and patches for known issues, including those related to the IMS service. Running an outdated version of the operating system or carrier firmware is a common cause of the persistent LG IMS error, as there may be a known compatibility bug that has been resolved in a later update.
To check for a software update, connect your phone to a Wi-Fi network to avoid using mobile data, and ensure your battery is at least 50% charged. Go to Settings > System > Software update. Tap on “Check for update.” If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it. The process may take several minutes and will involve one or more restarts. It is critical not to interrupt the update once it has begun.
After the update is complete, your phone will boot into the new software version. Monitor it for the next several hours to see if the “LG IMS keeps stopping” message reappears. Many users have reported that a pending software update was the definitive solution, as it contained a specific patch for the IMS crash bug that was identified by LG’s engineers in collaboration with T-Mobile’s network team.
Reset Your Phone’s Network Settings
Incorrect, outdated, or corrupted network configurations can directly cause the LG IMS service to fail. This service is deeply integrated with the cellular radio and its settings for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling. A network settings reset will wipe all these custom configurations and return them to their factory defaults, which are optimally configured for the T-Mobile network. This process will not erase your personal data, photos, or apps, but it will remove saved Wi-Fi networks, paired Bluetooth devices, and mobile data preferences.
To perform a network settings reset, open the Settings app and navigate to “System” > “Reset options.” Select “Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.” You will be presented with a confirmation screen detailing exactly what information will be removed. Confirm your choice by tapping “Reset settings.” Your phone will process the command and restart shortly. After the reboot, you will need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network and re-pair your Bluetooth devices like headphones and smartwatches.
This action forces your phone to re-register on the T-Mobile network and re-download the latest carrier settings. The LG IMS service will also re-initialize with these fresh, clean network parameters. This step is highly effective at resolving persistent network-related glitches that simpler cache clears cannot fix, making it a powerful tool for tackling the IMS error.
Check for and Install Carrier Services Updates
While your phone’s main operating system is updated by LG, certain core telephony functions are managed by components provided by Google and your carrier. The “Carrier Services” app on Android is a critical background application that helps manage communication between your device and the T-Mobile network, including the configuration for RCS and VoLTE. An outdated or malfunctioning Carrier Services app can be a direct contributor to the LG IMS crash.
To check for an update, open the Google Play Store app on your phone. Tap on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Manage apps & device.” Under the “Updates available” section, look for “Carrier Services.” If it is listed, tap “Update” next to it. If you do not see it in the update list, it means you have the current version. You can also search for “Carrier Services” directly in the Play Store to view its page and see if an update button is available.
After ensuring Carrier Services is up to date, restart your phone. This ensures the updated components are loaded into the system. In some cases, if the app is behaving erratically, you can also try clearing its cache and data through the Settings > Apps menu, just as you did for the LG IMS service. Keeping this app updated is a key part of maintaining network stability on any Android device, especially on a carrier-specific network like T-Mobile’s.
Re-Insert Your T-Mobile SIM Card
A faulty or poorly seated SIM card can cause a myriad of network-related issues, including problems with the IMS registration. The SIM card is your phone’s unique identifier on the T-Mobile network and is essential for authenticating services like VoLTE. Over time, the SIM card can become loose, or its metal contacts can accumulate dust and oxidize, leading to a weak connection.
To address this, power off your LG phone completely. Locate the SIM card tray, which is typically on the side of the device, using the SIM ejector tool that came with your phone or a small, unfolded paperclip. Gently press the tool into the small pinhole to eject the tray. Carefully remove the SIM card from the tray. Inspect the gold contacts on the card for any visible dirt, dust, or damage. Gently wipe the contacts with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth.
Re-insert the SIM card into the tray, ensuring it is seated correctly according to the diagram on the tray itself. Slide the tray back into the phone until it clicks into place. Power the device back on. As the phone boots, it will re-detect the SIM card and attempt to re-register on the network, which can re-establish a clean connection for the LG IMS service. If you have a very old SIM card, it may be worth visiting a T-Mobile store to request a free replacement, as newer SIMs are better optimized for current network technologies.
Boot into Safe Mode to Identify a Conflicting App
If the LG IMS error continues through all the previous steps, it is time to investigate the possibility of a third-party app conflict. A recently installed application may have permissions or background processes that interfere with the phone’s core telephony services, causing the IMS service to crash. Booting your phone into Safe Mode is a diagnostic state that temporarily disables all third-party apps, allowing you to see if the problem persists in a clean software environment.
To boot your LG phone into Safe Mode, first, press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears. Then, press and hold the “Power off” option on the screen. A prompt will appear asking if you want to reboot into Safe Mode. Tap “OK” or “Accept.” Your phone will restart, and the words “Safe Mode” will be displayed in the bottom corner of the screen. In this mode, navigate your phone and use its basic functions for a period of time. If the “LG IMS keeps stopping” error does not appear in Safe Mode, it confirms that a third-party app is the culprit.
To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your phone normally. The challenge then becomes identifying the problematic app. Begin by uninstalling the most recently downloaded apps one by one, checking after each removal to see if the error is resolved. Pay particular attention to apps that have extensive permissions, such as those for call recording, battery savers, custom launchers, or system cleaners. Removing the offending app should permanently stop the IMS crashes.
Perform a Factory Reset as a Last Resort
When all other troubleshooting methods have failed, a factory reset is the final, comprehensive solution. This process will erase all data, settings, and applications from your device, returning it to the exact state it was in when it left the factory. It is the ultimate method for eliminating any deep-seated software corruption, misconfiguration, or undetected app conflict that is causing the LG IMS service to fail. This should only be attempted after you have thoroughly backed up all important data, including contacts, photos, videos, and documents.
To back up your data, use Google’s built-in services: ensure your photos are syncing with Google Photos and your contacts are saved to your Google account. You can also use LG’s backup utility or copy files manually to a computer. Once your data is secure, you can perform the reset. Go to Settings > System > Reset options. Select “Erase all data (factory reset).” You may be asked to enter your PIN, pattern, or password. The phone will display a final warning screen; confirm that you wish to proceed. The reset process will begin and may take several minutes.
After the reset is complete, the phone will reboot into the initial setup wizard. Set up the device as new, without immediately restoring a backup of your apps and data. This is important because restoring a backup could potentially re-introduce the corruption that caused the problem. Go through the basic setup, connect to T-Mobile, and test the core calling and messaging functions for a day. If the LG IMS error is gone, you can then gradually reinstall your essential apps from the Play Store manually, monitoring for any recurrence of the issue.
Conclusion
The persistent “LG IMS keeps stopping” error on T-Mobile devices is a disruptive but almost always solvable software issue. The path to resolution follows a logical escalation from simple system refreshes like a restart, through targeted data clearing for the app and network, to software updates and network resets that realign the device with T-Mobile’s services. If these steps are insufficient, diagnostic tools like Safe Mode can isolate third-party app conflicts, and as an absolute last resort, a factory reset provides a clean slate. By methodically working through these eight proven fixes—restarting the device, clearing the LG IMS cache and data, updating the phone’s software and Carrier Services, resetting network settings, re-seating the SIM card, booting into Safe Mode, and performing a factory reset—users can systematically identify and eliminate the root cause of the failure, restoring full and stable functionality to their LG phone’s essential calling and messaging features on the T-Mobile network.
