Samsung Galaxy S7 - why is my messages app not working since the latest update?

[AC Question]

Since the latest update, I am unable to use the "messages" app. When opened up, it's frozen. After a few seconds, it crashes to the home screen. I am thus unable to check any sms. Any other way to fix this, than to install an app to replace "messages" and go through a whole backup, as the samsung support suggested?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! First, go to the App Manager, select the Messages app, and Clear Cache. If that doesn't help, then try clearing the system cache partition: ​https://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-30240