Apps & performance

App won't open after updating it

This usually happens when the update is incompatible with your current OS version or the update itself didn't fully install.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
10–20 minutes

Symptoms

  • App crashes immediately after the update
  • App icon shows the update happened but tapping it does nothing
  • Error message referencing a required OS version
  • App worked fine before this specific update

Likely causes

  • CommonUpdate requires a newer OS version than installedDevelopers periodically raise the minimum supported OS version.
  • CommonUpdate didn't fully download or installAn interrupted update can leave the app in a broken state.
  • PossibleCorrupted app data left over from the previous versionOld data structures sometimes conflict with a new version's expectations.
  • PossibleBug in the new app version itselfA rushed or buggy release can affect many users at once.
  • PossibleLow storage preventing full installationAn update needing more space than available can leave a partial install.

What to do

  1. Check your phone's OS version and compare to the app's minimum requirement on its store page.
  2. Check for a pending OS update and install it if needed.
  3. Delete and reinstall the app to force a clean, complete install.
  4. Check available storage space before reinstalling.
  5. Check the app's store reviews or support page for reports of the same issue with this update.
  6. Restart the phone before retrying.
  7. If the update is clearly buggy for many users, wait a day or two for the developer to release a fix.

When to call a pro

If the app requires a newer OS your phone can never receive due to its age, the app may simply no longer be usable on that device.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.