Apps & performance

One app keeps crashing or force-closing

This usually means the app has a corrupted cache, an outdated version, or a bug that shows up on your specific phone. Updating the app and clearing its cache fixes most cases.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes

Symptoms

  • App closes itself right after opening
  • App freezes then disappears back to the home screen
  • Crashes only happen inside one specific app
  • Error message about the app 'stopping'

Likely causes

  • CommonOutdated app version with a known bugDevelopers push fixes constantly; an old build may be broken on your OS version.
  • CommonCorrupted cache or app dataCached files can get damaged over time and confuse the app on launch.
  • PossiblePhone OS is out of date for the appNewer apps sometimes require an OS version your phone hasn't installed yet.
  • PossibleLow storage spaceApps need free space to write temporary files and can crash without it.
  • Less commonBug in the app itselfSometimes a bad update ships to everyone, not just you.

What to do

  1. Force-close the app completely and reopen it once to rule out a one-time glitch.
  2. Check the app store for a pending update and install it.
  3. Go to the app's settings (Android: Settings > Apps > [app] > Storage) and clear the cache, not the data.
  4. Restart your phone, since this clears temporary memory issues.
  5. Check available storage; free up space if you're under 1–2 GB.
  6. If it still crashes, uninstall and reinstall the app (note this may sign you out).
  7. Check if your phone's OS is up to date and install any pending update.

When to call a pro

If every app crashes constantly even after a restart, that points to a deeper software or hardware issue worth having a phone repair shop check.

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.