Apps & performance

Apps crash right after restarting the phone

This is often caused by apps trying to resume background tasks before the phone has fully finished booting and settling, or a specific app conflicting with a recent OS update.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes

Symptoms

  • Apps crash only in the first few minutes after restart
  • Problem goes away after using the phone a bit longer
  • Multiple apps affected right after boot
  • Doesn't happen if you wait before opening apps

Likely causes

  • CommonPhone still finishing background setup right after bootSome system services take a minute or two to fully initialize after restart.
  • CommonRecent OS update needing time to optimize appsAfter a major update, the first restart often triggers app re-optimization.
  • PossibleLow storage slowing the boot completion processLimited free space can slow the phone's post-restart setup.
  • PossibleA specific app conflicting with startup servicesSome apps try to launch background services immediately on boot and fail if not ready.
  • Less commonCorrupted system cacheA cache issue can cause temporary instability right after restart.

What to do

  1. Wait 2–3 minutes after restarting before opening apps, especially after a major OS update.
  2. Check for a pending OS update and install it if available.
  3. Free up storage space if it's low.
  4. Note if it's always the same app or apps crashing, and update those specifically.
  5. Restart the phone once more after everything has settled to see if it resolves.
  6. Uninstall and reinstall a consistently affected app.
  7. If this happens on every single restart long-term, consider a factory reset after backing up your data.

When to call a pro

If crashing right after restart persists across many apps even after a reset, a repair shop should check for a deeper software or storage fault.

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.