App crashes are one of the most frustrating problems smartphone users face. You open an app expecting it to work, and suddenly it freezes, closes, or refuses to load at all. For beginners and everyday users, this can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when you rely on apps for communication, work, entertainment, or daily tasks. The good news is that most app crashes have simple causes and even simpler solutions. You don’t need to be a tech expert to fix them.
This guide will walk you step by step through practical, real-world solutions to stop apps from crashing. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, these tips are designed to help you identify the problem, fix it quickly, and prevent it from happening again.
Understanding Why Apps Keep Crashing
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand why apps crash in the first place. Most crashes happen because something interrupts the app’s normal operation. This could be a software issue, outdated files, low storage, or a conflict with your device’s system.
Common reasons apps crash include:
- Outdated app versions
- Bugs after system updates
- Corrupted cache or app data
- Low device storage or memory
- Internet connection problems
- Incompatible device settings
Knowing these causes makes it easier to apply the right solution instead of guessing.
Restart Your Device to Fix Temporary Glitches
One of the simplest yet most effective solutions is restarting your device. Many users skip this step, but it can instantly solve minor software glitches.
When your phone stays on for long periods, background processes may conflict with apps. Restarting clears temporary memory and refreshes the system.
How restarting helps:
- Clears temporary system errors
- Stops background apps causing conflicts
- Frees up memory instantly
After restarting, open the app again and check if it still crashes. In many cases, the problem ends right here.
Check for App Updates in the App Store
Outdated apps are a major cause of frequent crashes. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and maintain compatibility with the latest operating systems.
Steps to update apps:
- Open Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Go to “My Apps” or “Updates”
- Update the crashing app
- Restart the app after updating
Updating ensures the app runs smoothly with your current device software.
Update Your Phone’s Operating System
Sometimes the problem isn’t the app—it’s your device’s system software. If your phone is running an outdated operating system, newer apps may not work properly.
Why system updates matter:
- Improve overall performance
- Fix security and compatibility issues
- Support newer app versions
Check for updates in your phone’s settings and install them if available. Always connect to Wi-Fi and ensure enough battery before updating.
Clear App Cache to Remove Corrupted Files
Apps store temporary files called cache to load faster. Over time, these files can become corrupted and cause the app to crash.
Clearing cache is safe and does not delete personal data.
Steps for Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Select the crashing app
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache
For iPhone:
- iOS manages cache automatically
- You may need to reinstall the app to clear cached data
Clearing cache often fixes repeated crashes instantly.
Free Up Storage Space on Your Device
Low storage space can severely affect app performance. When your phone runs out of space, apps may fail to load or crash unexpectedly.
Ways to free storage:
- Delete unused apps
- Remove old photos and videos
- Clear downloads and temporary files
- Use cloud storage if available
Aim to keep at least 15–20% of your storage free for smooth performance.
Check Your Internet Connection Stability
Many apps require a stable internet connection to function properly. Weak or unstable connections can cause apps to freeze or crash.
What you can do:
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Restart your router
- Enable airplane mode briefly, then turn it off
- Avoid using apps on very slow networks
If an app works fine offline but crashes online, the issue may be your network.
Force Stop the App and Reopen It
If an app is frozen or repeatedly crashing, force stopping it can reset its background processes.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Select the app
- Tap Force Stop
- Reopen the app
This stops all running processes related to the app and gives it a fresh start.
Reinstall the App for a Clean Start
If none of the basic fixes work, reinstalling the app is often the most effective solution. This removes corrupted files and resets the app completely.
Steps:
- Uninstall the app
- Restart your device
- Reinstall the app from the official app store
- Log in again if required
Reinstalling solves many persistent crashing issues.
Check App Permissions and Settings
Some apps crash because they don’t have the necessary permissions to function properly. For example, a camera app may crash if camera access is disabled.
Review permissions:
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Select the app
- Check Permissions
- Enable required access carefully
Make sure permissions match the app’s purpose.
Close Background Apps to Reduce Memory Usage
Running too many apps at once can overload your device’s memory. When memory is low, apps may crash unexpectedly.
Helpful tips:
- Close unused apps regularly
- Avoid heavy multitasking
- Restart your phone if performance slows
This is especially important for older devices with limited RAM.
Check for App Compatibility Issues
Not all apps are compatible with every device model or system version. Some apps may crash because they aren’t optimized for your phone.
Signs of compatibility issues:
- App crashes immediately after opening
- App store shows device warnings
- Frequent crashes after system updates
If compatibility is the issue, wait for a developer update or look for alternative apps with similar features.
Reset App Preferences Without Losing Data
On Android devices, resetting app preferences can solve conflicts without deleting data.
This resets:
- Disabled apps
- Default app settings
- Permission restrictions
It does not delete app data or personal files.
This option can be found under system or app settings.
Perform a Factory Reset as a Last Resort
If multiple apps are crashing and nothing works, a factory reset may be necessary. This should be your last option.
Before resetting:
- Back up your data
- Save important files and contacts
- Sign out of accounts
A factory reset restores your device to its original state and fixes deep system issues.
Prevent Apps from Crashing in the Future
Once your apps are working properly, prevention is key.
Helpful habits:
- Keep apps and system updated
- Avoid installing apps from unknown sources
- Regularly clear unused files
- Restart your device weekly
- Monitor storage and memory usage
These simple habits greatly reduce future problems.
Conclusion
Apps that keep crashing can disrupt your daily routine, but most problems are easy to fix with the right steps. From restarting your device and updating apps to clearing cache and freeing storage, these solutions are beginner-friendly and effective. You don’t need technical expertise—just patience and a systematic approach. By understanding why apps crash and applying the fixes shared in this guide, you can enjoy smoother app performance and a frustration-free experience. Consistent maintenance and smart usage habits will help prevent crashes in the future and keep your device running reliably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does an app keep crashing even after updates?
This may happen due to corrupted cache files, compatibility issues, or insufficient storage. Clearing cache or reinstalling the app usually helps.
Is it safe to clear app cache?
Yes, clearing cache is completely safe. It only removes temporary files and does not delete personal data.
Can low storage cause apps to crash?
Yes, low storage limits system performance and can cause apps to freeze or crash unexpectedly.
Should I use third-party cleaning apps?
Be cautious. Many built-in tools work well, and some third-party apps may slow your device or cause issues.
When should I contact app support?
If the app crashes consistently despite all fixes, contacting the app’s official support team is the best option.