How to Fix App Crashes on Android and iOS Devices
It can be frustrating when you're performing an important task and the app on your device crashes. Crashed, it does not matter if it is a game, social media app, or productivity tool, you get logged out of your experience. The good news is that there are multiple methods to resolve them on Android and iOS devices.
In this guide, we will be explaining the possible causes of app crashes and how to fix them, step by step.
Why Do Apps Crash?
But, before we proceed to the solutions, it’s essential to understand why apps crash in the first place. Here are some common reasons:
Low Storage or RAM – If your device has less space, then apps get crash.
Software Bugs or Compatibility Issues – An outdated app or operating system (OS) can lead to instability.
Corrupt Cache or Data – Over time, temp files and corrupt data can make apps misbehave.
Internet Connectivity Problems – Low or unstable internet connection can crash the apps that helps you access the internet.
Device Overheating – When your phone overheats, it will force-terminate apps.
Background apps running altogether – Too many background apps working at the same time might result in performance issues.
App Bugs or Glitches – Some apps might have coding errors that make them crash.
Now that we know the reasons from above, let us go through the solutions on both Android devices as well as iOS devices.
Restart Your Device
A restart can force the phone’s memory to refresh and close background processes that may be behind crashes.
How to Restart:
Android: Hold the Power button, then select Restart.
iOS: Press and hold the Power button (or Power + Volume Up on recent iPhones), then slide to Power Off. A few seconds, and it turns back on.
Often, this method resolves smaller issues immediately.
Update the App
Developers of the app regularly release updates to patch bugs and performance issues.
How to Update an App:
Android:
Open the Google Play Store.
Tap your profile icon and navigate to Manage apps & device.
Find the app under Updates available, and then tap Update.
iOS:
Open the App Store.
Tap your profile icon and scroll to Available Updates.
Tap Update next to the app.
Strive to update your apps regularly to avoid crashes and improve stability.
Check for System Updates
The more delays you have, the more outdated the operating system becomes. You are outdated the day after you were born.
How to Update Your OS:
Android:
Jump to Settings > System > Software update.
Tap Check for updates and choose install if available.
iOS:
Tap Settings, then General, followed by Software Update.
If there is an update, tap Download and Install.
Remember to set your device to automatic updates so it always performs well and protects your privacy.
Clear All Cache And App Data (Only For Android)
Apps also store temporary files (cache) when they are used in Android, to load faster. But a bad cache can lead to crashes.
How to Clear Cache:
Head to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps.
Choose the app, and tap Storage & cache.
Tap Clear cache.
If this does not work, try clearing app data (will reset the app to its default state).
Select Clear storage or Clear data (this will sign you out and change settings).
On iOS, the only solution to clear cache is to delete and reinstall the app.
Force Stop and Restart the App
As simple as it seems, closing the app and reopening it sometimes fixes crashes.
How to Force Stop an App:
Android:
Head to Settings > Apps & notifications.
Choose the app and click Force stop.
Reopen the app.
iOS:
Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double press the Home button on older ones).
Locate the app and swipe up to force quit it.
Reopen the app.
This will refresh the processes of the app.
Verify Your Internet Connectivity
Most apps need an uninterrupted internet access. If an app is crashing or won’t load, check your connection.
How to Fix Internet Issues:
Toggle between Wi-Fi and mobile data
Restart your router.
Try switching Airplane Mode off and on.
Forget the Wi-Fi network and reconnect.
This weak connection is perfect for apps like YouTube or WhatsApp or Instagram, which can have performance issues.
Free Up Storage Space
If your device's storage is full, insufficient memory can lead to app crashes.
How to Free Up Space:
Remove apps, photos and videos you don’t use.
Copy the files to SD card (for android only) or cloud storage (Google Drive/iCloud).
Clean junk files using Files by Google (Android)
To check storage:
Android: Settings > Storage.
iOS: Settings > General > iPhone Storage
Reinstall the App
You can also uninstall and reinstall the app if the issue continues, which can fix corrupted files.
How to Reinstall an App:
Android:
Go to Settings > Apps.
Tap on the app and click on Uninstall.
Remove it and download from the Google Play Store.
iOS:
Long-press the app icon, then press Remove App > Delete App.
Reinstall from the App Store.
This is to make sure you are downloading a new copy of the app.
Reset App Preferences (Only for Android)
Resetting app preferences returns app settings and permissions back to default, which can resolve infrequently occurring errors.
How to Reset App Preferences:
Go to Settings > Apps.
Tap the three-dot menu and choose to Reset app preferences.
This doesn’t delete your data but can cure the app from crashing.
Contact App Support
If you follow these steps and it still does not work, your problem is with the app itself. You can begin noticing problems of app developer.
How to Contact Support:
Google Play Store:
Go to the Play Store and look for the app.
Scroll down, and tap Developer contact.
Use the email or support site provided.
App Store (iOS):
Launch the App Store and find the app’s page.
Scroll to App Support and follow the directions.
Developers might offer updates or steps to troubleshoot known problems.
Final Thoughts
App crashes are frustrating, but they’re typically simple to resolve with the right approach. Whether it be clearing cache, updating software or reinstalling apps, these fixes can help ensure apps run smoothly once more.
This guide will help you avoid recurring problems and ensure your Android or iOS device continues to perform efficiently.
Are your apps crashing often? Give these fixes a try and let us know which one worked for you! 🚀
