Fix App Crashes on Android: Why It Happens and How to Stop It

TL;DR: Android app crashes happen due to outdated software, corrupted cache, low storage, memory issues, or bugs. Quick fixes include restarting your device, updating apps/OS, clearing cache, force stopping problematic apps, and freeing up storage. For persistent issues, uninstall/reinstall the app or check for system updates. Prevent crashes by keeping everything updated and managing storage wisely.

As an Android user myself, I know how frustrating it is when your favorite app suddenly crashes—especially when you’re in the middle of something important. Whether it’s WhatsApp, Instagram, or a banking app, frequent crashes can ruin your experience and even lead to data loss in some cases.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the common reasons why Android apps crash and share practical, step-by-step solutions that actually work. I’ve also included tips to prevent crashes from happening in the first place.

Why Do Android Apps Keep Crashing?

Before we jump into the fixes, it’s helpful to understand why apps crash on Android. Here are the most common causes:

• Outdated apps or OS: If you’re running an old version of an app or Android itself, it might not be compatible with newer services or security protocols^1.
• Corrupted app data or cache: Temporary files (cache) can get corrupted over time and cause apps to misbehave or crash^1.
• Insufficient storage space: When your phone’s storage is almost full, apps can’t write new data or cache, leading to crashes^1.
• Low memory (RAM): Too many apps running in the background can eat up RAM, causing instability.
• Software conflicts: Sometimes, a recent update or another app might conflict with the one that’s crashing.
• Network issues: Poor or unstable internet can make apps that rely on online data freeze or crash.
• App-specific bugs: Developers occasionally release updates with bugs that cause crashes on certain devices.

Knowing the root cause helps you apply the right fix faster.

Quick Fixes: Restart and Update

Restart Your Android Device

One of the simplest yet most effective solutions is to restart your phone. A reboot clears temporary glitches, resets app states, and frees up RAM^1.

Here’s how:

1. Press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds.
2. Tap Restart if the option appears^4.
3. Wait for your device to reboot and try opening the app again.

If a normal restart doesn’t help, try a power cycle:

• Turn off your phone completely.
• Wait for 60 seconds.
• Turn it back on.

This often resolves minor software hiccups that cause crashes.

Update Your Apps and Android OS

Outdated apps or system software are a common cause of crashes. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility^1.

To update apps:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap your profile icon → Manage apps & device.
3. Under “Updates available,” tap Update all or update individual apps.

To update Android OS:

1. Go to Settings → Software update (or System → Advanced → System update on some devices).
2. Tap Download and install if an update is available^2.

Keep everything updated to avoid compatibility issues.

Clear App Cache and Data

Corrupted cache or data can make apps crash repeatedly. Clearing them often resolves the issue without deleting your personal info (like login details, in some cases)^1.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Apps (or Applications).
2. Select the problematic app.
3. Tap Storage → Clear Cache. Try the app again.
4. If it still crashes, go back and tap Clear Data or Clear Storage (note: this may reset the app and delete your settings).

This is especially useful for apps like Google, Facebook, or games that store a lot of temporary files.

Force Stop the App

If an app is frozen or crashing, force stopping it can help. This closes the app completely and restarts it fresh^1.

1. Go to Settings → Apps.
2. Select the app that’s crashing.
3. Tap Force Stop → OK.
4. Relaunch the app and check if it works.

This is a quick fix for apps that are stuck in a bad state.

Free Up Storage Space

Low storage can cause apps to crash because they can’t save new data or cache^1. Android needs at least 10–15% free space to run smoothly.

To free up space:

• Delete unused apps, old photos, videos, or downloads.
• Use Google Files or your device’s built-in storage manager to identify large files.
• Move files to cloud storage (Google Drive, etc.) or an SD card if supported.

After freeing up space, restart your phone and check if the app runs better.

Check Internet Connection

Some apps crash due to poor network connectivity. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data or vice versa. You can also:

• Turn off Wi-Fi/mobile data for a few minutes and turn it back on^2.
• Restart your router if using Wi-Fi.
• Forget and reconnect to the Wi-Fi network.

This helps if the app relies heavily on internet access.

Uninstall and Reinstall the App

If none of the above work, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can fix corrupted installations^5.

1. Long-press the app icon → Uninstall (or go to Settings → Apps → [app name] → Uninstall).
2. Reinstall it from the Google Play Store.

Note: This will delete the app’s data, so back up any important information first if possible.

Advanced: Boot in Safe Mode

If apps are crashing frequently and you suspect a third-party app is causing conflicts, boot your phone in Safe Mode. This disables all downloaded apps temporarily.

How to enter Safe Mode (varies by device):

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Long-press Power off until you see “Reboot to safe mode” → Tap OK.
3. Alternatively, turn off the phone, then press and hold Power + Volume Down until it boots.

If the crashes stop in Safe Mode, a recently installed app is likely the culprit. Uninstall apps one by one to identify the problematic one.

Case Study: Fixing Google App Crashes

I recently helped a friend whose Google app kept crashing. Here’s what we did:

1. Cleared Google app data: Settings → Apps → Google → Storage → Clear Data^2.
2. Force stopped the app.
3. Updated the Google app via Play Store.
4. Restarted the phone.

The crashes stopped immediately. This approach works for many system apps like Google, Samsung, or carrier apps that sometimes run into corruption issues.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Flow

Follow this sequence for best results:

1. Restart your phone – fixes minor glitches.
2. Update the app and Android OS – ensures compatibility.
3. Clear app cache – removes temporary corrupted files.
4. Force stop the app – resets the app state.
5. Check storage space – free up if below 15%.
6. Clear app data (if needed) – warning: may reset app settings.
7. Reinstall the app – fresh install.
8. Boot in Safe Mode – check for conflicting apps.

After each step, test the app to see if the issue is resolved.

Pros and Cons of Common Fixes

Fix	Pros	Cons
Restart device	Quick, no data loss	Temporary fix for some issues
Clear cache	Safe, keeps user data	Cache rebuilds over time
Clear data	Resets app completely	Deletes settings and login info
Reinstall app	Fresh start	Loss of app data
Safe Mode	Identifies conflicting apps	Requires manual app removal

Comparison: Force Stop vs. Uninstall

• Force Stop: Immediately closes the app without deleting it. Use for temporary freezes or crashes.
• Uninstall: Removes the app and all its data. Use when the app is corrupt or conflicting.

Choose Force Stop first; only uninstall if necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not restarting after updates: Always restart your phone after updating apps or OS.
• Ignoring storage warnings: Don’t wait until storage is full—free up space proactively.
• Skipping app updates: Enable auto-update in Play Store to avoid missing critical fixes.
• Using outdated Android versions: Older OS versions are more prone to crashes and security issues.

Prevention Tips: How to Avoid Future Crashes

1. Keep apps and OS updated – Enable auto-update in Play Store and check for system updates monthly.
2. Regularly clear cache – Use built-in device maintenance tools or do it manually for heavy apps.
3. Maintain at least 15% free storage – Regularly offload photos/videos to cloud or PC.
4. Avoid too many background apps – Close apps you’re not using to save RAM.
5. Install apps from trusted sources – Only use Google Play Store to avoid malware.

FAQ

Why does only one app keep crashing on my Android?

It’s likely due to corrupted data, a bug in that app, or compatibility issues with your device/OS. Try clearing its cache/data or reinstalling.

Can low RAM cause app crashes?

Yes, if too many apps are running, the system may kill background processes, causing apps to crash. Restart your phone to free up RAM.

How often should I clear app cache?

For most users, once a month is sufficient. For apps that crash often, clear cache as needed.

Will clearing data delete my login information?

It might, depending on the app. Some apps save login info securely, but others may require you to sign in again.

What if all apps are crashing?

It could be a system-wide issue like low storage, outdated OS, or a faulty update. Restart, update, and free up storage first.

Should I factory reset if nothing works?

Only as a last resort. Backup your data first, then go to Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).

Checklist: Fix App Crashes on Android

• Restart your device
• Update the crashing app
• Update Android OS
• Clear app cache
• Force stop the app
• Check and free up storage
• Clear app data (if needed)
• Reinstall the app
• Boot in Safe Mode (if multiple apps crash)
• Contact app developer if issue persists

Glossary

• Cache: Temporary files stored by apps to load faster.
• Force Stop: Manually closing an app that’s running in the background.
• Safe Mode: A diagnostic mode that runs Android with only pre-installed apps.
• RAM: Random Access Memory, used for running apps and processes.
• App Data: User-generated data like settings, logins, and saved files.

Conclusion

App crashes on Android are common but usually fixable. Start with simple steps like restarting your phone and updating apps. If that doesn’t work, move on to clearing cache, force stopping, or reinstalling the app. Most crashes are due to software glitches, low storage, or outdated components—all of which you can manage with a little regular maintenance.

If you’ve tried everything and the app still crashes, consider reaching out to the app’s developer via the Play Store listing. They may be aware of the issue and working on a fix.

Got a specific app that’s driving you crazy? Share your experience in the comments below—I’d love to help!

References