Few things are more frustrating than opening an app on your Android phone, only to have it crash repeatedly. From essential productivity apps to your favorite games, app crashes disrupt workflow and entertainment.
The good news is that most app crashes are caused by common, fixable issues rather than permanent device problems. This guide will walk you through the main reasons apps crash and reliable ways to fix them.
Why Apps Keep Crashing on Android
Understanding the causes helps identify the correct solution. Common reasons include:
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Outdated Apps or System Software: Apps may not be compatible with your Android version.
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Insufficient Storage or RAM: Low memory can prevent apps from running smoothly.
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Corrupted Cache or Data: Temporary files can become corrupted and cause crashes.
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Conflicting Apps: Two apps using the same resources may interfere with each other.
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Network Issues: Many apps require a stable internet connection to function.
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Malware or Suspicious Apps: Malicious software can disrupt app operations.
Once you know the cause, troubleshooting becomes straightforward.
1. Restart Your Android Phone
Many app crashes are temporary glitches that can be fixed by a simple restart. Restarting clears RAM and resets background processes.
Steps:
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Press and hold the Power button
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Tap Restart
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Open the crashing app again
A quick reboot often restores normal functionality.
2. Update Apps and System Software
Outdated apps may have bugs or compatibility issues with your Android version. Likewise, outdated system software can cause instability.
Fix:
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Update apps: Open Google Play Store → My Apps & Games → Update All
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Update system software: Settings → System → Software Update → Check for Updates
Keeping apps and the system current prevents many crashes.
3. Clear App Cache and Data
Cached files improve performance but may become corrupted over time, causing app instability.
How to clear cache:
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Settings → Apps → Select App → Storage → Clear Cache
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If the problem persists, tap Clear Data (note: this may reset app settings)
This simple step often resolves crashing issues without reinstalling the app.
4. Free Up Storage and RAM
Apps may crash if your phone is low on storage or RAM.
Steps:
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Delete unused apps or large media files
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Move photos, videos, or documents to cloud storage
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Close background apps using Recent Apps → Swipe Away
Maintaining at least 10–15% free storage keeps apps running smoothly.
5. Reinstall the App
If a specific app keeps crashing, reinstalling it can replace corrupted files and restore normal functionality.
Steps:
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Uninstall the app: Settings → Apps → Select App → Uninstall
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Reinstall from Google Play Store
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Open the app and check if it works
Reinstallation is especially effective for single-app issues.
6. Check for Conflicting Apps
Sometimes two apps may interfere with each other, causing crashes. Common culprits include custom launchers, battery savers, or optimization apps.
Fix:
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Uninstall or disable recently installed apps
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Restart your phone
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Test the crashing app again
Identifying conflicts helps maintain system stability.
7. Restart in Safe Mode
Safe Mode disables third-party apps temporarily. This helps determine if a crash is caused by a third-party app.
How to enter Safe Mode:
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Press and hold the Power button
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Tap and hold Power Off → Safe Mode
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Open the app while in Safe Mode
If the app works, a third-party app is likely causing the problem. Remove or update conflicting apps.
8. Check Internet Connection
Apps that rely on the internet, such as streaming, social media, or banking apps, may crash due to unstable connections.
Solutions:
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Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
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Restart your router
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Move to an area with better coverage
Stable internet prevents crashes in online-dependent apps.
9. Disable Battery Optimization for the App
Android’s battery optimization can close apps running in the background, causing crashes.
Steps:
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Settings → Apps → Select App → Battery → Battery Optimization → Don’t Optimize
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Restart the app and check performance
This is especially useful for messaging and notification-dependent apps.
10. Check Permissions
Some apps crash if they don’t have the required permissions to function.
Fix:
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Settings → Apps → Select App → Permissions
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Enable necessary permissions like storage, camera, or location
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Restart the app
Proper permissions prevent crashes caused by blocked access.
11. Scan for Malware
Malware can interfere with normal app operations and cause crashes.
Steps:
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Install a reputable antivirus app from Google Play Store
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Run a full device scan
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Remove any detected threats
A malware-free device is more stable and secure.
12. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If multiple apps crash persistently and other fixes fail, a factory reset can restore stability.
Important:
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Backup your data first (photos, contacts, apps)
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Settings → System → Reset → Factory Data Reset
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Reinstall essential apps only
A factory reset removes corrupted system files and conflicts causing app crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do apps keep crashing after an Android update?
A1: Updates may introduce compatibility issues or temporary bugs. Updating the app or clearing cache usually fixes it.
Q2: Does low storage cause apps to crash?
A2: Yes. Apps need free storage and RAM to function properly.
Q3: Is Safe Mode safe to use?
A3: Yes. Safe Mode disables only third-party apps temporarily; system apps remain active.
Q4: Will factory reset delete my apps and data?
A4: Yes. Backup important data before performing a reset.
Q5: Can battery optimization cause app crashes?
A5: Yes. Apps closed in the background to save battery may crash or fail to update notifications.
Final Thoughts
Apps crashing on Android are usually caused by software conflicts, outdated apps, low storage, or corrupted cache. By following these 12 reliable fixes, you can resolve most app crashes, improve stability, and enjoy a smoother user experience.
Regular maintenance, such as updating apps, clearing cache, and monitoring storage, prevents future crashes and keeps your Android device performing optimally.