Few things are more frustrating than trying to open an app on your iPhone, only to have it freeze, crash, or refuse to launch. Whether it’s a messaging app, a game, or a productivity tool, apps not opening can disrupt your workflow, communication, and entertainment.
The good news is that in most cases, this issue is caused by software glitches, outdated apps, or minor conflicts, not a permanent hardware problem. In this guide, we’ll explain the common reasons iPhone apps won’t open and provide step-by-step fixes to get your apps running smoothly again.
Why iPhone Apps Don’t Open
Understanding the root causes makes troubleshooting easier. Common reasons include:
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Outdated Apps or iOS: Incompatibility with older software versions can prevent apps from launching.
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App Glitches or Corruption: An app’s internal files may be corrupted.
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Low Storage or RAM Issues: iPhones with limited free space or overloaded memory may fail to open apps.
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Network Issues: Apps that rely on internet connectivity may fail if the connection is weak or unstable.
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Conflicting Apps or Settings: Certain apps or system settings can interfere with others.
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Apple ID or App Store Issues: If an app was not properly downloaded or updated, it may not open.
Now let’s look at reliable fixes.
1. Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches preventing apps from opening.
Steps:
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Press and hold the Power + Volume Up/Down button (iPhone X and newer) or Power button (older models)
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Slide to power off → Turn on again
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Open the app
Restarting clears background processes and memory, resolving many minor issues.
2. Update Apps and iOS
Outdated software can cause incompatibility and crashes.
Steps:
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Update apps: App Store → Profile → Update All
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Update iOS: Settings → General → Software Update → Download and Install
Keeping apps and iOS current improves compatibility and fixes known bugs.
3. Force Close and Reopen the App
Sometimes an app may be frozen but still running in the background.
Steps:
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Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click Home for older iPhones) to open App Switcher
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Swipe the app off the screen to close it
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Reopen the app
This forces the app to restart fresh.
4. Check Available Storage
Apps may fail to open if your iPhone has low storage.
Steps:
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Settings → General → iPhone Storage
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Delete unused apps, large videos, or photos
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Freeing at least 10–15% of storage ensures smooth performance
Storage management is key to overall device health.
5. Delete and Reinstall the App
If a specific app keeps failing, its data may be corrupted.
Steps:
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Press and hold the app → Delete App
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Reinstall from App Store
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Open the app and test functionality
Reinstalling replaces corrupted files and often resolves persistent issues.
6. Check Internet Connection
Apps that require internet access—like social media, banking, or streaming apps—may not open if the connection is poor.
Steps:
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Test Wi-Fi and cellular data
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Restart your router or switch networks
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Disable VPN if active
Reliable connectivity ensures apps launch and sync properly.
7. Disable Background App Refresh or Conflicting Features
Background activity can interfere with app performance, especially on older devices.
Steps:
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Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Off
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Restart the app
This can reduce conflicts and improve app responsiveness.
8. Reset All Settings
If multiple apps are failing, system settings may be causing the issue.
Steps:
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Settings → General → Reset → Reset All Settings
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This resets network, display, and privacy settings but does not delete personal data
Resetting settings often clears hidden conflicts affecting app performance.
9. Check Apple ID and App Store
Apps may fail if they were not properly downloaded or updated.
Steps:
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Settings → [Your Name] → iTunes & App Store → Sign Out → Sign Back In
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Open App Store → Updates → Retry
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Ensure the app is purchased or downloaded correctly
Proper account authentication ensures apps launch correctly.
10. Restart in Safe Mode (iPhone Equivalent)
While iPhone doesn’t have a traditional safe mode, disabling all background apps and restarting with minimal activity can mimic the effect.
Steps:
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Close all apps
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Restart your device
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Open the problematic app
This can help determine if background processes or conflicts are causing the issue.
11. Contact App Developer or Apple Support
If an app still doesn’t open, the issue may be app-specific or device-specific.
Steps:
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Check the App Store page for developer contact
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Use Apple Support → https://support.apple.com/
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Provide details about your iPhone model, iOS version, and issue
Developers can provide bug fixes or updates to resolve persistent problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why do some apps not open after an iOS update?
A1: Updates may create incompatibility with older app versions. Updating the app usually resolves the issue.
Q2: Can low storage cause apps not to open?
A2: Yes, apps require free RAM and storage to function properly. Freeing space often fixes the problem.
Q3: Will reinstalling an app delete my data?
A3: Some apps may lose local data unless it’s synced to iCloud or backed up. Check app settings first.
Q4: Can network issues prevent apps from opening?
A4: Yes, internet-dependent apps need a stable connection to launch or sync data.
Q5: When should I contact Apple Support?
A5: If multiple apps fail despite troubleshooting, or if an app crashes immediately after launch, professional support is recommended.
Final Thoughts
iPhone apps not opening is usually caused by software glitches, outdated apps, storage issues, or connectivity problems. By following these 11 reliable fixes—from restarting your device and updating apps to reinstalling problematic apps and checking storage—you can restore app functionality quickly.
Regular maintenance, timely updates, and monitoring app storage ensure your iPhone remains responsive, preventing apps from freezing or failing to launch in the future.