Android Apps Keep Crashing?
You open an app and it slams shut. You open it again and it crashes again. Or you see "Unfortunately, [app] has stopped." Here's how to fix it without resetting your whole phone.
Quick fix to try first
Settings > Apps > tap the crashing app > Storage > Clear cache. Reopen the app. If still crashing, also tap Clear data (note: this signs you out of the app).
1. Restart your phone
Sounds basic but it clears memory and stuck processes. Hold the power button, tap Restart. Try the app again after.
2. Update the app
Open Play Store, tap your profile icon top right, tap Manage apps & device. If updates are available, install them. Outdated apps crash on newer Android versions all the time.
3. Clear the app's cache
This is the single most effective fix. Doesn't lose data.
- Settings > Apps (or Apps & Notifications)
- Find the crashing app
- Tap it, then Storage (or Storage & cache)
- Tap Clear cache
Reopen the app. If still crashing, come back and tap Clear data (this signs you out and resets app preferences but keeps the app installed).
4. Update Android
Settings > System > System update (Samsung: Settings > Software update). Install anything pending. Restart.
5. Check storage space
If you're below 10% free storage, apps crash. Open Settings > Storage. If you're near full:
- Delete large videos
- Uninstall apps you don't use
- Clear Downloads folder
- Move photos to Google Photos and free up device storage
See our full Android storage guide.
6. Uninstall and reinstall the app
Long press the app icon > Uninstall. Then reinstall from the Play Store. This is heavier than clearing cache but it fixes corrupted app installations.
You'll need to sign back in. So know your password before doing this.
7. Check Google Play Services
Many apps depend on Google Play Services. If it's outdated or broken, lots of apps crash.
- Settings > Apps
- Find Google Play Services
- Tap Storage > Clear cache (don't clear data on this one)
- Go to Play Store, search "Google Play Services," tap Update if available
8. Boot into Safe Mode to test
Safe Mode disables all third-party apps. If apps still crash here, it's a system issue. If they work fine, an app you installed is causing problems.
To enter Safe Mode on most Android phones: hold power button, then long press "Power off" until you see "Reboot to safe mode." Tap OK.
To exit: just restart normally.
Last resort: Factory reset
If nothing else works, factory reset fixes underlying system issues. Back up your photos and contacts first.
See our Android factory reset guide.
Apps still crashing?
If you've tried everything, message Isaac. Sometimes there's a specific app or update conflict only a fresh set of eyes can spot.