Android is a powerful and flexible operating system, but it’s not uncommon for apps to crash, freeze, or close without warning. When this happens repeatedly, it interrupts work, games, or communication and can feel like a deeper problem. The good news is most app‑crash issues are fixable with simple steps, no tech expertise required. This guide covers all common causes and detailed solutions you can follow one by one.
Why Android Apps Crash (And What Actually Happens)
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand what really causes app crashes. Here are the most common reasons backed by top tech troubleshooting experts:
1. Corrupted Cache or App Data
Apps store temporary files (called cache) to load faster. Sometimes these files get damaged or inconsistent over time, especially after a system or app update. When that happens, the app may run into errors and shut down.
2. Outdated Apps or Android System
If an app or the Android operating system is outdated, the app may not work correctly with newer features or security requirements. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility.
3. Low Storage or Memory
Apps need space to save temporary information and working data. If your phone is nearly full or low on RAM (memory), apps may crash because they can’t allocate enough resources to run properly.
4. Poor or Unstable Internet
Apps that rely on online data can crash if the connection drops suddenly or becomes unstable.
5. Permissions Issues
Apps require certain permissions (like storage, camera, or contacts) to work. If a critical permission is denied, some apps don’t handle it gracefully and may crash.
6. Conflicting Apps or System Bugs
Sometimes another app, especially battery savers, cache cleaners, or third‑party managers interferes with normal app processes. System bugs introduced by updates can also destabilize app behavior.
7. System Components Like WebView and Google Play Services
Some Android system components (like Android System WebView) are shared by many apps. If these components malfunction or their updates go wrong, it can cause widespread crashes across apps.
Read More
- Why Your Facebook Ads Aren’t Selling (And the Exact System Smart Businesses Use to Fix It)
- How to Choose the Right Social Media Strategy for Each Platform
- How to Stop “Mail Delivery Failed” Spam from Your Domain (SPF, DKIM, DMARC Guide)
- Why Your Website Shows Old Content Even After You Update It (And How to Fix It Fast)
- How to Reclaim Ownership of Your Facebook Page | Step-by-Step Guide
Proven Ways to Fix Android Apps That Keep Crashing
Follow these solutions in order from simple to more advanced. Most crashes can be resolved before you even get to the deeper fixes.
1. Restart Your Phone
Before anything else, restart your device. This clears temporary memory issues and stops misbehaving background processes. It’s the quickest fix for many unstable situations.
2. Update the App and Android System
Why it helps: Developers update apps to fix bugs. Android updates also improve how apps run and interact with your system.
What to do:
- Open the Google Play Store
- Go to My apps & games and update the crashing app
- Go to Settings > System > System update to update Android
3. Clear App Cache and Data
Why it helps: Clearing cache removes temporary corrupted files. If that doesn’t work, clearing data resets the app as if freshly installed.
How to clear:
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Tap the crashing app
- Select Storage & cache
- Tap Clear cache
- If needed, tap Clear data (this resets the app and may require you to log in again)
4. Free Up Storage Space and Close Background Apps
Apps need space in storage and enough free memory (RAM) to run correctly.
Steps:
- Delete old photos, videos, files you don’t need
- Uninstall unused apps or large downloads
- Move media to cloud storage (e.g., Google Photos)
- Close unused apps running in the background
Aim for at least 5–8 GB of free space for smoother performance.
5. Check and Adjust App Permissions
Some apps require permissions to access parts of your phone (camera, files, contacts). If a necessary permission is denied, the app may crash when trying to use that feature.
To check:
- Go to Settings > Apps
- Find the app
- Tap Permissions
- Allow permissions the app legitimately needs
Don’t grant unnecessary permissions all at once — but do allow what’s essential.
6. Force Stop or Reinstall the App
If a specific app keeps crashing repeatedly:
- Go to Settings > Apps > [App]
- Tap Force stop and restart the app
If problems continue:
- Uninstall the app
- Restart your phone
- Reinstall it from the Play Store
This often fixes issues caused by corrupted installations.
7. Use Safe Mode to Identify Problem Apps
If crashes seem random or affect many apps, a third‑party app might be interfering. Safe Mode loads Android with only built‑in apps. If the crashing stops in Safe Mode, it likely means a recently installed app is the culprit.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Press and hold the power button
- Tap and hold Power off
- Tap OK to reboot into Safe Mode
- Test the crashing app
- Restart normally to exit Safe Mode
8. Update Android System Components
Some persistent crashes are related to system libraries like Android System WebView and Google Play Services. Updating these components (or reinstalling their updates) can resolve wide‑spread instability.
Search them in Google Play Store and check for updates.
9. Scan for Malware and Harmful Apps
Malware can interfere with app performance and cause crashes. Running a scan with a trusted mobile security app can detect and remove threats.
Use a reputable security app from the Play Store and follow its scan and removal process.
10. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If apps crash constantly across your entire system and none of the above works, a full reset can clear underlying system problems. Back up your data first because this erases everything.
Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data.
Final Thoughts
App crashes are common, but they aren’t usually a sign of a broken phone. Most problems stem from cache issues, outdated software, low storage, permissions, or system components that need updating. By working through the fixes above starting simple and moving to more advanced steps — you can fix crashes in most situations. And once your device is healthy again, routine maintenance like keeping software updated and clearing clutter helps prevent crashes from happening in the first place.
