Your phone or tablet shows the same app opening and then closing within seconds, and you have tried tapping it a few times without success. The frustration is understandable, especially when the app is needed for daily tasks. This guide walks you through the most common reasons an app crashes and the steps that usually resolve the issue, without requiring technical expertise. Follow the steps in order, and keep a backup of important data before any action that could erase it.
Restart the device correctly
A full restart clears temporary files and resets system services that may be stuck. Press the power button, choose the option that fully powers off the device, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. The device should start up again and show its normal start screen. This is different from simply putting the screen to sleep or closing the app, which leaves background processes running. A clean boot often releases resources that were locked by a previous app session, allowing the operating system to start the app in a fresh environment.
Install updates for the app and the operating system
Developers release updates to fix bugs that cause crashes, and the operating system also receives patches that improve compatibility. Open the app store and look for an update button next to the app’s name; install any available version. Once the update has finished, the app should no longer offer an update. Then, check the system settings for a software update option and apply any pending OS update. After installing, restart the device again to ensure the new code is loaded correctly.
Check storage and memory pressure
Low free storage or limited RAM can cause the system to kill background processes, leading to crashes. Open the device’s storage overview and verify that at least a few gigabytes remain free. Before you delete anything, check that you have a copy somewhere else, such as in your cloud account or on an external drive. Then delete unused apps, photos, or videos if necessary. Also, close other running apps to free up memory, especially on older devices with limited RAM. If the device consistently runs out of space, consider moving media to cloud storage. On some Android phones, you can also use an external card. iPhones have no external card slot, so this option does not apply to an iPhone.
Clear app data and understand what is lost
Clearing an app’s data resets it to a fresh state, removing corrupted files that may be triggering crashes. This action deletes preferences, login information, and any locally saved content such as offline documents or game progress that is not synced to the cloud. Before proceeding, write down any important login credentials and verify that important data is backed up through the app’s own sync feature.
The steps for clearing app data are different on each device. On an Android phone, check your phone’s settings for the app. You may be able to clear its data there. On an iPhone, check the app’s own settings first. If you cannot find a clear-data option there, go to the reinstall step below.
After clearing, open the app and sign in again to see if the crash persists. If the crash has stopped, the app should open and stay open after you sign in again.
Reinstall the app while preserving in‑app data
Local files that were not backed up will be lost, so copy any you need somewhere else first. If clearing data does not help, uninstall the app and install it again from the official store. Uninstalling removes the program files but generally leaves data that is stored on the provider’s servers, such as cloud‑synced documents, contacts, or subscription information. After reinstalling, launch the app and sign in; the cloud data should reappear automatically.
Report the problem effectively
When none of the previous steps stop the crashes, provide the developer with useful information. Include the device model, operating system version, app version, and a brief description of what you were doing when the crash occurred. Attach a screenshot of any error message if one appears. Most apps have a “Help” or “Contact” option that sends this data directly to the support team. A clear report speeds up troubleshooting and helps the developer release a fix.
If the app still crashes after you have restarted the device, updated the app and the system, and reinstalled the app, the problem may be with the device rather than the app. Contact the phone or tablet maker, or the shop where you bought it, for help. If the battery looks swollen, the device will not sit flat, or it gets very hot, stop charging and using it, and get professional help. Do not press on or puncture the battery.
Worth remembering: Start with a full device restart, then ensure both the app and operating system are up to date, free up storage, and clear or reinstall the app while backing up any important data. If the issue remains, a detailed report to the developer is the next best step.
Common questions
Why does my app crash after a recent update?
A recent update may introduce a bug or conflict with existing system files, causing the app to crash. Installing the update, restarting the device, and clearing the app’s data often resolve the conflict. If the problem continues, reinstall the app and verify that the operating system is also current.
Can low storage cause an app to close unexpectedly?
Yes, when the device runs low on free storage, the system may terminate background processes or fail to write temporary files, leading to crashes. Freeing up space by deleting unused apps, media, or moving files to cloud storage can restore normal behavior.
What information should I include when contacting app support?
Provide the device model, operating system version, app version, a short description of the actions that led to the crash, and any error messages or screenshots. This concise data helps the support team reproduce the issue and develop a fix more quickly.
Last updated: October 9, 2026