How to Fix Apps That Keep Crashing on Android (Step-by-Step)
Introduction
If apps keep crashing on your Android phone, it can quickly make the device frustrating or unusable. This issue usually affects social media apps, games, or system apps and can happen after an update, due to corrupted cache files, low storage, or software conflicts. In most cases, app crashes are not caused by hardware problems and can be fixed without resetting your phone. In this guide, you will learn proven, step-by-step methods to stop Android apps from crashing and restore normal performance safely.
Clear the App Cache
Cached data helps apps load faster, but corrupted cache files are one of the most common reasons apps crash.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Apps or Apps & notifications
- Select the crashing app
- Tap Storage
- Tap Clear Cache
- Reopen the app and test it
This method does not delete personal data and is safe to try first.
Restart Your Android Device
A simple restart can clear temporary system glitches that cause apps to crash.
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power button
- Tap Restart
- Wait for the device to reboot
- Open the app again
If the app works normally after restarting, the issue was likely a temporary system process conflict.
Update the App
Outdated apps may not be compatible with your current Android version.
Steps:
- Open the Google Play Store
- Tap your profile icon
- Select Manage apps & device
- Find the app and tap Update
If multiple apps are crashing, update all pending apps.
Update Android System Software
System bugs can also cause widespread app crashes, especially after major Android updates.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to System
- Tap Software update
- Install any available updates
- Restart your device after installation
System updates often include important bug fixes and stability improvements.
Free Up Storage Space
Low storage can prevent apps from running correctly.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Storage
- Check available space
- Delete unused apps, large files, or old downloads
- Clear unnecessary media or cache files
Aim to keep at least 2–3 GB of free space for stable performance.
Uninstall and Reinstall the App
If the app itself is corrupted, reinstalling it can fix persistent crashes.
Steps:
- Open Settings → Apps
- Select the app
- Tap Uninstall
- Restart your phone
- Reinstall the app from the Play Store
This removes damaged app files and installs a clean version.
Important Notes Before Trying Advanced Fixes
- Clearing cache is safe; clearing data may log you out of the app
- Beta versions of apps are more likely to crash
- Avoid installing apps from unknown sources
- If many system apps crash, the issue may be OS-related
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Android apps keep crashing after an update?
Updates can introduce bugs or compatibility issues, especially if the app has not been optimized for your Android version yet.
Will clearing cache delete my data?
No. Clearing cache does not delete personal data such as messages, photos, or account information.
Does this work on the latest Android versions?
Yes. These methods work on recent Android versions, including Android 12, 13, and newer.
What if only one specific app keeps crashing?
The issue is likely with the app itself. Updating or reinstalling it usually solves the problem.
Conclusion
App crashes on Android are usually caused by software issues rather than hardware problems. By clearing cache, updating apps and the system, freeing storage, and reinstalling problematic apps, most crashes can be fixed quickly. If the problem continues after trying all methods, the issue may be app-specific and require waiting for a developer update.
- Browse more Android fixes. See more troubleshooting guides.
- If you’re on a PC, see our guide to fix Windows Update stuck or failing.
