How to Fix Android Apps Crashing
Reviewed by Huzaifa HaroonAndroid apps may sometimes close immediately after you tap to open them, often without any warning or error message. This usually means the app has crashed because of a problem it couldn’t handle. The most common reason is a NullPointerException, which often happens when an app update doesn’t handle missing information the right way.
Other possible causes include an outdated WebView component, a corrupted app cache, or problems with your phone’s operating system after a recent system update.
The steps below give you detailed instructions to prevent and fix app crashes. If you’ve tried all these and still have issues, let us know in the comments and our team will do their best to assist you.
1. Restarting Your Device
First, restart your device. A simple restart can often fix these types of issues. To restart your Android device, just press and hold the Power button until you see the Restart option, and tap it.
Many apps run in the background, using up memory, draining the battery, and even causing heating issues. A restart will close background apps and clear out temporary files, giving your phone a fresh start.
2. Clear Cache
Apps use cached memory to store information and load faster. However, over time, the cache can become corrupted or too full, leading to crashes. Clearing the cache can often fix app crashes.
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select the app that’s crashing
- Tap “Storage and Cache/Data“
- Tap the “Clear Cache” button, and confirm if prompted
- Restart your phone and check if the issue is resolved
3. Clear App Data
Unwanted app data can also cause crashes. Clearing app data gives your app a fresh start, but note that it will also remove any saved settings or login details, so you may need to sign in again.
To clear App Data, follow the same steps as clearing the cache, but this time select Delete or Clear App Storage.
4. Reinstall the App
If clearing data doesn’t help, the app’s files might be corrupted. Removing the app completely, then reinstalling it from the Google Play Store, may fix the issue. To uninstall an app, press and hold the app’s icon and drag it to the top where it says “Uninstall.”
Sometimes, a new update may not work well with your device. In this case, you can try manually installing an older version by downloading the APK for a previous build and installing it.
5. Check for System Updates
Android often releases updates that introduce new features and fix bugs. It’s important to keep your operating system updated. If you recently updated and began having issues, you could try rolling back to a previous system version. To check for updates, go to Settings > System > System update.
Keep in mind that custom ROMs, especially unstable ones, can often cause apps to crash. If you’re unsure about custom ROMs, our guide explains why Lineage OS is recommended for most users.
6. Clear or Expand Storage
If your device is low on space, apps may close themselves automatically. Not only can this cause crashes, but it can also drain your battery faster. Clear out unused apps, media, or large files, or move them to a cloud service. Also, look for any bloatware you don’t need.
Most phones have a built-in file manager, like Google’s “Files” app, which can help you quickly clear up large amounts of data from your phone and SD card. You can also use other file managers or apps like Google Photos to manage storage.
7. Update Google Play Services
Google Play Services helps your Android apps communicate with Google’s servers. Updates to Play Services often include fixes and improvements. Make sure it’s always up to date. Read this article for more details on ensuring Play Services runs smoothly.
8. Disable System WebView
If nothing else works, you may want to try disabling System WebView, especially if you have a Samsung phone. Android System WebView allows apps to display web content within the app itself. Disabling it has solved crashing problems for many users, as discussed in this Reddit post.
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps, then select “System Apps“
- Select “Android System WebView“
- Tap “Force Stop“
9. Factory Reset Your Phone
If you really need to get an app working, or if you know for sure it’s compatible with your device, you can try a factory reset. Only do this if you’ve tried everything else—remember to back up all your data first, as this will erase everything.
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and select “System“
- Tap “Reset options“
- Tap the “Erase all data” option
10. Use an Alternative App
If a factory reset doesn’t solve the problem, or if only one specific app keeps crashing while others are fine, it may be best to look for an alternative app. Sometimes, persistent issues are caused by bugs or poor design in the app itself, and switching to a better alternative can save you time and hassle.
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
