Android apps crashing unexpectedly can be frustrating. One moment, you’re scrolling through social media, checking emails, or working on a project, and the next moment the app closes abruptly. Frequent crashes not only disrupt your workflow but can also lead to lost data, unsaved messages, or interrupted entertainment.
The good news? Most Android app crashes are fixable. Whether it’s a compatibility issue, corrupted cache, or outdated software, there are practical steps you can take to stabilize your apps and improve overall device performance. This guide covers pro tips to fix Android apps that keep crashing so you can enjoy a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Why Android Apps Crash
Before diving into fixes, it helps to understand why apps crash. Common causes include:
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Insufficient storage or RAM – Devices low on memory may struggle to run apps.
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Outdated app version – Developers release updates to fix bugs.
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Corrupted app cache/data – Temporary files can become corrupted.
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OS compatibility issues – Older devices or versions of Android may conflict with new app updates.
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Background conflicts – Other apps or services may interfere with app performance.
Knowing the root cause helps you choose the right solution faster.
1. Restart Your Device
It may sound basic, but a simple restart can solve many app crashes. Restarting clears temporary memory (RAM) and closes background processes that may be causing conflicts.
Steps:
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Press and hold the power button.
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Tap Restart (or Reboot).
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Open the app again to see if it runs smoothly.
Pro tip: If the app still crashes, try the next steps — restarting alone may not fix deeper issues.
2. Clear App Cache and Data
Cached data helps apps load faster, but corrupted cache can lead to crashes. Clearing the cache or data often resolves the issue.
Steps:
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Go to Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Storage & Cache.
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Tap Clear Cache first.
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If the crash persists, tap Clear Storage / Clear Data (note: this may reset app settings).
Pro tip: Clearing cache first preserves app settings; only clear data if necessary.
3. Update the App
Outdated apps are a major cause of crashes. Developers frequently release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility.
Steps:
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Open Google Play Store → Menu → My apps & games.
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Check if the app has an Update button.
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Tap Update and restart the app.
Pro tip: Enable auto-update for apps via Play Store settings to avoid missing critical bug fixes.
4. Free Up Storage Space
Low storage can prevent apps from running correctly, especially larger apps like games or social media platforms.
Steps:
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Go to Settings → Storage to check available space.
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Delete unused apps, old photos, or videos.
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Move large files to cloud storage like Google Drive or OneDrive.
Pro tip: Keep at least 15-20% of your device storage free for optimal performance.
5. Reinstall the App
If the app continues to crash, reinstalling can replace corrupted files and restore proper functionality.
Steps:
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Long-press the app icon and select Uninstall.
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Open Google Play Store, search for the app, and tap Install.
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Launch the app and check if the issue is resolved.
Pro tip: Back up any important app data before uninstalling to avoid losing progress or settings.
6. Check for Android System Updates
Sometimes app crashes occur due to OS compatibility issues. Updating your Android version ensures your device runs the latest security patches and system optimizations.
Steps:
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Go to Settings → System → Software Update.
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Tap Check for Updates.
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Download and install any available updates.
Pro tip: Automatic updates can be enabled to keep your OS current and reduce app conflicts.
7. Reset App Preferences
Resetting app preferences restores default settings for all apps without deleting personal data. This can resolve permission conflicts or disabled background processes causing crashes.
Steps:
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Settings → Apps → Menu (three dots) → Reset app preferences
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Confirm reset
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Restart your device and test the crashing app
Pro tip: You may need to re-enable notifications or permissions for some apps after the reset.
8. Disable Battery Optimization for the App
Android’s battery saver can restrict background activity, causing certain apps to crash unexpectedly.
Steps:
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Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Battery → Battery Optimization
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Select Don’t optimize for the affected app
Pro tip: Only disable optimization for essential apps to avoid draining battery unnecessarily.
9. Clear Cache Partition (Advanced Fix)
If multiple apps crash, your system cache may be corrupted. Clearing the cache partition can fix system-level issues without deleting personal data.
Steps (varies by device):
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Turn off your device
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Boot into Recovery Mode (usually by holding Power + Volume Up)
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Select Wipe Cache Partition → Reboot
Pro tip: This is safe for your personal files and often improves overall device performance.
10. Contact App Support
If all else fails, the problem may be app-specific or related to device compatibility. Contacting the developer can help.
Steps:
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Open Google Play Store → App Page → Developer Contact
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Provide device model, Android version, and crash details
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Wait for updates or support guidance
Pro tip: Screenshots or crash logs can speed up troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why does my app crash only on Wi-Fi or mobile data?
Network issues or server-side bugs can cause app crashes. Try switching networks or clearing app cache related to data usage.
Q2: Does restarting solve all app crashes?
No, it solves temporary memory or background conflicts but won’t fix corrupted files or outdated apps.
Q3: Will uninstalling the app delete my data?
Yes, unless the app stores data in the cloud. Always back up important info before uninstalling.
Q4: Why do games crash more often than other apps?
Games require more memory and GPU resources, making them sensitive to storage, RAM, or outdated drivers.
Q5: Can antivirus apps prevent app crashes?
Antivirus apps may help prevent malware-induced crashes but cannot fix software bugs or compatibility issues.
Conclusion: Stop Android Apps from Crashing
Frequent app crashes can be annoying, but most problems are solvable with the right approach. From restarting your device and clearing caches to updating apps, freeing storage, and managing battery optimization, these pro tips cover every common cause of crashes.
Remember, regular maintenance — like keeping apps and OS updated, clearing caches, and monitoring storage — is key to a smooth, crash-free Android experience. Implement these steps today and enjoy stable, reliable app performance on your device.