There’s nothing more annoying than opening your favorite Android apps and watching them crash before they even load. Whether it’s Instagram freezing mid-scroll or your banking app closing out of nowhere, Android app crashes are common — but fixable.
In this guide, we’ll explore why apps crash on Android, how to stop apps from crashing, and simple tips to keep your phone running smoothly.
Table of contents
Understanding Why Apps Crash on Android
Before we jump to fixes, it’s important to understand why apps behave this way.
- Outdated software or apps
Most crashes happen when your Android version or an app isn’t up to date. Developers regularly push patches for bugs, and if you skip updates, compatibility issues arise. - Low storage and RAM
Android needs space to breathe. When your phone’s memory is overloaded, it forces apps to shut down unexpectedly. - Corrupted cache or app data
Apps store temporary data to speed up performance — but sometimes that data gets corrupted, causing crashes. - Third-party app conflicts
Two apps running background processes may interfere with each other, leading to random errors. - Faulty updates or system glitches
Even an Android update can introduce a bug that makes certain apps unstable.
Experts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasize that regularly updating your apps and reviewing permissions helps prevent software crashes and protects your device from hidden vulnerabilities.
How to Stop Android Apps from Crashing
Below are some tried-and-true fixes to keep your phone apps stable.
1. Restart Your Phone
A simple restart clears temporary memory and closes background processes. It’s often the easiest and fastest fix.
2. Update Everything
Go to Settings → System → Software Update, and update both your Android OS and all installed apps through Google Play. Updates include bug fixes that often resolve crashes.
3. Clear Cache and App Data
Head to Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Storage → Clear Cache.
If that doesn’t help, try Clear Storage (Data) to reset the app completely.
4. Check for Conflicting Android Apps
Boot your phone into Safe Mode to see if a third-party app is the culprit. If apps stop crashing in Safe Mode, uninstall recently installed apps one by one.
5. Free Up Space
Keep at least 10–15% of your phone’s storage free. Remove unused apps, delete old videos, or move files to cloud storage.
6. Reinstall the Problem App
Uninstall and reinstall the app from Google Play. This replaces any corrupted files and refreshes its system configuration.
7. Update Android System WebView
Many apps rely on Android System WebView. Outdated versions often cause crashes. Go to the Play Store → Android System WebView → Update.
Pro Tip: Read Expert Guides
For a detailed walkthrough on Android app issues, check this helpful guide by AVG on how to stop apps crashing on Android. It provides step-by-step troubleshooting to ensure your apps run smoothly again.
Learn from Trusted Tech Sources
Android is constantly evolving, so staying informed about common bugs and solutions is key. Universities and research institutions often publish practical Android maintenance guides.
For instance, UC Berkeley’s School of Information highlights how app behavior and system compatibility play a major role in maintaining device stability.
Preventing Future Android Apps Crashes
Now that you’ve fixed the issue, here’s how to prevent it from happening again:
- Keep everything updated: Turn on automatic updates for apps and Android.
- Avoid storage overload: Maintain at least 1–2 GB of free space.
- Don’t install unknown apps: Stick to Google Play — unofficial APKs often crash or contain malware.
- Monitor app permissions: Some apps crash because they lack access to required system resources.
- Restart weekly: A soft reboot refreshes system memory.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) also emphasizes that managing app permissions and system updates are among the top recommendations for maintaining mobile device health and security.
When All Else Fails
If Android apps crashes persist, try a factory reset after backing up your data. This eliminates deep system errors.
Alternatively, contact the app’s developer — you’ll often find an email address in the Play Store listing.
Final Thoughts
Android Apps crashes are frustrating, but most are easy to fix once you know the cause. Whether it’s a storage issue, outdated system, or buggy update, the key is to stay proactive — update regularly, keep some free space, and monitor what’s running on your phone.
By following these simple habits, you’ll enjoy a smoother, crash-free Android experience — and your phone will thank you for it.
