What's Actually Happening When an App Crashes

An app crash happens when the software encounters a situation it cannot handle and shuts itself down rather than continuing unpredictably. Think of it like a calculator hitting a button sequence it wasn't designed to process — instead of giving a wrong answer, it just stops.

Crashes aren't random, even if they feel that way. They almost always trace back to one of a small number of root causes: a bug in the app's code, a conflict with the device's operating system, not enough available memory, or a corrupted file the app is trying to read. Understanding what's happening inside your device — particularly how memory and processors work — can make these explanations click into place.

The good news: the vast majority of crashes are fixable by the user in a few minutes, without any technical expertise.

71%

App uninstalls caused by crashes

According to data from mobile analytics firm Appsee, crashes and freezes are cited as the top reason users delete apps from their devices.

1 in 4

Apps abandoned after first crash

Research from UX analytics firm Qualtrics found roughly one in four users will stop using an app permanently after experiencing a single crash.

Common Mistakes That Lead to App Crashes

Most crashes aren't purely the app's fault. User habits — often completely unintentional — create the conditions that make crashes more likely. Here are the most common errors and how to correct them.

1

Ignoring app updates for weeks or months at a time.

Why it happens: Update prompts appear at inconvenient moments, so users dismiss them repeatedly and eventually forget they exist.

How to avoid: Enable automatic app updates in your device settings so updates install in the background overnight. If you prefer manual control, set a weekly reminder to check your app store for pending updates.
2

Running too many apps simultaneously, leaving none closed in the background.

Why it happens: Many people assume switching between apps is harmless, not realising that background apps consume working memory (called RAM) that other apps need to run.

How to avoid: Periodically force-quit apps you're no longer using, especially before launching something demanding like a game or video editor. A device restart once a week does this automatically.
3

Never clearing an app's cache, allowing temporary files to accumulate over months.

Why it happens: Most users don't know what a cache is or that it grows over time. The setting is buried inside device menus, making it easy to overlook.

How to avoid: On Android, clear an app's cache via Settings every month or two. On iPhone, offloading an app (Settings > General > iPhone Storage) removes its data while keeping your documents and data intact.
4

Using an app on an operating system version the app no longer fully supports.

Why it happens: System updates can feel risky or disruptive, so users delay them indefinitely. Meanwhile, app developers move forward and drop support for older OS versions.

How to avoid: Keep your device's operating system reasonably current. If an app suddenly starts crashing after a period of stability, check whether a system update is available — it may contain compatibility fixes.
5

Assuming the device is broken and skipping basic troubleshooting steps.

Why it happens: Crashes feel dramatic, and when they happen repeatedly, it's natural to conclude something is seriously wrong with the hardware.

How to avoid: Work through the simple software steps first: force-quit, restart, update, clear cache, reinstall. Hardware faults are genuinely rare compared to software issues. If multiple unrelated apps crash simultaneously, that may signal a deeper problem worth investigating.

It's also worth noting that some apps behave differently depending on your internet connection. If you're seeing crashes when you go offline, our guide on what offline mode really means explains why certain apps struggle without a live connection.

Step-by-Step: What to Try When an App Keeps Crashing

Work through these steps in order. Most crashes are resolved before you reach step four.

  1. Force-quit the app and reopen it. On iPhone, swipe up from the home bar and flick the app away. On Android, use the Recent Apps button and swipe it closed. This clears any temporary error state.
  2. Restart your device. A full restart clears the device's working memory and resolves temporary software conflicts that accumulate over time.
  3. Update the app. Open your app store, search for the app, and install any available update. Developers regularly release patches for known crashes.
  4. Clear the app's cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > > Storage > Clear Cache. On iPhone, you may need to offload and reinstall the app. Cache clearing removes temporary files without deleting your personal data or login details.
  5. Uninstall and reinstall. This gives the app a clean slate. You will typically need to log back in, so have your password ready.
  6. Check for an operating system update. Go to your device's Settings and look for a system software update. Older operating systems can be incompatible with current app versions.

Don't Clear App Data Unless You Mean To

Android devices offer two separate options: 'Clear Cache' and 'Clear Data.' Cache clearing is safe and removes only temporary files. Clearing data deletes everything — saved settings, login credentials, downloaded content. Always choose 'Clear Cache' unless you specifically intend to reset the app entirely.

If you use communication apps for work and one keeps crashing, understanding the differences between those apps can also help you switch to a more stable alternative. See our breakdown of video calling apps and when each makes sense.