Overview #
When an Android app keeps crashing — whether it’s during startup, while using it, or randomly in the background — the root cause is usually corrupted cache data, missing permissions, or outdated components.
This guide helps you identify what’s breaking the app and walks you through the steps to get it running smoothly again without reinstalling your entire system.
What you’ll learn
- How to clear app cache and data safely
- How to check and fix missing permissions
- How to repair or reinstall app components
- How to detect system-level causes like Android WebView issues
Estimated time: 10–20 minutes
Skill level: Beginner–Intermediate
Terms and Definitions #
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cache | Temporary app files that speed up performance but can become corrupted |
| App Data | Saved settings and user information specific to an app |
| Android System WebView | Component that allows apps to display web content; frequent cause of app crashes |
| Safe Mode | Diagnostic mode that disables third-party apps for troubleshooting |
| Permissions | User-granted access to phone storage, camera, network, etc. |
Steps #
Step 1 — Force Stop the App #
If an app becomes unresponsive or repeatedly crashes when opened, stop it completely first.
How to do it:
- Go to Settings → Apps → [App Name].
- Tap Force Stop → confirm.
- Reopen the app and test.
This clears the app from memory and resets its running state.
Step 2 — Clear App Cache and Data #
Cache corruption is the #1 reason for sudden app crashes.
How to clear cache:
- Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear Cache first.
- If it still crashes, tap Clear Storage / Clear Data.
(Note: Clearing data resets login or preferences — use this second step only if needed.)
ADB Command (for advanced users):
adb shell pm clear com.example.app
This completely resets the app from the command line.
Step 3 — Check Permissions #
Missing permissions can cause silent crashes when the app tries to access blocked features.
Check and fix:
- Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Permissions.
- Ensure required permissions (like Storage, Camera, Location) are Allowed.
- Reopen the app and test again.
Step 4 — Update the App #
Crashes often come from outdated or buggy versions.
- Open Google Play Store → Profile → Manage apps & device → Updates available.
- Update the affected app.
- Restart your phone and relaunch the app.
Optional (if no update appears):
adb install -r /path/to/latest.apk
Installs the latest APK manually — for developers or testers.
Step 5 — Update Android System WebView and Chrome #
Many app crashes come from WebView — even if the app itself is fine.
- Open Google Play Store.
- Search Android System WebView → tap Update.
- Then search Google Chrome → tap Update.
- Reboot your phone.
This often fixes crashes across multiple apps instantly.
Step 6 — Reboot in Safe Mode #
If multiple apps are crashing, a background service or third-party app is likely interfering.
To enter Safe Mode:
- Hold Power → tap and hold Power Off → choose Safe Mode.
- Try launching the crashing app.
- If it works, uninstall recently added apps.
- Restart normally to exit Safe Mode.
Step 7 — Reinstall the App #
If the app still fails, uninstall and reinstall a fresh copy.
Settings → Apps → [App Name] → Uninstall
Then reinstall via Google Play.
(This resets the app completely without affecting other data.)
Step 8 — Check Storage and Memory Space #
Low internal storage can crash apps during writes or updates.
Check available space:
Settings → Storage → Internal Shared Storage.
If under 1 GB free, delete unused apps or clear Downloads.
ADB check (advanced):
adb shell df -h /data
Step 9 — Check for System or Firmware Updates #
- Settings → System → System Update → Check for updates.
- Install any pending patches.
- Reboot your phone afterward.
Updates frequently contain bug fixes that prevent app-level instability.
Step 10 — Factory Reset (Last Resort) #
If dozens of apps are failing and you’ve exhausted all fixes:
Settings → System → Reset → Erase all data (factory reset).
Backup first with Google One or Samsung Cloud.
Verification #
| Check | Action | Expected Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cache cleared | Clear cache/data | App opens and runs normally |
| WebView updated | Update via Play Store | WebView crash errors stop |
| Safe Mode test | Boot into Safe Mode | App works → third-party conflict |
| Reinstall | Fresh install | Stable launch |
Conclusion #
An app that keeps crashing is almost always fixable without service repair.
In most cases, clearing cache, updating WebView, or reinstalling resolves the problem instantly.
For power users, checking logs through ADB logcat can pinpoint persistent app-specific bugs, but for everyday users, following these steps restores 9 out of 10 failing apps within minutes.
