How to Fix App Crashes Without Reinstalling the Software

We’ve all experienced this while using an app: an app that we were using and enjoying suddenly crashes out of nowhere. Perhaps we were checking social media, working on a document, or playing a game, and an app just shuts down or freezes for no apparent reason. The first instinct might be to uninstall and reinstall the application, but there are several easy fixes to try before you get to that point. Below are a few quick options that anyone can try before going through the hassle of uninstalling/reinstalling an application.

1. Check for Software Updates

Check for software updates as soon as the app starts crashing. App developers regularly release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. Therefore, an out-of-date version of the app that may be no longer compatible with your phone's operating system may have caused the crash.

• For apps: Open your device’s app store (Google Play Store for Android or Apple App Store for iPhones) and look for updates. If the app has an update available, go ahead and install it.

• For your phone: Sometimes the issue isn’t just the app itself, but your phone’s operating system. Go to your phone’s settings and check if there’s a system update available. Installing the latest software upgrade for your phone can help resolve any bugs that might be causing the app to crash.

Since apps are designed to work with the latest system updates, keeping both your apps and phone’s software updated is an easy way to prevent app crashes from happening.

2. Close Background Apps

Overloaded phones from apps running in the background are another common reason for app crashes. Apps use up some of your phone's available memory and/or ‘space before they are opened, so if there are too many apps running at once on your phone, it can cause your phone to either freeze or slow down.  If an app doesn’t have enough memory to run properly, it might crash.

Try closing out apps you aren’t actively using:

• On iPhones: Double-tap the Home button (or swipe up from the bottom of the screen on newer models) to see all the apps running in the background. Swipe up on the apps you want to close.

• On Android: Tap the square button (or use the recent apps button) to see the list of apps. Then swipe left or right to close apps you’re not using.

3. Clear the Cache or App Data

Apps store temporary files (called “cache”) on your phone to make them run faster. However, sometimes this cache can get corrupted or just build up over time, which might lead to app crashes. If you clear the cache, the app will have to load fresh data, which can help it run smoothly again.

To clear the cache:

• On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage, then tap "Clear Cache." If that doesn’t fix the crash, you can try clearing the app data, but note that this will reset the app to its default settings.

• On iOS: There’s no direct “clear cache” button on iPhones, but you can try "offloading" the app. This removes the app but keeps its data, which can help resolve crashes.

Clearing the cache is a simple way to fix app crashes without reinstalling the software. It refreshes the app, letting it start over with a clean slate.

4. Restart Your Device

It might sound very simple and/or easy to do, but restarting your phone can often solve all kinds of software glitches, including app crashes as well. Sometimes, apps freeze or stop working properly because your phone has too many things running at once or is just simply overloaded. Restarting your phone gives it a fresh start and helps fix minor bugs that could be causing the problem at the first place.

• On iPhones: Hold the power button until you see the “slide to power off” option, then slide to turn off. Once it’s off, hold the power button again to turn it back on.

• On Android: Hold down the power button, and then select “Restart” or “Reboot” from the options.

5. Check App Permissions

Sometimes, an app might crash because it doesn’t have the necessary permissions to function properly. Say for example, if the app needs access to your location, camera, or microphone, and those permissions are turned off, it could cause the app to crash.

Here’s how you can check app permissions:

• On iPhones: Go to Settings > [App Name] and check the permissions listed there (location, camera, microphone, etc.). Make sure the app has permission to use what it needs.

• On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions and make sure the app is allowed to access the features it requires.

6. Disable or Remove Unnecessary Add-Ons

Many apps allow you to add custom settings, themes, or other add-ons to personalize your experience. While these can be fun, they can sometimes cause issues, especially when there’s a conflict with the app’s latest update. If you’ve recently added any new features or settings to the app, try disabling or removing them to see if that helps.

For example, if you’re using a custom theme or background, turning it off might solve the issue. Also, try turning off any extensions or add-ons you don’t need.

7. Reinstalling Should Be the Last Option

While we’re focusing on fixes that don’t require reinstalling, sometimes reinstalling the app is the only solution if all else fails. Reinstalling an app can get rid of any corrupted files or settings that might be causing it to crash.

Before reinstalling the app, make sure to back up any important data, like login information or saved progress. Once you uninstall and reinstall the app, it should be fresh and hopefully crash-free.

Conclusion

App crashes are incredibly irritating... however the positive thing is that there are several ways to fix the problem without having to reinstall the app all over again. The first thing to do is to update your software, close unnecessary applications, clear your phone cache, and restart the phone. Such a few steps can help resolve the problem and avoid crashes in the future.

And if none of these fixes work, then check the app’s permissions and consider removing any unnecessary add-ons or settings. Only if everything else fails then you should consider reinstalling the app.

By staying on top of software upgrades, keeping your phone’s memory in check, and ensuring the app has everything it needs to function properly, you can prevent most app crashes from happening in the very first place. So, next time an app crashes, try these quick solutions and save yourself the trouble of reinstalling the software.

And if you ever feel stuck or want expert help with software issues, the Software Upgrade & Fixes service offered at CallLouder can be a great resource.