How Do I Fix Hanging and Crashing Apps?

Hanging and crashing apps are the bane of modern digital existence. Whether it’s on your phone, tablet, or computer, that sudden freeze or unexpected closure can disrupt your workflow, ruin your gaming experience, and generally cause frustration. The good news is that most app-related issues are fixable with a bit of troubleshooting. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting those unruly apps back on track:

The most direct solutions involve a tiered approach: First, force stop the app. If that doesn’t work, restart your device. Next, consider clearing the app’s cache and data. Finally, if all else fails, uninstall and reinstall the app. For more complex issues, investigate potential system-level problems like outdated software, insufficient storage, or even hardware conflicts. Let’s delve deeper into each of these strategies, covering scenarios for both mobile and desktop environments.

Understanding the Problem

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand why apps hang or crash in the first place. Common culprits include:

• Software Bugs: These are errors in the app’s code that cause unexpected behavior.
• Resource Constraints: Your device might not have enough RAM or processing power to run the app smoothly.
• Corrupted Data: App files, cached data, or user settings can become corrupted, leading to instability.
• Operating System Issues: Problems with the underlying operating system (Windows, Android, iOS) can affect app performance.
• Incompatible Software: Older apps may not be compatible with newer operating systems, or vice versa.
• Hardware Issues: Although less common, hardware problems can sometimes manifest as app crashes.

Troubleshooting on Mobile Devices (Android & iOS)

Basic Steps

1. Force Stop the App: This is the first line of defense. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > [Problem App] > Force Stop. On iOS, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-click the Home button on older devices) to open the app switcher, then swipe up on the app’s preview to close it.
2. Restart Your Device: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches. Press and hold the power button, then select “Restart” or “Power Off.”
3. Check for Updates: Outdated apps are more prone to crashing. Open the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and check for available updates.
4. Clear Cache and Data: This removes temporary files and settings that might be causing problems. Go to Settings > Apps > [Problem App] > Storage. Tap “Clear Cache” and then “Clear Data.” Note: Clearing data will erase app settings, login information, and saved progress.

Advanced Steps

1. Check Your Internet Connection: A weak or unstable internet connection can cause apps that rely on online services to crash.
2. Free Up Storage Space: Insufficient storage can lead to performance issues. Delete unused apps, photos, and videos.
3. Reinstall the App: This ensures you have a fresh, uncorrupted copy of the app. Uninstall the app, then download and install it again from the app store.
4. Check App Permissions: Ensure the app has the necessary permissions to function correctly. Go to Settings > Apps > [Problem App] > Permissions.
5. Factory Reset (Last Resort): This erases all data on your device and restores it to its factory settings. Back up your data before performing a factory reset.

Troubleshooting on Windows

Basic Steps

1. Close and Restart the App: Use the “X” button or press Alt + F4 to close the app. Then, try opening it again.
2. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches.
3. Check for Updates: Make sure Windows and your apps are up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for Updates.” Also, check for updates within individual apps.
4. Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter: Right-click the app’s icon, select “Properties,” go to the “Compatibility” tab, and click “Run compatibility troubleshooter.”
5. End the Process in Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Find the unresponsive app in the “Processes” tab, select it, and click “End Task.”

Advanced Steps

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers: Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers can cause apps to crash, especially games and other graphically intensive programs. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (Nvidia, AMD, Intel) to download the latest drivers.
2. Run the System File Checker (SFC): This tool scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter.
3. Check Your Hard Drive for Errors: Use the Check Disk utility to scan your hard drive for errors. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type chkdsk /f, and press Enter.
4. Perform a Clean Boot: This starts Windows with only essential services and drivers, helping to identify if a third-party program is causing conflicts. Type msconfig in the Start menu, press Enter, go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” click “Disable all,” go to the “Startup” tab, and click “Open Task Manager” to disable startup items.
5. Reinstall the App: This ensures you have a fresh, uncorrupted copy of the app. Uninstall the app through Settings > Apps > Apps & features, then download and install it again.
6. Check for Malware: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software. Malware can cause apps to crash and create other system instability.
7. System Restore (Last Resort): This reverts your system to a previous state. Only perform this if you know a specific date when the app was working correctly.
8. Hardware Diagnostics: Run hardware diagnostic tools provided by your computer manufacturer to check for hardware problems.

General Tips

• Monitor System Resources: Keep an eye on your device’s CPU usage, memory usage, and disk space. High resource usage can indicate a problem.
• Close Unnecessary Apps: Running too many apps at once can strain your device’s resources.
• Keep Your Operating System Up to Date: Operating system updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can prevent app crashes.
• Be Careful When Installing New Software: Some software can conflict with existing apps or introduce malware.
• Read App Reviews: Before installing a new app, check its reviews in the app store to see if other users have reported crashing issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do my apps keep crashing even after restarting my phone? This could indicate a more persistent issue, such as corrupted app data, insufficient storage, an outdated operating system, or a hardware problem. Try clearing the app’s data, freeing up storage space, and updating your operating system. If the problem persists, consider a factory reset.

2. How do I know if an app is using too much memory? On Android, go to Settings > Developer Options > Running Services to see which apps are using the most memory. On Windows, use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to monitor memory usage. If an app is consistently using a large amount of memory, try closing it or finding an alternative.

3. What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data? Clearing the cache removes temporary files that the app has stored. Clearing data removes all of the app’s data, including settings, login information, and saved progress. Clearing data is more drastic and should only be done if clearing the cache doesn’t fix the problem.

4. Is it safe to perform a clean boot? Yes, performing a clean boot is generally safe. It temporarily disables non-essential startup programs and third-party services, which can help identify if one of these programs is causing conflicts.

5. Will a factory reset delete my photos and videos? Yes, a factory reset will erase all data on your device, including photos, videos, contacts, and apps. Always back up your data before performing a factory reset.

6. How often should I update my apps? It’s generally a good idea to update your apps whenever updates are available. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements.

7. What are “Developer Options” on Android? Developer Options are a set of advanced settings that are intended for developers. They can be used to debug apps, monitor system performance, and customize the Android operating system. Be cautious when using Developer Options, as some settings can cause your device to malfunction.

8. Can a virus cause apps to crash? Yes, malware can cause apps to crash, as well as introduce other system instability issues.

9. What if only one specific app is crashing? If only one app is crashing, the problem is likely with that specific app. Try clearing the app’s cache and data, reinstalling the app, and contacting the app’s developer for support.

10. How do I find the app developer’s contact information? On Android, go to the Google Play Store page for the app. The developer’s contact information is usually listed under the “Developer” section. On iOS, go to the App Store page for the app. The developer’s website or support email address is usually listed under the “Information” section.

11. What is the “sfc /scannow” command, and what does it do? The sfc /scannow command is the System File Checker, a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files.

12. How can I prevent apps from crashing in the future? Keep your operating system and apps up to date, free up storage space, avoid installing untrusted software, and monitor system resources.

13. My screen keeps freezing. Is that the same as an app crashing? Not necessarily. A frozen screen could indicate a broader system issue, such as a hardware problem or a corrupted operating system. App crashes are usually isolated to a specific app.

14. How do I force quit an app on Windows if Task Manager isn’t working? Try pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting “Task Manager” from the menu. If that doesn’t work, you may need to restart your computer.

15. Are some apps more prone to crashing than others? Yes, apps that are poorly coded, resource-intensive, or incompatible with your device are more prone to crashing. Read app reviews before installing new apps to get an idea of their stability.

We hope this guide has equipped you with the knowledge and tools to tackle those frustrating app hangs and crashes. Remember to approach troubleshooting systematically, starting with the simplest solutions and working your way up to more advanced techniques. And finally, for more insights into how apps and games can be used to teach and learn, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck, and may your apps run smoothly!