Why Do I Keep Getting Kicked Out of an App? A Comprehensive Guide
Experiencing frequent app crashes can be incredibly frustrating. You’re in the middle of an important task, enjoying a game, or just browsing, and suddenly the app closes, leaving you wondering what went wrong. The reality is, there are numerous reasons why this might be happening. In short, apps often crash due to a mix of software issues, hardware limitations, and user-related factors. Let’s delve into the common culprits and explore solutions to keep your apps running smoothly.
Common Reasons for App Crashes
Outdated App Versions
One of the most frequent causes of app crashes is using an outdated version of the application. Developers regularly release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems. When you run an older version, it might not be fully compatible with your device’s current software, leading to unexpected closures or glitches that trigger crashes.
Software Incompatibilities
Just as app versions can be outdated, your phone or tablet’s operating system (Android or iOS) might also be outdated. Sometimes, significant updates to the OS can introduce compatibility issues with older apps. This clash can result in frequent crashes and poor performance. Keeping both your apps and your operating system updated is crucial for stability.
Insufficient System Resources
Apps, especially those that are resource-intensive like games or video editors, require sufficient processing power and memory (RAM) to run properly. If your device is low on RAM or your processor is struggling, apps can crash due to the lack of necessary resources. This is especially true if you have several apps running in the background simultaneously.
Storage Space Constraints
Low storage capacity on your phone or tablet can also contribute to app crashes. Apps need space to store temporary files, cached data, and updates. When storage is critically low, the system might not have sufficient space to allocate to the app, causing it to fail.
Overheating Issues
Overheating is another common reason for app crashes. When your phone gets too hot, particularly during extended gaming or heavy usage, it can trigger a throttling process. Throttling slows down your phone’s performance to reduce heat, but it can also cause apps to freeze or abruptly close.
Internet Connection Problems
Many apps rely on a stable internet connection. If you’re on a weak Wi-Fi signal or your cellular data is unstable, the app might be unable to communicate with the server properly, causing a crash or freezing. This is especially common with online games and streaming apps.
App Glitches and Bugs
Even the best apps can have bugs. These software errors can be caused by poor coding, conflicts with other apps, or simply unpredictable behavior within the app’s functionality. These can lead to unexpected app shutdowns.
Hardware Limitations
In some cases, the issue might be that your device’s hardware simply doesn’t meet the minimum requirements for the app you are trying to run. This is common with resource-intensive games or apps that use the latest device technology, especially on older devices.
Cache and Corrupted Data
Apps accumulate cached data over time. While cache data is meant to improve performance, old or corrupted cached data can actually cause problems, including crashes. Clearing your app cache can often fix these problems.
Malware Infections
Though less common, malware infections can also cause apps to crash, along with many other device issues. If you’ve downloaded an app from an unverified source or engaged in risky browsing behaviors, malware might be the cause of your app crashing issues.
How to Troubleshoot App Crashes
Now that you know the common reasons, let’s look at ways you can troubleshoot app crashes.
- Update the App: Always make sure you are using the latest version of the app. Go to the Google Play Store on Android or the App Store on iOS and check for available updates.
- Update Your Operating System: Keep your phone or tablet’s OS updated by installing the latest software updates in Settings.
- Clear App Cache: Clearing cached data can resolve performance issues and fix crashes. This can be done within the device settings.
- Free Up Storage: Delete unwanted apps, photos, videos, and files to increase free storage space.
- Close Unused Apps: Close apps that are running in the background to free up RAM.
- Restart Your Device: A simple restart can clear temporary issues and improve performance.
- Check Internet Connection: Make sure you have a stable internet connection. Try switching from Wi-Fi to cellular, or vice-versa.
- Check for Overheating: Avoid prolonged use of resource-intensive apps when your device is overheating. Give it time to cool down.
- Review App Permissions: Make sure the app has the permissions it needs to run properly. Adjust permissions as needed.
- Uninstall and Reinstall the App: Sometimes, a fresh install can fix corrupted files or bugs within the app.
- Scan for Malware: Use a reputable mobile antivirus app to scan your device for malware.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if an app needs an update?
On Android, open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select “Manage apps & device,” and look for apps labeled “Update available.” On iOS, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll down to “Available Updates.”
2. What does clearing the app cache do?
Clearing the app cache removes temporary files that the app has stored. This can improve app performance, free up storage, and fix issues caused by corrupted data.
3. How do I clear the app cache on Android?
Go to Settings > Storage and then tap on ‘Cached data’. You can also navigate to Settings > Apps > select the specific app, then tap “Storage” > “Clear cache.”
4. How do I clear the app cache on iPhone or iPad?
Go to Settings > General > iPhone (or iPad) Storage, select the app, and tap “Offload App” or “Delete App.” Note that “Offload App” will keep the app’s documents and data, while “Delete App” will remove everything. You can then download the app again from the App Store to clear the cache.
5. Why do my games keep crashing?
Games are resource-intensive and can crash if your device is overheating, low on RAM, or if the game has bugs. Ensure your phone isn’t getting too hot, close other apps, and update your game regularly.
6. Can a virus cause apps to crash?
Yes, malware can cause apps to crash, overheat your phone, and even steal your data. Use a trusted antivirus app and avoid downloading apps from unverified sources.
7. How can I stop my phone from turning off while playing games?
To stop your screen from turning off, go to Settings > Display > Screen Timeout (or Sleep) and increase the time before your screen goes to sleep. The maximum time allowed is 30 minutes on most devices.
8. Why is my iPhone shutting off by itself?
Common reasons include a damaged battery, outdated software, software bugs, or overheating. If these methods do not resolve the issue, you may need to get your battery checked and replaced by a professional.
9. Does iPhone automatically clear app cache?
iOS does some automatic cache management, but you can also manually clear the app cache for individual apps as mentioned above.
10. Why do some apps not work on my phone?
Reasons include app glitches, corrupted cache data, outdated OS, and compatibility issues. Try troubleshooting as mentioned above.
11. What are minimum hardware requirements for apps?
App developers often list minimum hardware requirements in the app’s description on the App Store or Google Play Store. These include processor speed, RAM, and OS versions.
12. Can not having enough storage make apps crash?
Yes, when your device has limited storage, apps lack the space needed to function smoothly, which may cause crashes. Make sure you have adequate space for your apps.
13. What happens when you clear an app’s data instead of just the cache?
Clearing an app’s data will remove all settings, saved logins, and configurations, setting the app back to its initial state, as if it had just been installed.
14. Is it normal for older devices to crash more often?
Yes, older devices often have outdated hardware and may not be optimized for the latest app versions or OS, leading to more frequent crashes.
15. How often should I clear the app cache?
Clearing app cache can be beneficial every few weeks or when you notice apps are crashing or not functioning smoothly.
By understanding these reasons and frequently asked questions, you can effectively troubleshoot app crashes and ensure a smoother mobile experience. If none of the above solutions works, you may need to reach out to the app’s support team or consider professional help if you suspect a hardware issue.