You have an app that doesn't work well on your Android smartphone or tablet. You don't know what to do So that it works properly. But I'm going to tell you the steps you can follow to finally get that app working correctly, or if you should definitely give up on the app working properly on your Android phone. To make it useful to you at any time, this guide compiles practical solutions, network checks, system adjustments, permissions and maintenance that usually resolve most application errors.
Close and run the app again
It's a classic in the world of computing. Close the app and run it again.It's simple. If you're a novice Android user, you'll probably press the Home button to go to the Start menu, and then reopen the app. This process might work, and the app might function correctly. But the truth is, that's not closing the app, because will remain in executionHow do you actually close an app? Press the Multitasking button. Your Android phone has a bottom bar with three main buttons. One is the Home button, another is the Back button, and there's a third one we call the Multitasking button. So, first press the Home button, and then press the Multitasking button. Now you'll see all the apps you have running*. Close them all by swiping each one to the side (on some smartphones or tablets, you have to swipe vertically; on others, there's a button to close them all at once). Also, on devices with gesture navigation, slide in from the bottom and hold To open the recent apps view, swipe up to close the app.
*I don't see all running apps: If that's your case, don't worry. On some phones, to see all running apps you need to hold down some of the three buttons on the navigation bar: Home, Back, or Multitasking.
If the app still malfunctions after closing it from recent apps, go to Settings > Applications > and tap Force stopThis ensures that the process stops completely before reopening it.
Locate the running process
Sometimes even this doesn't work. Theoretically, it closes, but due to some error, the app's process might continue. continue runningBut that's not a problem, because you're going to close the app's process. To do this, go to Settings, and then to Applications. There will be several tabs or columns to scroll through. Look for "Running" (or something similar; it may be different on each phone or tablet). Here you'll see all the apps that are running. Locate the one that's causing problems, tap on it, and you'll see a button that says... End process, Close app, End appYou've already closed the process. But before going to the Start menu, go back to the same "Running" apps menu and see if that same app has multiple processes running. Some apps have several processes; if so, close them all.
In recent versions of Android, the "Running" view may appear within Developer Options such as "Running services". If you don't see it, enable developer options by tapping Settings > About phone > Build number several times, and then go into Running services to stop associated processes.
3.- Do you have an Internet connection?
Some apps require an internet connection not only to function correctly, but simply to function at all. You may not have one. Internet connectionHaving Wi-Fi doesn't mean you have an internet connection. Neither does having mobile connectivity. So, run several tests to see if you have an internet connection. How? Turn off Wi-Fi and use your mobile connection. Browse the internet to see if you have a connection. If you do, then this isn't your problem, but you might also discover that the problem is that, in reality, You have no connection to the Internet. Isn't that your problem? Go to the next step.
Additional tests that help: turn mode off and on PlaneCheck if you are behind a captive portal network (cafes, airports), check if you have the data saving Enable data usage (it can block background traffic) and make sure the app has permission to use data in the background. On some phones, you can limit apps to "WiFi only": uncheck that restriction if the app needs mobile data. If you use private DNS or a VPN, try temporarily disabling them.
Restart the mobile
It's based on the initial basic principle. But since simply restarting the app hasn't worked, let's restart the smartphone. Some users charge their phone before the battery runs out, and in the end, They haven't turned off their mobile phones in months.It's easy for your phone to have problems at some point. If you're having trouble with an app, or your phone is running slowly, restarting it is a basic solution. Still having problems?
On many models, holding down the power button will display Restart or Power Off. If possible, choose Delete and wait a few seconds before turning it on: this way you better clear the temporary memory and close any blocked processes.
Clear the app cache
Sometimes, due to programming errors, an error occurs when running the app; it is saved in the cacheand you can't run the app correctly. The solution is to clear the app's cache. To do this, go to Settings > Applications, locate the app in question and open it, then select the option Clear cache. (A tip: Before clearing the cache, follow steps 1 and 2 to close the app correctly). Run the app to see if it now works properly.
If the app relies on temporary files that have become corrupted, clearing the cache is usually enough. If not, consider the next section for further troubleshooting. delete data in more depth.
Clear the application data (reset it)
When an app accumulates corrupted internal settings and databases, it may malfunction even after clearing the cache. Go to Settings > Apps > > Storage find Delete data o Manage storageThis action returns the app to its initial state and can resolve persistent errors. Keep in mind that You will lose local settings and you may need to log in again.
Uninstall and install the app (or update it)
Sometimes, the app is compatible with our smartphone or tablet, but it doesn't work. One thing that can solve the problem is... uninstall and install Try uninstalling the app again. In fact, it's also possible that there was a bug in a previous version of the app that was fixed in a later update, but you need to uninstall it because the update alone won't solve the problem. In any case, uninstall the app and reinstall it. This often resolves the issue. (Tip: If you want to restart your phone after uninstalling the app, that's a good idea.)
Always install from Google Play or from the official developer. If it's a system app that won't uninstall, go to Settings > Apps > and tap Uninstall updates To revert to the factory version. In conflicting apps, temporarily use one earlier version It can resolve incompatibilities until a fix is ​​released.
Uninstall other apps
It's possible the app isn't working properly because of other apps. Sometimes, a bug in another app is causing problems with our app. Did you install any other apps right after the app started malfunctioning? Did your phone give you any errors when using another app? Perhaps you have little space in the phone's internal memory? Either way, uninstalling other apps is never a bad idea to see if the app in question is working. If you're also having problems with your phone's internal memory, focus on release memory internal, because that will affect not only the app, but the functioning of the entire smartphone.
An effective method for detecting conflicts is to start in Safe ModeThird-party apps will be disabled, and you can check if the problem disappears. To access Safe Mode, press and hold the power button, tap Power off, and then press and hold "Power off" until you see the Safe Mode option. If the app works fine in Safe Mode, uninstall the most recently added apps or those that use screen overlays, accessibility features, or bubbles.
Is your mobile or tablet compatible with this app?
Actually, this is the first question you should have asked yourself. But it's so obvious that we'll leave it for now. Is your phone or tablet really compatible with that app? It's possible that even if Google Play says it is, users with the same device have reported that it doesn't work well for them. A Google search including the app's name, your phone's name, and the word "problem" might reveal that, indeed, your phone or tablet isn't compatible. Compatible with that app.
Also check the minimum Android version The required architecture (ARM/ARM64) and whether your device is Play Protect certified are also factors. Phones with unlocked bootloaders, without Google services, or with very old operating system versions may experience incompatibilities.
Contact the app developer
We rarely contact an app developer to tell them their app has a problem, but it's actually a possible solution. On Google Play, for each app, you'll find the... programmer dataAnd if you provide a contact email address, you can write to them and explain that you're having compatibility issues with your smartphone or tablet. They might offer a solution, tell you that it's currently incompatible but will be soon, or, in the worst-case scenario, confirm that the app will never be compatible with your device.
When you write to them, include exact model Device information, Android version, app version, steps to reproduce the error, screenshots, and whether it occurs over Wi-Fi or mobile data. This information greatly speeds up the troubleshooting process.
Make sure it is not a Webview problem
It's probably happened to you before: apps that They close without prior notice....which refuse to open or function as they should. This potential solution isn't obvious; we need to investigate further, and it's not easy to identify.
The web page viewer for applications is a Google Chrome module WebView allows other apps to display content without requiring a web browser. It's a fundamental component in Android, used by the vast majority of apps installed on the phone. Given this critical system dependence, any error in WebView results in the application using it crashing unexpectedly.
Los Webview issues with applications may be specific, it is not the first time that Google has released an update that triggers closures of apps such as Gmail, Outlook, PayPal, Twitter and, in general, any application that display web content without using the browser. To solve these problems, you must do the following:
- Go to your phone's settings and access the 'Applications' menu.
- Click on the three menu points and choose 'Show system applications'.
- Search for the 'Android System Webview' app and access it.
- Click on its menu and then on 'Uninstall updates'.
Additionally, perform the same procedure with the google app and with Google Chrome (or update them from the Play Store). In many cases, these actions resolve the unexpected crashes.
Update Android, Google Play Store and your apps
Keeping the system and apps up to date fixes known bugs and improves compatibility. Check Settings > System > Upgrade system (On some models: About phone > Software update) and follow the on-screen steps. Then, open Google Play StoreTap your profile icon > Manage apps and device > Available updates and update everything.
You can also update the Play Store itself: in Play Store > Settings > About > Update Play StoreThis ensures you have the latest version of the engine that manages downloads and verifications.
Sync date and time with Google servers
An incorrect time can break the security checkTo prevent logins and block communication with servers, go to Settings > System > Date & time, turn off "Automatic", change to an incorrect time, and then turn "Automatic" back on (time zone and date/time). Open the problematic app again.
Review permissions, battery saver settings, and restrictions
Some apps need permissions to function. In Settings > Apps > > PermissionsIt only grants the essential permissions (for example, Location for maps). Also check in Settings > Battery that the app is not in «Restricted use» or fully optimized if it requires background work (messaging, music, backups).
In Mobile Data, check that you have background data allowed and that "Data Saver" does not limit it. On phones that allow you to choose whether an app works only with Wi-Fi or mobile data, check that there is no erroneous restriction.
Free up storage and clear system cache
With limited free space, Android and apps can malfunction. Keep at least one 10-20% of space Available. Delete unnecessary downloads, clear large caches, and uninstall games or apps you don't use. Consider moving photos and videos to the cloud or to a PC.
In Settings > Storage there is usually a space cleaner that detects large files and underutilized apps. You can also use the feature of archive apps from Google Play to free up space without completely uninstalling.
Start in Safe Mode to diagnose
Safe mode disables third-party apps and helps you determine if the problem is caused by a recent installation. Press and hold the power button, tap Power off, and hold until you see Safe ModeIf the app works in this mode, uninstall the latest apps or those with accessibility, overlays, or device managers.
Wipe the cache partition from recovery
If the system remains unstable after all of the above, delete the cache partition (This does not erase your personal data.) Turn off your phone. Boot into recovery mode using the key combination for your model (usually Volume Up + Power). Use the volume buttons to navigate to "Wipe cache partition" and confirm with Power. The first boot may take a little longer.
Check for malware and Play Protect
Malware can block apps and consume resources. Open Play Store > Profile icon > Play Protect and run a scan. Uninstall suspicious apps or those installed from untrusted stores. Avoid granting Unnecessary permissions to unknown apps.
Consider restoring to factory settings (last resort)
If the problem persists after all solutions, there may be a systemic corruption For a more thorough solution, back up your data and go to Settings > System or General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Set up your device from scratch and first install the problematic app to see if it works.
Additional notes: instant apps and accounts
The Instant apps They might fail if there's a conflict with the account or caches. Go to Settings > Google > Account Services > Instant Apps and clear the data. Make sure your Google account is syncing correctly (Settings > Accounts > Sync) and that there are no errors.
This step-by-step guide, from basic shutdowns to advanced maintenance, covers the most common causes of Android failures: unexpected crashes, unresponsiveness, network issues, storage problems, and compatibility problems. By following the steps for checking, updating, cleaning, and diagnosing, most apps will be working again. stability and without unnecessary time wasted.
