How to Fix Apps Not Opening on Android or iPhone

You tap an app on your smartphone—Instagram, WhatsApp, Gmail, or your favorite mobile game—and… nothing. It crashes, freezes, or never even starts. You try again, but the screen just blinks. Whether you’re using an Android device or an iPhone, this problem can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to access something urgently.

The good news is, in most cases, apps not opening can be fixed without visiting a service center. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most effective solutions for both Android and iOS users. These fixes are based on expert troubleshooting principles and common user experiences and are designed to help anyone—from tech-savvy users to beginners—solve this issue efficiently.

Why Apps Stop Working

Apps may refuse to open for several reasons, including:

• Software bugs or corrupted app data
• Outdated apps or operating systems
• Conflicting background processes
• Low device storage or memory
• Connectivity issues (for cloud-based apps)
• Faulty system updates
• Permission errors

Understanding these causes can help you choose the right solution rather than simply guessing or rebooting endlessly.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Android Devices

Let’s begin with Android, where issues often stem from software conflicts, app cache, or OS updates.

1. Force Close the App

Sometimes apps run into temporary glitches. Force closing can help reset the process.

• Go to Settings > Apps
• Find the app that isn’t opening
• Tap “Force Stop”
• Try launching the app again

This simple action often works, especially if the app got stuck in the background.

2. Clear App Cache and Data

Cached files can become corrupted, preventing the app from launching properly.

• Go to Settings > Apps
• Tap the misbehaving app
• Select “Storage”
• Tap “Clear Cache”
• If that doesn’t work, try “Clear Data” (note: this may reset the app)

Afterward, reopen the app to check if the issue is resolved.

3. Restart Your Phone

A basic restart clears memory, background processes, and minor glitches.

• Press and hold the Power button
• Choose “Restart” or manually power off and on
• Wait a few seconds before trying to open the app again

Restarting often fixes problems caused by temporary software instability.

4. Update the App

Outdated apps may no longer be compatible with your device or OS version.

• Open the Google Play Store
• Search for the app
• If an update is available, tap “Update”

Keeping apps current ensures you get bug fixes and compatibility updates.

5. Check for Android System Updates

Sometimes the issue lies with the system, not the app.

• Go to Settings > System > System Update
• Tap “Check for updates”
• Download and install if available

Many app issues are resolved when the latest Android patches are installed.

6. Uninstall and Reinstall the App

If nothing else works, try deleting and reinstalling the app.

• Tap and hold the app icon
• Select “Uninstall”
• Go to the Play Store and reinstall it

This eliminates any corrupted installation or configuration files.

7. Check App Permissions

Apps may fail to open if they don’t have the necessary permissions.

• Go to Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions
• Enable permissions like Storage, Camera, or Location if needed

Misconfigured permissions can silently prevent apps from running properly.

Step-by-Step Fixes for iPhone Users

On iPhones, app issues are less frequent but not unheard of. Here’s how to fix them:

1. Force Close the App

Swipe up from the bottom (or double-press the Home button on older models), then swipe up the faulty app to close it. Relaunch it from the Home Screen.

This clears any temporary hang-ups in the app’s memory space.

2. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting clears system memory and halts misbehaving background tasks.

• For Face ID models: Press and hold the Side + Volume button
• For Touch ID: Press and hold the Power button
• Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, and power it back on

Try opening the app once the phone boots up fully.

3. Update the App from the App Store

Outdated apps might crash due to incompatibility with iOS updates.

• Open the App Store
• Tap your profile icon at the top right
• Scroll to find pending updates
• Tap “Update” next to the app or “Update All”

Developers routinely push fixes for known bugs and compatibility issues.

4. Update iOS

iOS updates often contain security patches and system fixes that stabilize apps.

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update
• Download and install any available updates

Keeping iOS up to date is essential for app performance.

5. Delete and Reinstall the App

Like on Android, this is a reliable last resort.

• Tap and hold the app icon
• Select “Remove App” > “Delete App”
• Go to the App Store and reinstall it

This process ensures a fresh copy of the app without legacy bugs or bad data.

6. Free Up Storage Space

If your iPhone storage is full, apps may fail to launch or crash upon opening.

• Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
• Delete unused apps, videos, or large files
• Ensure at least 1–2 GB is free

Modern apps need some headroom to function, especially those with media or cloud syncing.

7. Reset All Settings (Last Resort)

If none of the above work and multiple apps are malfunctioning:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings

This won’t erase your data but will restore system settings to default. Use this only after backing up important configurations.

Common Causes Across Platforms

Whether you use Android or iPhone, some universal issues can prevent apps from working correctly:

1. Internet Connection Problems

Many apps need an internet connection to function. A weak or unstable Wi-Fi/mobile network can cause the app to hang or crash.

Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data or restarting your router.

2. Battery Saver or Performance Modes

On both Android and iOS, power-saving modes can restrict background activity or limit app resources.

Disable battery saver mode and see if the app works again.

3. Security or Antivirus Apps

Some third-party security apps might interfere with app permissions or internet access. Temporarily disabling them can help determine if they’re the cause.

4. Device Storage or Memory Issues

If your phone is running low on RAM or storage, apps might crash during launch. Freeing up space and closing background apps can help.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your apps still won’t open after trying all the above steps, the issue may be deeper:

• Hardware failure (especially with older phones)
• Malware (rare, but possible on jailbroken/rooted devices)
• Corrupted firmware or system files

In such cases, it’s advisable to contact official support or visit an authorized service center for assistance. Do a full backup before taking this step.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with apps that won’t open is frustrating—but rarely permanent. The good news is that in most cases, the issue can be resolved using a combination of restarts, updates, cache clearing, and reinstallations.

If you follow the steps listed above systematically—starting with the simplest and progressing to more involved fixes—you’ll likely solve the problem without losing data or spending money.

Smartphones are integral to our daily lives, and app functionality is key to everything from work to entertainment. Knowing how to troubleshoot and fix app issues on your own is a valuable skill, and it can save you time, money, and plenty of unnecessary stress.

So the next time an app refuses to open, take a deep breath, revisit these solutions, and apply them with confidence. More often than not, you’ll have things running again in just a few minutes.

John Smith

With years of experience in technology and software, John leads our content strategy, ensuring high-quality and informative articles about Windows, system optimization, and software updates.