App Keeps Crashing On iPhone: Solutions and Troubleshooting Tips

Jacob Bergman

a person holding an iphone in their hand

Is your iPhone driving you nuts with apps that keep crashing? This problem can be annoying but there are solutions. Force closing the app and reopening it often fixes the issue right away. Simply swipe up on the app’s preview to close it completely, then tap the icon to open it again.

Sometimes, restarting your iPhone can solve many problems including app crashes. You might also need to update your iPhone’s software. Check for updates under Settings > General > Software Update. If the app still crashes, consider reinstalling it. Hold the app icon until it jiggles, tap the “X” to delete it, then reinstall it from the App Store.

If these steps don’t work, there could be other issues at play. It may be worth reaching out to the app’s support team or checking online forums for more advice. With some patience and these tips, your iPhone apps should be up and running smoothly.

App Keeps Crashing on iPhone: Solutions and Troubleshooting Tips

Few things are more frustrating than an iPhone app that keeps crashing—especially when you need it most. Whether the app closes instantly, freezes, or crashes repeatedly, this guide walks you through proven solutions and troubleshooting tips to fix the problem.

Start with the quick fixes, then move on to advanced steps if needed.


Why Apps Keep Crashing on iPhone

Apps usually crash due to one or more of the following reasons:

  • App bugs or outdated versions
  • iOS compatibility issues
  • Insufficient storage or memory
  • Corrupted app data
  • Network connection problems
  • Overheating or background overload

Understanding the cause helps you apply the right fix faster.


Quick Fixes (Try These First)

1. Force Close the App

A temporary glitch can cause crashes.

How to force close:

  1. Swipe up from the bottom (or double‑click Home on older iPhones)
  2. Find the app
  3. Swipe it off the screen
  4. Reopen the app

2. Restart Your iPhone

Restarting clears temporary memory issues.

  1. Press and hold the Side button + Volume button
  2. Slide to power off
  3. Wait 30 seconds
  4. Turn your iPhone back on

3. Check for App Updates

Developers often release bug fixes.

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Tap your profile icon
  3. Scroll to Available Updates
  4. Update the crashing app

Storage & Performance Fixes

4. Free Up iPhone Storage

Low storage can cause apps to crash.

  1. Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage
  2. Delete unused apps, videos, or large files
  3. Aim for at least 2–5 GB of free space

5. Close Background Apps

Too many apps running can overload memory.

  • Open the App Switcher
  • Close apps you’re not actively using

Software & Compatibility Fixes

6. Update iOS

Older iOS versions may not support newer apps.

  1. Go to Settings → General → Software Update
  2. Install any available update

✅ Always back up your iPhone before updating.


7. Check App Compatibility

Some apps don’t support older devices or iOS versions.

  • Check the app’s App Store page
  • Look under Compatibility and App Version History

App‑Specific Fixes

8. Clear App Cache (Indirectly)

iOS doesn’t allow manual cache clearing, but you can:

  • Log out and log back into the app
  • Delete downloaded files inside the app
  • Reinstall the app (see below)

9. Delete and Reinstall the App

This removes corrupted data.

  1. Press and hold the app icon
  2. Tap Remove App
  3. Choose Delete App
  4. Reinstall from the App Store

⚠️ Make sure your data is backed up if the app stores data locally.


Network & Account Issues

10. Check Internet Connection

Apps may crash if they can’t connect to servers.

  • Switch between Wi‑Fi and cellular
  • Restart your router
  • Turn Airplane Mode on and off

11. Sign Out and Back In

Account syncing issues can cause crashes.

  • Log out of the app
  • Restart your iPhone
  • Log back in

Advanced Troubleshooting

12. Reset All Settings

This won’t delete data, but resets preferences.

  1. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
  2. Tap Reset
  3. Choose Reset All Settings

13. Check for Overheating

Overheating can force apps to shut down.

  • Remove the case
  • Stop charging temporarily
  • Avoid direct sunlight
  • Let the phone cool before retrying

14. Check Screen Time Restrictions

Restrictions may interfere with apps.

  1. Go to Settings → Screen Time
  2. Tap App Limits or Content & Privacy Restrictions
  3. Disable limits for the app

When Nothing Works

15. Contact App Developer

If the issue persists:

  • Visit the app’s App Store page
  • Tap App Support
  • Report the crash details

16. Contact Apple Support

If multiple apps are crashing:

  • Visit support.apple.com
  • Run diagnostics or schedule service

Final Thoughts

When an app keeps crashing on iPhone, the fix is usually simple—update the app, free storage, or reinstall it. For persistent issues, updating iOS or resetting settings often resolves deeper problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Force close and reopen the app to fix crashes
  • Restart your iPhone and check for updates
  • Reinstall the app if problems persist

Troubleshooting App Crashes on iPhone

Experiencing app crashes on an iPhone can be frustrating. This guide provides clear steps to identify and fix the problem.

Assessing the Basics

Start with basic checks. Ensure your iPhone has the latest iOS update. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check. Also, restart your iPhone. This often resolves simple issues. Press and hold the power button to turn off and on your device. Confirm your internet connection is stable, as poor connectivity can cause crashes. Test by loading a website or another app. If these steps don’t help, proceed to more specific fixes.

Managing Apps and Storage

Apps can crash if your iPhone is low on storage. Check available space in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Delete unused apps and files to free up space. Offload apps you use rarely. This removes the app but keeps its data. Use Settings > General > iPhone Storage to offload apps. Clear app cache from the same menu to free up more space. Reinstall problematic apps. Delete the app and download it again from the App Store. This can fix issues stemming from corrupted files.

Advanced Fixes

If problems continue, try these advanced fixes. Check for app-specific updates. Open the App Store, find the app, and see if an update is available. Some crashes might be due to permission issues. Go into Settings > Privacy and confirm apps have the needed permissions, like Location or Microphone. Reset all settings in the Settings menu. This won’t delete your data but may fix software glitches. If none of these work, consider a full factory reset. Back up your data first.

Contacting Support and Developers

When all else fails, seek help. Contact Apple Support if your phone has multiple crashing apps. Use the Apple Support app or visit their website. If a third-party app is crashing, contact the developer. Find the contact info in the App Store under the app’s page. Send detailed information about the problem. They may have fixes or be able to release updates to solve the issue. For apps like Facebook or Instagram, check their help centers.

Following these steps can help you fix app crashes and keep your iPhone running smoothly.