Have you ever encountered an error message on your Android phone when opening an app, or even failing to launch it? This problem, which affects millions of users, can be extremely frustrating, especially when it comes to essential apps like banking, work, or messaging. If this is your case, don't worry: here you'll find the most complete and detailed guide to solve it. All the causes and problems why Android apps don't respond.
This article is designed to be your definitive reference for troubleshooting and resolving issues with apps that crash, freeze, display errors like "The app is not responding," "The app has stopped," or simply won't open. You'll also learn how to identify whether the issue is with the app, the system, your connection, your settings, your storage, or due to external factors such as incompatibilities, bugs, or even malware.
Let's detail All possible causes, basic and advanced troubleshooting steps, and specific tips for Google apps (Play Store, Gmail, Maps, etc.), third-party apps, games, apps that require special permissions, and much more. Also learn about the differences in solutions depending on the device brand and model, how to detect WebView errors, deal with problematic updates, and what to do when the ultimate solution is to reset your device.
Why are Android apps unresponsive? Main causes and how to identify them
Android app failures can have a variety of causes. Knowing the causes is the first step to implementing the most effective solution. Some of the most common situations that can affect an app include:
- Running too many applications at once (excessive multitasking): When you have too many applications open, the system overloads its RAM and resources, causing unexpected shutdowns and freezes. This is more common on older or entry-level devices.
- Insufficient storage memory: Android needs free space to function properly and store temporary files. If the storage is almost full, apps may crash, even if there's enough RAM, as they can't save temporary data or cache information.
- Programming errors or faulty updates: Bugs in both apps and the operating system itself can cause abnormal behavior, crashes, freezes, or errors when trying to open an app.
- Connectivity issues: Many apps require a stable internet connection (WiFi or mobile data). A weak, intermittent, or misconfigured signal can cause the app to become unresponsive or hang while waiting for data.
- Operating system or hardware incompatibility: A very old phone may be incompatible with certain versions of modern apps, while older versions of apps may not be compatible with newer Androids.
- Accumulation of corrupted data and cache: Apps often store temporary data to speed up their operation, but if these files become corrupted, problems can begin.
- Problematic Google Services or WebView updates: WebView is an essential component for many apps. If it's updated with errors, it can cause a multitude of applications to stop working.
- Incorrect or insufficient permissions: If an app needs access to your camera, microphone, storage, or location and doesn't have it, it may crash or fail to launch.
- Malware, app conflicts, or corrupted files: Viruses or malicious apps can prevent other apps from working properly. Additionally, installing aggressive optimizers or antivirus software can cause conflicts.
- High device temperature: If your device overheats, Android may automatically shut down apps to prevent damage.
Step-by-Step: Basic and Quick Fixes for an Unresponsive Android App
- Reboot your device: Turn your phone off and back on. This will free up memory, close frozen processes, and restore the system to a stable state. Hold down the power button for a few seconds and select Restart or Power Off.
- Close all open apps: Use the multitasking manager to close background apps. Keep the problematic app closed for at least 10 seconds before trying to open it again.
- Check the Internet connection: Check that you have Wi-Fi or mobile data coverage. If your app is network-dependent, try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if that resolves it. Restarting your router may also help.
- Force stop the app: Go to Settings > Apps > select the app > Force Stop. This completely closes the app and its background processes, which is useful if closing it normally isn't enough.
- Clear the app cache and data: This step resolves issues with corrupted data accumulation:
- Go to Settings > Apps > select the app > Storage > Clear cache.
- If the problem persists, tap Clear Data. NOTE: You'll lose information saved in the app (sessions, custom settings, local databases).
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Advanced and targeted solutions for persistent problems
- Check if the failure is global or just in one app: If multiple apps are failing, the problem is usually with the system, Google services, or the Wi-Fi/data connection. If it's just one app, the root cause is likely the app itself or compatibility.
- Try Android Safe Mode: Restarting in safe mode helps identify if a third-party app is causing the issue. To activate safe mode, press and hold the power button and, in the shutdown dialog box, press and hold "Power off" until the Safe Mode option appears. In this mode, only system apps load.
- Uninstall WebView updates and system apps: WebView is key to running web content in apps. Go to Settings > Applications > find Android System WebView > Uninstall updates (this will return it to the factory version). Do the same for Google, Gmail, and other system apps if they're experiencing recent issues after an update.
- Reset app preferences: Go to Settings > Apps > Menu (three dots at the top) > Reset app preferences. This resets all permissions, notifications, and disabled apps without erasing personal data.
- Wipe cache partition (advanced only): On some devices, you can wipe the system cache from the recovery menu. This is usually done by turning the device off and then on by simultaneously pressing Volume Up + Power, then selecting "Wipe cache partition." This removes corrupted temporary files without erasing your data.
- Free up storage space: If your phone is about to fill up, delete large files, remove unused apps, and empty the deleted items trash. You can move photos and videos to the cloud or an SD card.
- Uninstall aggressive optimization apps, antivirus or cleaners: Optimizers can often be counterproductive, shutting down necessary processes or creating incompatibilities with other apps.
- Check for malware: If you've installed apps outside of Google Play, or are receiving unusual ads, remove the suspicious apps and run a scan with a reliable security tool.
- Check background permissions and battery saving: Some brands have aggressive battery management systems. Go to Settings > Battery > Saver/Optimizer and exclude important apps so they can run properly in the background.
- Check the correct date and time: Incorrect date and time can cause errors when running apps connected to servers.
- Update Google Play services: Go to Google Play > search for Google Play Services > Update if possible.
- Manually uninstall problematic system app updates: For example, if you experience massive errors after updating a Google app, go to its Settings > Apps tab, tap the three-dot menu, and choose "Uninstall updates."
Step by Step: Clearing Cache and Temporary Data, How to Do It Safely
- Clear cache only: Go to Settings > Apps > select the app > Storage > Clear cache. This deletes temporary files but keeps user and login data.
- Clear app data: If clearing the cache doesn't help, also select Clear Data. This will reset the app to its initial state, as if it were just installed. Back up any important data or settings before doing this.
- Clear the entire system cache (advanced): Only recommended if many apps are crashing or the phone is running very slowly. Perform this procedure from the recovery mode (see steps in the previous section).
Repeating this operation periodically can prevent the accumulation of corrupt files and unexpected errors.
What to do when Google apps (Play Store, Gmail, Maps, YouTube, etc.) aren't working properly
- Uninstall problematic updates from Settings > Apps > select the app > three-dot menu > Uninstall updates.
- Clear cache and clear data of the affected app and Google Play Services.
- Check that you have available space in internal memory.
- Check your Google account: If you fail to log in, remove your Google account from Settings > Accounts and add it again.
- Update Android System WebView and Google Chrome. Both applications are essential for the internal execution of web functions.
- Force manual synchronization from your account in Settings > Accounts > Google > Sync now.
How to properly update your operating system and applications to avoid crashes
- Update Android: Go to Settings > System > Software Update. Install all available updates, both system and security patches.
- Update all apps from Google Play: Open the Play Store > profile icon > Manage apps and device > Available updates > Update all.
- Please also check that WebView and Google Play Services are updated.
Additional techniques for diagnosing and resolving persistent errors
- Try installing an older version of the app if it starts to crash after updating: You can download older APKs from trusted, official sites, but always with caution.
- Compatible with your device: Check Google Play to make sure your device is compatible with the app version.
- Contact the developer: If none of the solutions work, go to the app's listing on Google Play and find the support email or contact form.
- Consult forums and specialized websites: Check to see if the error is widespread or a specific issue with your device model.
When and how to factory reset your Android phone
If you've tried all the solutions and your phone still crashes when running numerous apps, the problem may be in the system. A factory reset returns your device to its original state, erasing apps, settings, and personal files. Always perform a factory reset. Backup previous.
- Go to Settings > System > Reset or General Management > Reset.
- Select “Factory data reset”.
- Accept, enter your PIN and wait for the process to complete.
- When you reboot, you'll have to do a fresh setup.
Only use this option as a last resort, when the previous steps have not worked and errors continue to affect multiple applications or the system as a whole.
Prevention: How to prevent Android apps from becoming unresponsive in the future
- Keep your system and apps updated. Schedule regular update checks to prevent bugs and incompatibilities.
- Avoid installing apps outside of Google Play unless it is strictly necessary and you trust the developer.
- Clear cache and data from your most used apps from time to time to avoid corruption of temporary files.
- Don't overload your device with unnecessary apps.. Uninstall what you don't need to free up resources.
- Monitor permissions and background usage. Allow only essential permissions and check the battery optimizer to make sure it doesn't close important apps.
- Conduct space audits and free up space at least once a month by moving photos, files, and videos to the cloud or an external card.