To fix Android apps that force close randomly, restart your phone, clear the crashing app’s cache and data, and update both the app and your Android system software. If the issue persists, updating or resetting the “Android System WebView” tool via the Google Play Store usually resolves the conflict.
Why Do Android Apps Keep Crashing?
It is incredibly frustrating when you are in the middle of typing an email, playing a game, or browsing social media, and your app suddenly snaps shut. This issue, known as “force closing,” happens when the Android operating system detects a critical error it cannot resolve.
Common causes for random app crashes include:
- Corrupted temporary files (Cache): Over time, stored data can get scrambled.
- Outdated software: The app is too old for your phone’s system, or vice versa.
- Insuffcient RAM/Storage: Your phone does not have enough active memory or storage space to run the app.
- System WebView Glitches: A background Google utility that displays web content may have a bug.
- Unstable Network Connections: Apps that require constant internet access can crash if your connection drops abruptly.
Quick Troubleshooting Summary
| Method | Best For | Risk of Data Loss |
|---|---|---|
| Restart Phone | Minor system glitches, RAM clear | None |
| Clear App Cache | Temporary file errors, slow performance | None |
| Clear App Data | Severe app bugs, persistent crashes | High (Resets app settings/logins) |
| Update WebView | System-wide app crashes | None |
| Reinstall App | Corrupted app installation | Medium (Requires re-login) |
How to Fix Android Apps Force Closing (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps in order, starting with the easiest solution.
Step 1: Restart Your Android Device
A simple reboot clears temporary system files, shuts down stuck background processes, and frees up system memory (RAM).
- Press and hold the Power button (or Power + Volume Up on newer devices).
- Tap Restart (or Reboot).
- Wait for your phone to load completely, then open the problematic app to see if it works.
Step 2: Clear App Cache and Data
Apps store temporary data (cache) to load faster. If these files get corrupted, the app will crash. If clearing the cache does not work, you can clear the app’s data, which resets the app to its original, freshly installed state.
Note: Clearing app data will log you out of the app and delete offline settings.
Settings ➔ Apps ➔ [Select Crashing App] ➔ Storage ➔ Clear Cache- Open your phone’s Settings.
- Tap on Apps (or Apps & Notifications).
- Tap See all apps and select the app that keeps closing.
- Select Storage & cache (or simply Storage).
- Tap Clear Cache.
- Test the app. If it still crashes, return to this screen and tap Clear Storage (or Clear Data).
Step 3: Update the App and Android System WebView
If an app has a known bug, developers usually release a quick patch. Additionally, many Android apps rely on a system component called Android System WebView to display web pages. If WebView is outdated, multiple apps may crash simultaneously.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Tap your Profile icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Manage apps & device.
- Tap Updates available.
- Find the crashing app and tap Update.
- Also, look for Android System WebView and Google Chrome in the list. If updates are available for them, install them immediately.
Step 4: Check and Free Up Storage Space
Android devices need at least 10% to 15% of free storage space to run smoothly. When your storage is nearly full, apps cannot write temporary files, leading to random force closures.
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Review how much space is left.
- Use the Free up space tool, or manually delete unused apps, large videos, and duplicate photos.
Step 5: Force Stop the App
If an app is running a background loop that is frozen, simply closing it from your recent screens might not stop the glitch. You need to force it to shut down completely.
- Long-press the icon of the crashing app on your home screen.
- Tap the App Info icon (an “i” inside a circle).
- Tap Force Stop, then confirm by pressing OK.
- Relaunch the app.
Step 6: Check App Permissions
Some apps will crash if they attempt to access a hardware feature (like your camera, microphone, or location) but lack the permission to do so.
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Tap the problematic app, then select Permissions.
- Ensure necessary permissions (like Storage or Location) are set to Allow.
Pros and Cons of Different Troubleshooting Methods
Every solution has trade-offs. Here is what to consider before choosing a fix:
Clearing Cache vs. Clearing Data
- Clearing Cache (Pros): Safe to do; does not delete accounts, game progress, or settings.
- Clearing Cache (Cons): Might not fix deeply corrupted app files.
- Clearing Data (Pros): Highly effective; acts like a factory reset for that specific app.
- Clearing Data (Cons): Deletes custom settings, saved passwords, drafts, and offline files.
Factory Resetting Your Phone (The Last Resort)
- Pros: Resolves deep-rooted OS bugs, improves overall phone speed, and clears system junk.
- Cons: Deletes everything on your phone. Requires a full backup and hours of setup time.
Frequently Asked Questions (PAA)
Why do my Android apps keep closing on their own?
Apps usually close on their own due to corrupted cache files, insufficient RAM, or software compatibility issues. It can also happen if a vital system component, like Android System WebView, has an unresolved bug.
Will clearing app data delete my photos or account?
Clearing app data resets the app to its default settings. For cloud-based apps like Instagram or Gmail, your photos and accounts are safe online; you will just need to log back in. For local apps like offline photo editors or voice recorders, it may delete files saved directly inside the app folder.
What is Android System WebView, and why does it crash my apps?
Android System WebView is a system component powered by Chrome that allows Android apps to display web content without opening a separate browser. If WebView has a bug, any app using it to show web links or ads will crash instantly. Keeping WebView updated in the Play Store prevents this.
How do I fix apps crashing after a system update?
If apps crash after a major Android OS update, it is usually because the app’s developer has not updated their app to support the new software yet. To fix this, check the Play Store for app updates, clear the app’s cache, or reinstall the app.
Does low storage space cause apps to force close?
Yes. Android apps constantly write temporary files to your phone’s storage while you use them. If your storage is completely full, the app cannot write these files, resulting in an immediate crash. Always keep at least 5GB to 10GB of free space.
How do I know if an app crash is a device issue or a developer bug?
If only one specific app is crashing while all your other apps run perfectly, the issue is likely a developer bug. If multiple apps are crashing randomly, the issue is likely related to your phone’s RAM, storage, WebView component, or system software.