Fix an installed Android app that isn't working

Try the following steps if an app installed on your phone has any of these problems:

  • Crashing.
  • Won't open.
  • Won't respond.
  • Isn't working properly. If the app that isn't working is an Instant App, try these troubleshooting steps instead.

After each step, restart your phone to see if it fixed the issue.

Step 1: Restart & update

Restart your phone

Important: Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

  1. On most phones, press your phone's Power button for about 30 seconds or until your phone restarts.
  2. You might need to tap RestartRestart .

Update the app

  1. Open the Google Play Store app Google Play.
  2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
  3. Tap Manage apps & devices.
  4. Under "Updates available," choose to update all apps or a specific app.

Step 2: Check for a larger app issue

Force stop the app

Clear the app's cache & data

  • You can usually clear an app's cache and data through your phone's Settings app.  Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

  • Temporarily free up space when you clear cached data. This is a short-term solution. Over time, cached data will build up again.

Tip: If problems continue after you cleared the app's cache and data, you could need to contact its developer. Learn how to contact a developer.

Sync device with Google servers

Important:Settings can vary by phone. For more info, contact your device manufacturer.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap System and then  Date & Time.
  3. Turn off Automatic Time Zone and Automatic Date & Time.
  4. Change the date and time to be incorrect.
  5. Turn on Automatic Time Zone and Automatic Date & Time.

Uninstall the app

Caution: Any data saved in this app will be erased.

  1. Open your phone's Settings app.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Tap the app. If you can't find it, tap See all apps.
  4. Tap Uninstall and thenOK.

Tip:If you want to use the app again, you can try to reinstall it. Learn how to reinstall apps.

Contact the app developer

Important: If you tried the troubleshooting steps but still have trouble, contact us or the app developer.

  • If you can't update any apps, or if you have trouble with Google apps, contact Google Play.
  • If you have trouble with one app but can use other apps without a problem, contact the app developer.

Related resources

  • Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode
  • Fix a phone that's restarting or crashing
  • Fix a phone that freezes or is unresponsive

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