How to Fix Android App Not Responding (Android OS)
Quick Answer
The 'App isn't responding' error indicates an application has frozen or encountered an issue preventing it from functioning. The fastest initial fix is to force close the problematic application and then reopen it.
What Causes This Error
- Insufficient device memory or storage space.
- Corrupted app data or cache.
- Outdated application version.
- Software conflicts with other applications or the Android OS.
- Network connectivity issues affecting online applications.
- Bugs within the application itself.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Force Close and Reopen the App
- When the 'App isn't responding' dialog appears, select 'Close app' or 'Wait' and then proceed to the next step if the app remains unresponsive.
- Navigate to your device's 'Settings' app.
- Tap on 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications' (the exact wording may vary by Android version).
- Locate and select the problematic application from the list.
- Tap 'Force Stop' and confirm the action if prompted. Then, attempt to reopen the application.
2Clear App Cache and Data
- Open your device's 'Settings' app.
- Go to 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications' and find the app that is not responding.
- Tap on the app's name to open its 'App info' page.
- Select 'Storage' or 'Storage & cache'.
- Tap 'Clear cache'. If the issue persists, return to this screen and tap 'Clear data' or 'Clear storage'. Be aware that clearing data will remove all user data for that app, including login information and settings.
3Update the Application
- Open the Google Play Store application on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon (usually in the top right corner).
- Select 'Manage apps & device'.
- Tap 'Updates available' to see if there are any pending updates.
- Locate the problematic application in the list and tap 'Update'. If no individual update is available, tap 'Update all' to update all pending applications.
4Restart Your Android Device
- Press and hold the power button on your Android device for a few seconds.
- A power menu will appear on the screen.
- Select 'Restart' from the options. If 'Restart' is not available, select 'Power off' and then manually turn the device back on after it has fully shut down.
- Allow the device to fully boot up before attempting to open the problematic application again.
5Check for Android OS Updates
- Open your device's 'Settings' app.
- Scroll down and tap on 'System' or 'About phone'.
- Select 'System update' or 'Software update'.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to check for and install any available Android OS updates.
- Restart your device after the update is complete, if not prompted automatically.
Advanced Fixes
Uninstall and Reinstall the App
- Open your device's 'Settings' app.
- Navigate to 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications'.
- Find and select the application that is causing the 'Android App Not Responding' error.
- Tap 'Uninstall' and confirm the action.
- Open the Google Play Store, search for the application, and reinstall it. Then, test the application.
Boot Device into Safe Mode
- Press and hold the power button until the power options appear.
- Tap and hold the 'Power off' option until the 'Reboot to safe mode' prompt appears.
- Tap 'OK' to restart your device in Safe Mode. (Note: Steps may vary slightly by device manufacturer).
- Once in Safe Mode (indicated by 'Safe mode' text on the screen), test the problematic app. If it works correctly, a recently installed third-party app is likely causing the conflict. Uninstall recently added apps one by one, restarting normally after each uninstallation, until the issue is resolved.
- To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your device normally.
Factory Reset Your Device (Data Loss Warning)
- Perform a complete backup of all important data on your device, as a factory reset will erase everything.
- Open your device's 'Settings' app.
- Navigate to 'System' > 'Reset options' or 'About phone' > 'Factory reset'. (Path may vary).
- Select 'Erase all data (factory reset)' or 'Factory data reset'.
- Confirm your decision and enter your PIN or password if prompted. The device will restart and restore to its original factory settings. Set up your device and test the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Android app keep saying 'App isn't responding'?
This error typically occurs when an application encounters an internal error, runs out of memory, or conflicts with other software on your device, causing it to freeze and become unresponsive. It can also be due to corrupted app data or an outdated version of the app.
Will clearing app data delete my progress in games or saved information?
Yes, clearing an app's data will delete all user-specific information associated with that app, including login credentials, settings, saved game progress (unless synced to a cloud service), and any downloaded content within the app. Clearing only the cache is generally safer as it only removes temporary files.
What is the difference between 'Force Stop' and 'Clear Cache'?
'Force Stop' immediately terminates a running application, stopping all its processes. 'Clear Cache' removes temporary data files that the app has stored to speed up performance, but it does not stop the app from running or remove user data.
How often should I clear app caches?
There is no fixed schedule for clearing app caches. It is generally recommended to clear an app's cache if you experience performance issues, crashes, or the 'App isn't responding' error. Regularly clearing all app caches without a specific reason is not typically necessary and can sometimes slow down app loading times initially.