Install & update mobile phone apps and keep apps from crashing

Do you need to know how to update apps on iPhone? Are you trying to learn how to update apps on Android? Updating apps can help if your apps are crashing or freezing. Updates add new features, fix bugs, patch security issues and adapt to OS updates too.

If you don't have "automatic updates" turned on in your phone's settings, you can get app updates and install new app versions yourself:

• Visit the online store where you get apps.
• Search for the app you want to use.
• Download and install the latest version of the app.

Want to know why some apps aren't responding on your iPhone?

If apps on your phone are freezing or crashing, it may be due to several reasons. Here’s' how to fix an app that's not responding:

• Certain apps are incompatible with your OS, or your operating system is outdated. Check that you have the latest versions of your apps and your OS.
• Your phone is running out of storage space. View files and programs and delete what's not needed:
  • Android - Go to Settings > Storage.
  • iPhone - Settings > General. Scroll to iPhone Storage.
• Too many apps running in the background. Close apps you're not using. Increase the time between app sync/refresh.
• Your phone needs to be restarted. Try restarting your phone normally. If restarting doesn't fix your phone app problems, you can try resetting your phone.
• Resetting removes all your personal information so make sure your device is backed up first. And be sure your device is plugged in:
  • Factory reset (Android) - Tap Apps > Settings > Backup and reset. Then tap Factory data reset > Reset Device > Erase Everything.
  • Restore your phone (iPhone) - Tap Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset. Choose Erase All Content and Settings.

If an app is still crashing, use the Troubleshooter specific to your device.

Apps on your iPhone might not be working because the app is out of date, or you haven't installed the latest iOS, or because your phone doesn't have enough processing speed or storage space.

Use the Troubleshooter for your model of phone to check:

• Battery issues
• Software issue (e.g., virus, app or OS problems)
• Storage issues
• And more

Maybe you've been wondering, how do I fix an app that keeps freezing? Or you've been trying to figure out why apps are crashing on Android.

To see if issues are keeping apps from responding on your Android phone, you can restart your phone in Safe Mode.

To start in Safe Mode:

1. Swipe down on your notification bar at the top of your screen. Choose Power options. Select and hold Power off.
2. "Reboot to safe mode" appears. Choose OK.
   Your device restarts; "safe mode" appears in the bottom corner.
3. If whatever was wrong with your phone continues while in Safe Mode, use our Troubleshooter.
4. To leave safe mode, tap Power options again and choose Restart.

Do your apps keep crashing on Android, or apps not responding on iPhone?

When apps won't work right, try clearing your phone's app cache:

• Android - Open Settings > Apps. Choose the apps to clear. Choose Storage and Clear Cache.
• iPhone - Settings > General. Scroll through apps and choose the ones you want to clear.

Note: Clearing your phone's cache is different from clearing the cache for each apps.