How to fix apps keep crashing and freezing?

 If your apps keep crashing or freezing, it can be frustrating. Here’s a simple guide to troubleshoot the issue with different scenarios and how to fix them:

1. Not Enough Storage

Not enough storage can cause apps to crash because apps need space to store temporary files, cache data, and run smoothly. 

When your device runs out of storage, apps can't save new data, cache files, or updates, which causes them to freeze or crash. The app uses cache memory so that it can load things faster when used. 

The operating system also struggles to manage background tasks, like memory and syncing, further affecting app performance. Without enough space, even app updates fail, leaving older versions prone to crashing.

• Solution: Clear up some space by deleting unnecessary files, photos, or apps. You can also move some data to an SD card or cloud storage.

2. Outdated App

An outdated version of an app can cause problems. Outdated products may not align with new updates of OS, causing them to malfunction.

Some apps also rely on servers. You know what that means: right when the server is going to get updated, it may not be compatible with the new protocol or features of that server, and your app can start malfunctioning, crashing, and freezing.

• Solution: Go to your app store (Google Play Store or App Store) and check if there’s an update for the app. Install it if available.

3. Outdated Operating System

If your phone's software is outdated, apps may not work correctly. Imagine being a developer. Now think you are making an app. What would you do? I mean, would you prefer to make it based on new protocols and for the latest operating system models or for older and outdated models? Exactly...

Now, because of these outdated OS systems, they lack the functionality and frameworks that updated and new applications rely on.

• Solution: Check if there are any software updates for your phone. Go to settings and look for the “System” or “Software Update” option.
• If there is no update available, that means you are using an old system (Android, iOS, etc.). You can replace your device, or you can't use new, updated apps.

4. App Cache Issues

As stated earlier, apps store data in your phone’s memory (cache). Too much cached data can cause the app to freeze.

• Solution: Clear the app’s cache by going to Settings > Apps > Select the App > Storage > Clear Cache.

5. Low RAM

If too many apps are open at the same time, your device's RAM may be overwhelmed, causing apps to freeze.

Apps need RAM to load and perform tasks. If your RAM is full from running too many apps at once, there’s not enough memory left for other apps, causing them to freeze or crash.

When several apps run in the background, they consume RAM. This leaves less memory for new apps or active tasks, which can lead to app crashes.

• Solution: Close apps running in the background by using the recent apps button and swiping them away. Restarting your phone can also free up RAM.
• If you are trying an application that requires more RAM than your RAM, that can also cause it to crash. You can't fix this one either; you need a device with big RAM or if it's replaceable (mainly for PCs or laptops with replaceable RAM). You can replace your RAM with a higher RAM.

6. Corrupt App Data

Sometimes app data gets corrupted and causes crashing. App data can get corrupted in several ways, causing the app to crash. This can happen if the app is forced to close while saving data, if an update is interrupted, or due to software bugs. Sometimes, problems with your device's file system or a virus can also damage app data. Even running out of storage space can lead to improper saving of files, causing corruption. All these issues prevent the app from working properly.

• Solution: Clear app data by going to Settings > Apps > Select the App > Storage > Clear Data. This will reset the app, so you may need to log in again.

7. Buggy App

Sometimes an app itself has bugs, especially after an update.

• Solution: Wait for the developer to release a patch or fix. Check if others are having the same issue by looking at recent app reviews.
• You can also contact the developer by their provided contact info, i.e., usually an email, or you can leave a reply in their review section explaining the problem you are facing after the latest update or time from which you are having it.

8. Internet Connectivity Issues

If an app relies on the internet, poor connectivity can cause it to freeze.

• Solution: Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Restarting your router or switching between WiFi and mobile data might help.

9. Incompatible Device

Some apps may not be fully compatible with your device's hardware or software.

• Solution: Check the app’s requirements in the app store. If your device is not compatible, there may not be a fix other than upgrading your device.

10. Malware or Virus

In rare cases, a virus or malware could be causing issues.

• Solution: Run a virus scan using a reliable mobile antivirus app. Remove any suspicious apps or files.

11. Factory Reset

If nothing works and multiple apps are crashing, it could be a broader system issue.

• Solution: Back up your data and perform a factory reset (this will erase everything on your phone, so only do this as a last resort).

I hope your problem gets fixed one way or another.