iPhone apps keep crashing? 7 fixes that work

2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Close the app fully and open it again, restart the iPhone, and update the app in the App Store. If it still crashes, free up storage, update iOS, then delete the app and install it again.

An app that closes by itself or freezes on opening is usually out of date, short of storage or holding damaged temporary data. These fixes go from quickest to most thorough.

Step by step

  1. Close the app completely

    Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause to see your open apps. Swipe the app's card up and off the screen, then open it again.

  2. Restart the iPhone

    Hold the side button and a volume button, slide to power off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on.

  3. Update the app

    Open the App Store, tap your picture in the top right corner and pull down to refresh. Tap Update next to the app, or Update All.

  4. Check your storage

    Open Settings, General, iPhone Storage. With less than a few gigabytes free, apps crash because they cannot save temporary files. Remove large videos or unused apps.

  5. Update iOS

    Open Settings, General, Software Update. Apps are built for the current system, and older iOS versions lose support over time.

  6. Delete and reinstall the app

    Touch and hold the app icon, tap Remove App, then Delete App. Install it again from the App Store. Check first that your data in the app is saved to an account or iCloud, because local data is deleted with it.

  7. Check the internet connection

    Some apps close when they cannot reach their server. Try Wi-Fi and mobile data in turn, and switch off any VPN.

Good to know

If one app crashes for everybody, the problem is with the app or its servers. Look at the app's recent reviews in the App Store or the developer's support page and wait for an update.

If many apps crash at once after an iOS update, restart and give the phone an hour on Wi-Fi and power. It reorganises data in the background after big updates.

To report a problem to the developer, open the app's page in the App Store and scroll to App Support.

In short: Close and reopen, restart, update the app, free storage, update iOS, reinstall.

Sources
  • Apple Support: If an app on your iPhone or iPad stops responding, closes unexpectedly or won't open

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