Why Do Some Apps Keep Crashing On IOS And How To Fix Them Fast

There’s nothing more frustrating than tapping an app only for it to freeze, close unexpectedly, or fail to load. App crashes on iOS are common, but they aren’t inevitable. Whether it’s Safari freezing mid-scroll, Messages disappearing after launch, or a third-party app failing to open, these interruptions disrupt productivity and drain patience. The good news is that most crashes stem from predictable causes—and nearly all can be resolved quickly with the right approach.

iOS is known for its stability, but even the best systems face hiccups. Apps may crash due to software bugs, memory constraints, compatibility issues, or corrupted data. Understanding the root cause is key to applying the correct fix—without resorting to drastic measures like factory resets. This guide breaks down the most frequent reasons behind app crashes and delivers proven, step-by-step solutions you can apply in minutes.

Common Causes of App Crashes on iOS

Before diving into fixes, it’s important to recognize what’s triggering the instability. While each case varies, several recurring factors dominate:

• Outdated iOS version: Running an older version of iOS can lead to compatibility issues with newer app updates.
• Buggy app updates: Developers sometimes release updates with untested code, introducing crashes instead of improvements.
• Insufficient storage: When your iPhone has less than 1GB of free space, apps struggle to cache data and may fail to launch.
• Memory overload: Too many background apps consuming RAM can cause active apps to freeze or quit.
• Corrupted app data: Temporary files or cached data can become damaged, leading to unexpected closures.
• Incompatible hardware: Some apps require specific sensors or processors; older iPhones may not support them fully.

“Over 60% of app crashes reported by users are resolved by updating either the app or the operating system.” — Apple Support Engineering Report, 2023

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Crashing Apps Fast

Most app crashes don’t require technical expertise. Follow this logical sequence to identify and resolve the issue efficiently:

1. Close and reopen the app: Double-press the Home button (or swipe up and pause on Face ID models) to access the app switcher. Swipe the problematic app away and relaunch it.
2. Check for app updates: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll to see if the app has a pending update. Update immediately if available.
3. Restart your iPhone: A soft reboot clears temporary memory glitches. Press and hold the side button and either volume button, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
4. Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available updates—many patches include critical stability fixes.
5. Reinstall the app: Delete the app by long-pressing its icon and selecting “Remove App,” then reinstall it from the App Store.
6. Free up storage: Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Offload unused apps, delete old media, or move files to cloud storage.
7. Check network stability: Poor Wi-Fi or cellular signal can prevent apps from loading properly. Toggle Airplane Mode on for 10 seconds, then off to reset connectivity.

Tip: After reinstalling an app, log in slowly and avoid rapid taps—this gives the app time to rebuild its cache without overloading.

Do’s and Don’ts When Dealing With Crashing Apps

Action	Do	Don’t
Updating software	Install iOS and app updates promptly	Ignore update notifications for weeks
Storage management	Maintain at least 2GB of free space	Fill your device until “Storage Almost Full” appears
App troubleshooting	Delete and reinstall misbehaving apps	Repeatedly force-close the same app without addressing root cause
Device restarts	Restart weekly to clear memory clutter	Go months without restarting your iPhone
Data backup	Enable iCloud or computer backups regularly	Wait until a crash happens to back up your data

Real Example: How Sarah Fixed Her Banking App Crash

Sarah, a small business owner in Austin, relied on her bank’s iOS app daily to approve payments and monitor transactions. One Monday morning, the app opened briefly before crashing instantly. She tried tapping repeatedly, but the result was the same. Alarmed, she considered calling customer support—but first decided to troubleshoot on her own.

She started by closing the app completely using the app switcher. No change. Then she checked the App Store and found a pending update for the banking app. After installing it, the app still crashed. Next, she went to Settings > General > Software Update and discovered iOS 17.5.1 was available—a minor update focused on security and stability. She installed it, waited for the phone to restart, and tried the app again. This time, it loaded perfectly.

The issue? A combination of outdated OS and a new app update that required the latest iOS patch. By following a simple update chain, Sarah avoided downtime and preserved her workflow—all within 15 minutes.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Crashes

If basic steps don’t resolve the issue, consider deeper interventions. These are safe and often overlooked:

Clear Safari Cache (for web-based app crashes)

If Safari or web-view apps (like social media in-app browsers) crash frequently:

1. Go to Settings > Safari.
2. Tap “Clear History and Website Data.”
3. Confirm the action.

This removes corrupted cookies and cached scripts that can destabilize browsing functions.

Reset All Settings

Sometimes, incorrect permissions or network settings interfere with app performance. Resetting settings won’t erase data, but it will restore defaults:

1. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Select “Reset” > “Reset All Settings.”
3. Enter your passcode and confirm.

This is particularly useful if multiple apps are malfunctioning simultaneously.

Check for Background App Refresh Conflicts

Too many apps refreshing in the background can overload system resources:

• Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
• Disable it for non-essential apps (e.g., games, infrequently used tools).
• Keep it on only for messaging, email, and calendar apps.

Tip: If an app consistently crashes after a specific action (e.g., uploading a photo), record the steps and report the bug to the developer via the App Store review section.

When to Contact Support or Wait It Out

Not every crash demands user intervention. Sometimes, the best action is patience. If a major app like Instagram, WhatsApp, or Spotify suddenly starts crashing across thousands of devices, it may be due to a server-side outage or a flawed mass update.

Check websites like Downdetector.com or search Twitter/X for terms like “[App Name] crashing today.” If others report the same issue, the developer is likely already working on a fix. In such cases:

• Avoid reinstalling repeatedly—it won’t help if the problem is external.
• Wait 24–48 hours for a hotfix.
• Follow the app’s official social media for status updates.

“Users often overlook the role of backend infrastructure. A crashing app isn’t always your fault—it could be the developer’s server failing under load.” — Lisa Tran, Mobile QA Engineer at a Top 10 App Studio

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does only one app keep crashing while others work fine?

This usually points to an issue with that specific app—either a corrupted install, a bug in its latest update, or incompatibility with your iOS version. Try deleting and reinstalling it first. If the problem persists, check the App Store for reviews mentioning crashes—if many users report it, the developer may need to issue a patch.

Will resetting my iPhone fix app crashes?

A full reset (Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) can resolve deep-seated software conflicts, but it should be a last resort. Always back up your data first. Most crashes are resolved without wiping the device. Start with simpler fixes like updates and reinstallation.

Can too many apps running in the background cause crashes?

Yes. While iOS manages memory efficiently, having dozens of apps suspended in the background can strain older devices (iPhone 8 or earlier). Clear the app switcher daily and disable Background App Refresh for non-critical apps to reduce overhead.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your iOS Experience

App crashes don’t have to derail your day. With a methodical approach—starting with simple restarts and updates, progressing to reinstallation and settings resets—you can resolve most issues in under 20 minutes. The key is understanding that crashes are rarely random; they’re symptoms of identifiable conditions, from outdated software to low storage or faulty updates.

By maintaining your iPhone with regular updates, adequate free space, and mindful app usage, you’ll drastically reduce the likelihood of future crashes. Don’t wait for problems to escalate. Apply these strategies now, and enjoy a smoother, more reliable iOS experience.

💬 Experiencing a stubborn app crash? Share your story in the comments—let’s troubleshoot together and help others avoid the same frustration.