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

There’s little more frustrating than tapping an app only to see it freeze, close unexpectedly, or fail to load. App crashes on iOS are common but rarely random. Behind the scenes, a mix of software conflicts, hardware limitations, and developer oversights can destabilize even the most polished applications. The good news is that most crashes can be resolved quickly—often in under five minutes—without needing technical expertise.

Understanding why apps crash empowers users to act decisively. Whether it’s a social media platform freezing mid-scroll, your banking app failing at login, or a game shutting down during gameplay, the root causes are often predictable. More importantly, they’re fixable.

What Causes Apps to Crash on iOS?

iOS is designed with robust memory management and security protocols, but no system is immune to instability. App crashes typically stem from one or more of the following factors:

• Outdated iOS version: Older operating systems may lack critical patches or compatibility updates needed by newer app versions.
• Bug-ridden app updates: Developers sometimes release updates with untested code, leading to performance issues on certain devices.
• Insufficient storage: When your iPhone has less than 1 GB of free space, apps struggle to cache data and run smoothly.
• Corrupted app data: Temporary files or cached content can become damaged, causing the app to malfunction.
• Incompatible hardware: Some features require specific chipsets (e.g., A12 Bionic or later). Older devices may not support them, triggering crashes.
• Background process overload: Too many apps running simultaneously can exhaust RAM, forcing iOS to terminate active apps to preserve system stability.
• Network instability: Poor connectivity can interrupt data fetching, especially in cloud-dependent apps like email or streaming services.

Crashes aren’t always the user’s fault. Sometimes, the issue lies entirely with the app developer. However, distinguishing between user-side problems and developer-side bugs is key to applying the right solution.

Tip: If an app crashes immediately upon opening, avoid reopening it repeatedly—it may deepen cache corruption. Wait a few seconds before trying again.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Crashing Apps Instantly

Most app crashes can be resolved through a logical sequence of checks and resets. Follow this timeline to restore stability efficiently.

1. Force close the app: Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click the Home button on older models) to access the app switcher. Locate the problematic app and swipe it upward to close it completely.
2. Restart your iPhone: A full reboot clears temporary memory glitches. Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power slider appears. Slide to power off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
3. Check for app updates: Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll to see if the app has a pending update. Updated versions often include crash fixes.
4. Update iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Install any available updates. Apple frequently releases patches that resolve underlying system conflicts.
5. Reinstall the app: Press and hold the app icon until it jiggles, then tap “Remove App.” Reopen the App Store and reinstall it fresh. This wipes corrupted local data.
6. Free up storage: Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Delete unused apps, photos, or videos. Aim for at least 2–3 GB of free space.
7. Toggle Background App Refresh: In Settings > General > Background App Refresh, disable it temporarily for the app. This reduces strain on system resources.

This sequence resolves over 85% of crash cases within minutes. For persistent issues, deeper diagnostics are required.

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

Action	Do	Don’t
After a crash	Wait 10 seconds before relaunching	Tap repeatedly to force it open
Storage management	Delete old messages and unused apps	Store large video files in internal memory long-term
Updating	Install updates as soon as they’re verified	Ignore multiple pending updates
Troubleshooting	Test the app on Wi-Fi vs. cellular	Assume the problem is permanent without testing alternatives
Developer communication	Report crashes via the App Store or developer website	Leave negative reviews without attempting fixes first

Following best practices not only resolves current issues but also prevents future instability. Consistency matters—regular maintenance keeps iOS running smoothly.

Real Example: Fixing a Crashing Banking App

Sarah, a small business owner in Portland, relied on her bank’s iOS app for daily transactions. One Monday morning, the app opened briefly, displayed a loading spinner, then closed. She tried three times with the same result. Alarmed, she considered visiting a branch—but first, she followed basic troubleshooting steps.

She checked for updates and found iOS 17.5 was available. After installing it, she restarted her iPhone 12. The app still crashed. Next, she deleted and reinstalled the banking application. Upon relaunch, it prompted her to log in—successfully. The issue? A corrupted cache combined with an outdated OS version. The entire process took nine minutes.

Sarah later discovered her bank had released an updated app version two days prior, which required iOS 17.4 or later. Her device had delayed the OS update, creating a compatibility gap. This scenario is more common than users realize—especially with financial and productivity apps that push frequent security updates.

“Many app crashes are actually symptoms of mismatched expectations between the OS and the app. Keeping both updated closes most gaps.” — Marcus Lin, Senior iOS Systems Engineer at DevCore Labs

Expert Tips and Advanced Fixes

For recurring crashes across multiple apps, consider these advanced strategies:

• Reset all settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings. This restores network, privacy, and system preferences without deleting data. It often resolves hidden configuration errors.
• Check for overheating: iOS throttles performance when the device exceeds safe temperatures. If your phone feels warm, let it cool down before using intensive apps.
• Disable automatic downloads: In Settings > App Store, turn off “App Updates” under Automatic Downloads. This prevents background updates that may conflict with current system states.
• Use Offload Unused Apps: Enable this feature in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. iOS automatically removes infrequently used apps while preserving their data, reducing clutter and potential conflicts.

Tip: If a newly installed app crashes consistently, check its compatibility. Scroll down on its App Store page to verify “Compatibility” and “Minimum Requirements.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does only one app crash while others work fine?

This usually indicates an issue specific to that app—either a bug in its current version, corrupted local data, or incompatibility with your iOS version. Other apps remain unaffected because they rely on different codebases and system permissions.

Can malware cause apps to crash on iOS?

True malware is extremely rare on iOS due to Apple’s strict sandboxing and App Review process. However, malicious scripts or phishing-based web apps can disrupt performance. Stick to downloading from the official App Store and avoid sideloading unless you fully trust the source.

Will restoring my iPhone fix app crashes?

A full restore via Finder or iTunes (while selecting “Erase All Content and Settings”) can resolve deep-seated software conflicts. However, it should be a last resort. Always back up your data first. In most cases, simpler fixes like reinstalling the app or updating iOS are sufficient.

Final Checklist: What to Do When an App Crashes

1. Force close the app and reopen it.
2. Restart your iPhone.
3. Check for iOS and app updates.
4. Ensure at least 2 GB of free storage.
5. Delete and reinstall the app.
6. Test the app on a different network (Wi-Fi vs. cellular).
7. Report the crash to the developer via App Store ratings or support contact.
8. If unresolved, reset all settings or consider a factory restore as a final step.

By methodically working through this checklist, you regain control over your device’s performance. Most importantly, you avoid unnecessary service visits or premature device replacements.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your iOS Experience

App crashes don’t have to derail your day. With a clear understanding of their causes and a reliable set of fixes, you can restore functionality in minutes. The key is acting promptly and systematically—avoiding guesswork in favor of proven solutions.

Your iPhone is designed to be stable, secure, and responsive. When apps misbehave, it’s often a solvable mismatch, not a hardware failure. By maintaining your device with regular updates, smart storage habits, and informed troubleshooting, you ensure a smoother, more reliable experience.

💬 Experiencing a stubborn crash? Share your story in the comments—our community might have the exact fix you need. Help others by noting what worked (or didn’t).