Start by clearing the app's cache (Solution 2): it resolves most cases and deletes nothing of yours. If that does not work, the next step is clearing data - but be aware, that signs you out of the app and erases anything saved only inside it. If the problem started after an update, uninstalling the update (Solution 4) returns the app to the version that worked. And if several apps are closing at once, the problem is none of them: it is storage or Google Play Services (Solution 5).
What causes this problem
- A corrupted app cache, usually after an unexpected shutdown or an update.
- A faulty recent app update, or one incompatible with the device's Android version.
- Full storage, which stops the app writing its temporary files and brings it down.
- Outdated or misbehaving Google Play Services - many apps depend on them to start.
- Not enough RAM, with the system closing the app to make room for another.
- A permission denied for something essential, such as storage or camera, making the app close when it tries to use that feature.
- Notice whether it is one app or several. Several apps closing at once points to the system, not the apps - go straight to Solution 5.
- Understand the difference before touching anything: clearing cache deletes nothing of yours; clearing data signs you out and erases what was saved only inside the app.
- Check free space under Settings > Storage. With the device nearly full, any app can close without warning.
- Restart the phone before starting - stuck processes cause this error and clear on reboot.
Solutions, in the order to try them
1Force stop and reopen
Before anything else, close the app properly. Swiping it away from the recents screen does not always end the process, and an app stuck in the background stays stuck when you reopen it.
- Open Settings > Apps and select the problem app.
- Tap Force stop and confirm.
- Restart the phone.
- Open the app again and see whether the error repeats.
2Clear the app's cache
This is the fix that resolves most cases, and it is entirely safe: the cache is temporary files the app rebuilds on its own. Your login, your conversations and your settings are untouched.
- Open Settings > Apps and choose the app.
- Tap Storage and cache.
- Tap Clear cache - and only that, for now.
- Open the app and test. If it works again, you are done here.
3Clear the app's data
This is the next step when the cache did not help, and it has a cost: the app returns to a freshly installed state. You will have to sign in again, and anything saved only inside it is lost.
- First confirm you know the app's password, or that it keeps its data in the cloud.
- Under Settings > Apps > the app > Storage and cache, tap Clear storage.
- Confirm, open the app and sign in again.
- For messaging apps, check there is a cloud backup before doing this - the local history will be erased.
4Uninstall the update or reinstall the app
If the app worked and started closing from one day to the next, the most recent update is the prime suspect.
- For apps that came with the phone: Settings > Apps > the app > three-dot menu > Uninstall updates.
- For apps you installed: uninstall through the Play Store and install again.
- After reinstalling, turn off auto-update for that app until a fixed version appears.
- It is worth checking the app's Play Store page: recent reviews complaining of the same error confirm the problem is the developer's, not your device's.
5Update Google Play Services
Many apps rely on Google Play Services to start, authenticate and receive notifications. When that component misbehaves, several apps close at once - and none of them is the culprit.
- Open Settings > Apps > Google Play Services > Storage and cache > Clear cache.
- In the Play Store, search for Google Play Services and update if an update is available.
- Check that the Play Store itself is up to date too.
- Restart the phone after updating.
6Check permissions, storage and system updates
When nothing above worked, the problem is usually in the environment around the app rather than the app itself.
- Under Settings > Apps > the app > Permissions, grant what it needs to work - storage, camera, microphone, as applicable.
- Free up space if storage is over 90% full.
- Install pending updates under Settings > System > System update.
- If the app requires a newer Android version than the device has, there is no fix available on your side.
Applies to
| System | Status |
|---|---|
| Android 12 to 15 | Confirmed |
| Android 9 to 11 | Confirmed |
| Samsung, Xiaomi and Motorola | Menu names differ in their own layers, but the options exist on all of them |
Menu names can change slightly between versions. If a step above does not match what you see on screen, the official support page from the manufacturer has the most current wording for your version.
Frequently asked questions
Last checked: Sep 12, 2026 · We review this guide whenever the manufacturer changes the process.