Quick Summary
The error "Unfortunately, [App] has stopped" on Android indicates that the application has unexpectedly crashed. This usually happens due to a variety of software-related issues that force the app to terminate unexpectedly.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Resources: The device might be running low on available RAM or storage space, making it difficult for the app to operate smoothly. Other apps might also be consuming considerable resources, thus starving the crashing app.
- Corrupted App Data or Cache: Corrupted or outdated cached data and app data can cause the app to malfunction, leading to crashes. Over time this data can accumulate and become problematic.
- Outdated App Version: Using an older version of the app, incompatible with the current Android OS version or missing essential bug fixes, can contribute to instability and crashes.
- Software Bugs: Bugs within the app's code itself can lead to errors during execution, causing the app to crash. These bugs are the responsibility of the developer and often addressed in later releases.
- Incompatible App Permissions: If an app requests permissions it doesn't genuinely need or if granted permissions are not functioning as intended, it can lead to issues and potential crashes.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Restart the App
Step 1: Close the app completely by swiping it away from the recent apps screen.
Step 2: Re-open the app to see if the issue is resolved. This is a simple way to clear any temporary glitches.
Method 2: Clear App Cache and Data
Step 1: Go to your device Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
Step 3: Find and select the app that is crashing.
Step 4: Tap on Storage.
Step 5: Clear the Cache, then clear the Data. Note: Clearing data will reset the app to its default state.
Method 3: Update the App
Step 1: Open the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Search for the app that is crashing.
Step 3: If an update is available, tap Update. Installing the latest version can often fix bugs and improve stability.
Method 4: Restart Your Device
Step 1: Press and hold the power button on your device.
Step 2: Select Restart. This clears the system's RAM and can resolve conflicts.
Method 5: Check App Permissions
Step 1: Go to your device Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
Step 3: Find and select the app that is crashing.
Step 4: Tap on Permissions.
Step 5: Review the permissions and ensure that the app has the necessary permissions it requires. If some permissions seem unnecessary, you can revoke them.
Method 6: Reinstall the App
Step 1: Go to your device Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
Step 3: Find and select the app that is crashing and tap Uninstall.
Step 4: Open the Google Play Store and reinstall the app.
Method 7: Free Up Storage Space
Step 1: Go to your device Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to Storage.
Step 3: Check the amount of available storage. If it's low, delete unnecessary files and apps to free up space.
Method 8: Update Your Android OS
Step 1: Go to your device Settings.
Step 2: Navigate to System and then System Update (the exact wording might vary depending upon the Android version).
Step 3: Check for updates and install them if available. Sometimes outdated OS software causes issues with apps.