Introduction: Understanding App Crashes
Whether it’s Instagram crashing when you open it, Facebook keeps closing on your device, or your gallery keeps closing on Android, app crashes are among the most frustrating mobile experiences. The reality is that app troubleshooting doesn’t always require a tech expert—most problems stem from common, easily fixable issues. App crashes affect millions of users daily. According to mobile performance research, insufficient device storage and outdated app versions are the primary causes of problematic app incidents. The good news? Most solutions are straightforward and don’t require professional help.
Is your Favorite App Freezing and Closing Unexpectedly?
This comprehensive guide addresses every aspect of app troubleshooting, covering everything from why your app keeps stopping to advanced solutions for persistent problems. Whether you’re dealing with Facebook that keeps closing, Instagram crashing when opening, the gallery keeps closing on Android, or issues with specific apps like Polybuzz working or Chispa not working, you’ll find verified solutions below.
Section 1: Why Apps Keep Crashing—Root Causes Explained
Memory and Storage Issues
One of the primary reasons apps keep crashing relates to memory management. When your device runs low on RAM (Random Access Memory), the system terminates background processes to free up resources. This is why you might notice app troubleshooting problems during peak usage times. Storage space plays an equally critical role. If your device storage is nearly full, apps cannot allocate the space needed for temporary files and cache. This is especially true for resource-intensive apps like Instagram—when Instagram crashes when opening, storage issues are frequently the culprit. Similarly, when your gallery keeps closing on Android, insufficient storage prevents the Gallery app from loading and indexing photos properly.
Outdated Apps and OS Incompatibility
App developers regularly release updates to fix bugs, improve security, and ensure compatibility with the latest operating systems. When you skip these updates, your app becomes problematic and prone to crashes. Why does the FB app keep closing on older app versions? Because newer iOS and Android versions change how apps interact with core system functions. FB keeps closing, or why is my PolyBuzz not working often trace back to version incompatibility.
Network Connectivity Problems
Apps that require internet connectivity—including Facebook, Instagram, and most modern applications—crash when network conditions are unstable. Poor WiFi signals, fluctuating mobile data, or intermittent disconnections can trigger unexpected closures. This is particularly relevant for apps like the IG app, which keeps crashing when you’re on weak network connections.
Corrupted Cache and Data Files
Cache files speed up app performance by storing temporary data. However, a corrupted cache can cause the opposite effect. When cache data becomes corrupted—often due to failed updates or system errors—the app may malfunction severely. This explains why clearing cache resolves many app troubleshooting issues, including cases where the gallery keeps closing on Android or why does fb app keeps closing.
Third-Party App Conflicts
Sometimes problematic app behavior results not from the app itself but from conflicts with other installed applications. Photo editor apps, file managers, or backup utilities with storage permissions can interfere with native apps like Gallery. When you notice ig app keeps crashing, specifically after installing a new app, a compatibility conflict may be the cause.
Section 2: Quick Fixes for App Troubleshooting
Fix 1: Restart Your Device
The first and most effective troubleshooting solution is deceptively simple: restart your phone.
Why it works:
Restarting clears temporary memory, stops background processes, and resets system connections. This addresses memory leaks and minor glitches without requiring any configuration.
For Android users:
- Press and hold the Power button for 10-15 seconds
- Select “Power off” from the menu
- Wait 30 seconds, then press Power to restart
- Alternatively, press Power + Volume Down simultaneously for some Samsung devices
For iPhone users:
- iPhone 8 and newer: Press and hold the Side button + Volume Down, then slide to power off
- iPhone 7 and earlier: Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until “slide to power off” appears
- Wait 30 seconds and press the power button again to restart
This simple step resolves app troubleshooting problems in 40-60% of cases, particularly when dealing with why my PolyBuzz is not working, the gallery keeps closing on Android, or temporary glitches.
Fix 2: Update Your Apps
Keeping apps current is essential for stability and security.
For Android:
- Open Google Play Store
- Tap your Profile icon (top-right corner)
- Select “Manage apps & devices.”
- Tap the “Updates available” tab
- Find the problematic app and tap “Update.”
- Enable “Auto-update apps” to prevent future issues
For iPhone
- Open the App Store
- Tap your Profile icon (bottom-right corner)
- Scroll to the pending updates section
- Tap “Update” next to the specific app or “Update All.”
Update address security vulnerabilities, fix known bugs, and improve OS compatibility. This is particularly important when Facebook keeps closing or when the IG app keeps crashing frequently.
Fix 3: Clear App Cache and Data
Corrupted cache files often cause app crashes. Clearing cache removes temporary files while preserving your login credentials and preferences.
For Android—Clear Cache Only:
- Go to Settings
- Select Apps (or Application Manager)
- Find the problematic app
- Tap “Storage” or “Storage & cache.”
- Tap “Clear cache.”
For Android—Clear Data (Use if cache clearing doesn’t work):
- Navigate to Settings > Apps
- Select the app (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
- Tap “Storage” > “Clear data.”
- Confirm the action
- Log back into the app
For iPhone:
iPhone doesn’t have a dedicated cache-clearing option. Instead:
- Press and hold the app icon
- Select “Remove App”
- Choose “Delete App”
- Go to the App Store and reinstall
- Log back in
This step is especially effective for Instagram crashing when opening, Facebook keeps closing, and the gallery keeps closing, Android issues.
Fix 4: Check Your Device Storage
Insufficient storage is a major culprit in app troubleshooting.
For Android:
- Go to Settings
- Tap “Storage” or “Device care” > “Storage.”
- View your free storage space
- Aim to maintain at least 10-20% free space
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap “General”
- Select “iPhone Storage” (or “iPad Storage”)
- Note available space
If storage is low, delete:
- Unused apps
- Old photos and videos
- Cached app data (Settings > Apps > Clear cache for each app)
- Temporary files from Downloads
Section 3: Advanced Solutions for Persistent App Issues
Force Stop the App
When an app freezes or becomes unresponsive, force-stopping can resolve the issue.
For Android:
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select the problematic app
- Tap the “Force Stop” button
- Wait a few seconds and reopen the app
For iPhone:
- Swipe up from the bottom (or double-click the home button on older models)
- Find the app in the App Switcher
- Swipe upward on the app’s preview to close it
- Reopen from your home screen
This method works well when why does fb app keeps closing intermittently or when the app becomes unresponsive.
Uninstall and Reinstall the App
If previous steps haven’t resolved your problematic app issue, reinstalling gives you a fresh copy free of corrupted files.
For Android:
- Open Google Play Store
- Search for the app
- Tap the app name
- Select “Uninstall”
- Confirm, then tap “Install” to reinstall
- Wait for the installation to complete
For iPhone:
- Long-press the app icon
- Select “Remove App”
- Choose “Delete App” and confirm
- Go to App Store and tap “Get” or the cloud icon to reinstall
- Allow installation to complete
Important note: Before reinstalling apps like Facebook or Instagram, ensure you know your login credentials, as clearing data logs you out.
Restart Your Device in Safe Mode
Safe Mode disables third-party apps, helping identify whether a conflicting app is causing crashes.
For Android:
- Press and hold the Power button
- Long-press “Power off” when it appears
- Tap “Safe Mode” or “Restart in Safe Mode”
- Open the problematic app to test
- If it works in Safe Mode, a third-party app is conflicting with it
- Restart normally and uninstall recently installed apps one by one
For iPhone:
iPhone doesn’t have a traditional Safe Mode, but you can:
- Restart your device
- Quickly disable recently installed apps individually.
- Check Settings > Screen Time > App Limits to manage app permissions
Check for System Updates
Outdated operating systems can cause app stability issues.
For Android:
- Go to Settings
- Select “About phone” or “System.”
- Tap “System update” or “Software update.”
- If an update is available, select “Download and Install.”
- Allow the update to complete (plug in your device first)
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings
- Tap “General”
- Select “Software Update”
- If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
- Enter your passcode and follow prompts
Section 6: Prevention Strategies—Avoid Future App Crashes
Regular Maintenance
Weekly tasks:
- Restart your device
- Clear app cache for frequently used apps
- Remove unused apps
Monthly tasks:
- Check for available app updates
- Review storage space
- Update your operating system if available
Optimal Settings
Storage Management:
- Maintain 15-20% free storage space
- Use cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud) for photos
- Regularly delete old screenshots and downloads
Memory Management:
- Close unused apps running in the background
- Limit background app refresh to essential apps
- Disable location services for apps that don’t need it
Network Optimization:
- Use WiFi for app installations and updates
- Maintain a stable internet connection for connectivity-dependent apps
- Enable WiFi over cellular when possible for large downloads
FAQ: App Troubleshooting Questions
Q: Why does my app keep crashing even after updating?
A: Clear app data and cache. If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the app. If the problematic app still crashes, check your internet connection and device storage.
Q: Is clearing cache data safe?
A: Yes, clearing the cache is completely safe. It removes temporary files but preserves your login credentials and personal data. You’ll need to log back in to most apps, but your accounts remain intact.
Q: How much free storage do I need to prevent app crashes?
A: Maintain at least 10-20% free storage. For example, on a 128GB phone, keep at least 12-25GB free.
Q: Why do some apps crash only on certain devices?
A: Device compatibility varies based on processor power, available RAM, and OS version. Some devices may lack sufficient resources for memory-intensive apps.
Q: Should I factory reset my phone if apps keep crashing?
A: Factory reset is a last-resort option. Try all troubleshooting steps first, as resetting erases all data. Always back up important information before attempting a factory reset.
Q: How do I know if an app has an outage?
A: Visit downdetector.com or the app’s official social media accounts. Major outages typically affect thousands of users simultaneously.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your App Experience
App troubleshooting doesn’t require technical expertise. Most crashing issues stem from correctable problems: outdated apps, corrupted cache, insufficient storage, or memory pressure. Whether you’re dealing with Instagram crashing when opening, Facebook keeps closing, gallery keeps closing on Android, why does fb app keep closing, ig app keeps crashing, why is my PolyBuzz not working, or chispa not working, the solutions provided in this guide address root causes rather than symptoms. Start with the quick fixes (restart, update, clear cache). If problems persist, progress to advanced solutions (safe mode, reinstall). Most users resolve app troubleshooting issues within the first three steps.