Direct answer
Force stop the app, restart the device, update the app and Android, then clear the app cache. Clear storage or uninstall only with credentials and synced data available because either can remove local app state.
What this covers
- A downloaded Android app on a device whose system interface still works
- Current supported consumer software as reviewed on August 20, 2026
- The symptom described in the title before a factory reset or hardware repair
What it does not cover
- ×A phone stuck in a boot loop or an app managed by an employer
- ×Billing, ownership, warranty or account-recovery disputes
- ×Regional features that the manufacturer does not list for your country
Force stop the app
ReversibleOpen Settings › Apps › See all apps, choose the app and tap Force stop, then open it again.
Restart and update
ReversibleRestart the device, update the app in Google Play, and install an available Android system update.
Clear the app cache
ReversibleOpen the app’s Storage & cache panel and choose Clear cache, then retest.
Clear storage or reinstall last
Signs you outConfirm the app’s data is synced and credentials are available before clearing storage or uninstalling.
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Visible sources support the visible claims. Home Product Support records the publisher, the fact used and the review date; community reports can suggest an issue but do not become a published fact on their own.
Exact questions
Common follow-ups
What should I try first for an android app keeps crashing or will not open?+
Open Settings › Apps › See all apps, choose the app and tap Force stop, then open it again.
Will these steps erase apps, files or settings?+
The early checks are reversible. Clear storage and uninstall can delete local app data and sign you out. Clear cache first.
When should I stop troubleshooting?+
Stop if the device reports hardware damage, becomes unusually hot, smells burnt, or the problem falls into this excluded case: A phone stuck in a boot loop or an app managed by an employer.
Answer for the exact device and software version shown above.