Key Takeaways
- An 'App Not Responding' error means the app's main process has stopped reacting to input for too long.
- Common causes include low device memory, corrupted cache, outdated software, or a bug introduced by a recent update.
- Force-stopping the app, clearing its cache, and restarting your device resolves most cases.
- Persistent freezing on one app usually points to a corrupted install or an update that needs a patch.
- Keeping apps and your operating system updated reduces how often these errors appear.
What you will need
What 'App Not Responding' Actually Means
When your phone displays an "App Not Responding" (ANR) message — or the app simply freezes with no dialog — it means the app's main processing thread has stopped handling input or rendering the screen for an extended period. On Android, this threshold is typically around five seconds of no response to a user action. iOS handles it silently but terminates or freezes apps under similar conditions.
The error isn't a sign that your phone is broken. It usually signals one of a few fixable conditions: the app has run into a software bug, your device is low on available memory, the app's stored temporary data (cache) has become corrupted, or a recent update introduced an instability. Occasionally, a weak network connection causes apps that depend heavily on real-time data to hang while waiting for a server response.
Understanding the cause helps you pick the right fix rather than randomly trying things. For broader context on how apps work at a technical level, our overview of native apps vs. web apps explains why app architecture affects performance and reliability.
What you will need
Tools You May Need
No special equipment is required, but having the following on hand will make the process smoother.
Your Smartphone (Android or iOS)
The device on which the unresponsive app is running — all steps are performed directly on it.
Stable Wi-Fi or Mobile Data Connection
Required if the fix involves downloading an app update or reinstalling the app.
Step-by-Step: Fixing an Unresponsive App
Work through these steps in order. Most users find their issue resolved by Step 3 or 4. Only proceed to later steps if earlier ones don't help.
Force-stop the unresponsive app
On Android: Go to Settings > Apps (or Application Manager), find the app, and tap Force Stop. On iOS: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-press the Home button on older models) to open the app switcher, then swipe the frozen app's card upward to close it completely.
Restart your device
A full restart clears temporary memory (RAM) and resolves many one-off software glitches. Hold your device's power button and choose Restart or Reboot. After it powers back on, reopen the app and test whether the problem persists.
Clear the app's cache
On Android: Navigate to Settings > Apps, select the app, tap Storage, then Clear Cache. Cache is temporary data the app stores to load faster — it can become corrupted and cause freezing. iOS does not expose a manual cache-clear button for most apps; offloading the app (see Step 5) achieves a similar result.
Check for and install app updates
Open your device's app store and check whether an update is available for the problem app. Developers regularly release patches that fix crash bugs. As explained in our guide on why app updates sometimes break things, a recently released update can itself introduce bugs — so if the freezing started right after an update, check the app's store reviews to see if others report the same issue before updating further or waiting for a follow-up patch.
Offload or reinstall the app
If the steps above haven't helped, a corrupted install is likely. On iOS: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, select the app, and tap Offload App — this removes the app but preserves its data, then reinstalls it when you tap the icon. On Android: Uninstall the app via Settings > Apps, then reinstall it from the app store.
Free up device storage and memory
Delete unused apps, old photos, or downloaded media to free storage space. You can also check which apps consume the most background resources — our article on signs an app is draining your battery walks through how to identify resource-hungry apps and reduce their background activity.
Don't Clear App Data Without Caution
Clearing an app's stored data (as opposed to just its cache) permanently deletes saved settings, login credentials, and locally stored content within that app. Only do this as a last resort, and be prepared to set the app up from scratch. Clearing cache alone is safe and should always be your first step.
Check Available Storage Before Troubleshooting
Apps need free space to write temporary files and operate smoothly. If your device storage is nearly full, even a healthy app can freeze. Check Settings > Storage and aim to keep at least 10–15% of your total storage free at all times.
When to Seek Further Help
If an app remains unresponsive after reinstallation, the problem may lie outside the app itself. Check whether your device's operating system has a pending update — OS-level bugs can affect how apps run. If multiple unrelated apps are freezing, low device RAM or an aging processor may be a contributing factor.
For apps that request elevated permissions, it's also worth reviewing what access you've granted. Our guide on app permissions explained can help you identify whether an app is doing more in the background than it should be, which can contribute to slowdowns and freezes.
Avoid Repeatedly Force-Stopping System Apps
Force-stopping a core system app — such as a launcher or input method — can cause instability across your whole device. If a built-in system app is frequently unresponsive, consider checking for a pending OS update or contacting your device manufacturer's support.
If you're new to managing apps in general, our first-timer's walkthrough to apps covers the fundamentals of finding, updating, and maintaining apps on any smartphone.