Fix an installed app that isn't working on a Pixel phone

Try the following steps if an app installed on your phone has any of these problems:

• Crashing. 
• Won’t open. 
• Won’t respond. 
• Isn’t working properly. If the app that isn’t working is an Instant App, try these troubleshooting steps instead.

After each step, restart your phone to see if it fixed the issue.

Note: Some of these steps work only on Android 8.1 and up. Learn how to check your Android version.

Step 1: Restart & update

Restart your phone

1. Restart your phone.
   • On Pixel 5a and earlier: Press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, or until your phone restarts.
   • On Pixel 6 and later, including Fold: Press and hold the Power button + Volume up button for a few seconds.
2. Tap Restart .

Check for Android updates

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Near the bottom, tap System  Software update.
3. When the update status appears on your screen, follow the steps.

Update the app

1. Open the Google Play Store app .
2. At the top right, tap the profile icon.
3. Tap Manage apps & devices.
4. Under "Updates available," choose to update all apps or a specific app.

Step 2: Check for a larger app issue

Force stop the app

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Apps See all apps.
3. Tap the app  Force stop OK. 

 

Tip: If problems continue after you've force stopped the app, you could need to contact its developer. Learn how to contact a developer.

Clear the app's cache

Clearing cached data can free up needed space by removing temporary files. This is a short-term solution. Over time, cached data will build up again.

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Apps See all apps.
3. Tap the app.
4. Tap Storage & cache Clear cache.

Tip: If problems continue after you've force stopped the app, you could need to contact its developer. Learn how to contact a developer.

Clear the app's data

Caution: Any data saved in this app will be erased.

1. Open your phone's Settings app.
2. Tap Apps See all apps.
3. Tap the app.
4. Tap Storage & cache  Clear storage or Clear data OK.

Tip: If problems continue after you've force stopped the app, you could need to contact its developer. Learn how to contact a developer.

Contact the app developer

• If you can’t update any apps, or if you have trouble with Google apps, contact Google Play.
• If you have trouble with one app but can use other apps without a problem, contact the app developer.

Uninstall the app

Caution: Any data saved in this app will be erased.

1. Touch and hold the app.
2. Tap Remove App  Delete App.
3. To confirm, tap Delete.

Tip: If you want to use the app again, you can try to reinstall it. Learn how to reinstall apps.

Related resources

• Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode
• Fix a phone that's restarting or crashing
• Fix a phone that freezes or is unresponsive