Published 2023-08-25 by TechNet New England
When an app crashes (closes unexpectedly and returns you to the home screen), it is usually caused by a software bug, low storage, or an outdated app or iOS version. ## Fix 1: Force Close and Reopen 1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle (or double-click the Home button on older models). 2. Find the app in the app switcher. 3. Swipe it up to close it. 4. Open the app again. ## Fix 2: Restart the Device 1. Press and hold the **Side button** and **Volume button** (or just the Side button on older models). 2. Slide to power off. 3. Wait 30 seconds. 4. Press the Side button to turn it back on. ## Fix 3: Update the App 1. Open the **App Store**. 2. Tap your profile picture in the top right. 3. Scroll down to see available updates. 4. Tap **Update** next to the crashing app, or **Update All**. ## Fix 4: Update iOS/iPadOS 1. Go to **Settings > General > Software Update**. 2. Install any available updates. App crashes are sometimes caused by bugs that Apple fixes in iOS updates. ## Fix 5: Check Storage Low storage can cause apps to crash. 1. Go to **Settings > General > iPhone Storage** (or iPad Storage). 2. If storage is nearly full, delete unused apps, old photos, or large files. 3. Apps need free space to cache data and run properly. ## Fix 6: Delete and Reinstall the App 1. Press and hold the app icon on the home screen. 2. Tap **Remove App > Delete App**. 3. Go to the App Store and reinstall it. 4. Sign in again if needed. This gives you a fresh copy with no corrupt cached data. ## Fix 7: Check If It Is a Known Issue Search the web for "[app name] crashing [your iOS version]." If many people are reporting the same problem, the developer is likely aware and working on a fix. Wait for an app update. ## When to Contact IT If the crashing app is a work application (managed through your organization's MDM), contact your IT provider. They can check if the app version is compatible with your iOS version, push a different version, or reconfigure the app profile.