How to Fix App Issues on an Android Phone or Tablet
Authored by:
Support.com Tech Pro Team
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1 Resolution Guide
This guide will take you step-by-step through App issue fixes with your smart device. Each step will be a different approach from the last to provide the best possible resolutions.
2 Restart
- Hold down the power button on your Android device.
Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
- A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
If the Restart option doesn't show up, tap Power Off instead. Press and hold the power button to turn the device back on.
If the menu doesn't show up, continue holding the power button until the device will turns off.
If the menu doesn't show up, continue holding the power button until the device will turns off.
? Did restarting fix the issue?
This guide will take you step-by-step through App issue fixes with your smart device. Each step will be a different approach from the last to provide the best possible resolutions.
- Hold down the power button on your Android device.
Depending on the manufacturer and model of Android device you have, the location of the power button will vary.
- A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
If the Restart option doesn't show up, tap Power Off instead. Press and hold the power button to turn the device back on.
If the menu doesn't show up, continue holding the power button until the device will turns off.
If the menu doesn't show up, continue holding the power button until the device will turns off.
- Swipe down from the top edge of your Android device's screen to see the Notification shade.
- Swipe down a second time for the full Quick Settings shade. Select the Settings icon near the top right.
- Select Apps.
- Select the application you are having trouble with.
- Tap Stop or Force Stop if available.
- Tap Clear Data.
The next steps will guide you through reinstalling the app you are having issues with. We'll start by uninstalling the app, and then we'll reinstall it from the Google Play store.
There are two ways to uninstall apps from your Android device.
-
Uninstall from Home Screen or App Drawer
- Locate the app on your Home Screen or App Drawer. Tap and hold the app icon, and start dragging it around.
- Drag the icon to Uninstall at the top then release.
- When prompted if you want to uninstall, select OK.
- Locate the app on your Home Screen or App Drawer. Tap and hold the app icon, and start dragging it around.
-
Uninstall from Settings
- Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
- Select Apps.
- Select the app you'd like to uninstall.
- Select Uninstall.
- When prompted if you want to uninstall, select OK.
- Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
- Launch the Play Store on your device.
- Search for your desired app using the search box located at the top.
- Touch the magnifying glass on the on-screen keyboard to search.
- On the app's install page, touch INSTALL.
- Review the install prompt that pops up. Once done, touch ACCEPT.
- Wait for the download to finish. Once done, touch OPEN to launch the app or go back to your apps to access the new app's icon.
Android OS updates offer system enhancements and bug fixes that can improve the user experience. The Android OS can be updated manually by following the next steps.
Before proceeding with a system update, make sure that the battery level of your device is sufficient. This is best done while the battery level is at least 80%, or better when plugged in to the power outlet.
- Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
- Scroll to the bottom, and select About.
- Select System update.
- You'll see if there's any updates available, as well as when your device last checked for updates. If you wish, you can choose Check for update to make sure.
- If an update is available, you can download and install it here.
Do not turn off your phone during an update, it can result in serious problems that would require a qualified technician to fix.