How to Fix Apps on an Android Phone or Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Sometimes you may experience issues with certain apps on your Android device. This may be because the app itself is having some sort of issue, or this could be due to your Android device experiencing problems that are causing the app to misbehave. This guide will take you through common ways to resolve issues with apps on your Android device.

Sad android logo.

2. Restart

  1. 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.
  2. A prompt will appear on-screen. Select Restart.
Power prompt with Restart highlighted.

If the menu does not pop up, continue to hold the power button, and your Android device will shut off.

  • If you had to shut down your Android device, wait 30 seconds before turning your device back on.

3. Clear Application Data

  1. Swipe down from the top edge of your Android device's screen to see the Notification shade.
Screen with arrow pointing down indicating for you to swipe down from the top of the screen with your finger
  1. Swipe down a second time for the full Quick Settings shade. Select the Settings icon near the top right.
Quick Settings page with Settings gear highlighted
  1. Select Apps.
Settings page with Apps highlighted
  1. Select the application you are having trouble with.
  2. Tap Stop or Force Stop if available.
  3. Tap Clear Data.
Apps settings page with Clear Data highlighted

4. Introduction

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.

5. Uninstall an App

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.
App on Home Screen highlighted.


  • Drag the icon to Uninstall at the top then release.
Icon with arrow pointing toward Uninstall.


  • When prompted if you want to uninstall, select OK.
Uninstall prompt with OK highlighted.
  • Uninstall from Settings
  • Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Android Settings.


  • Select Apps.
Settings with Apps highlighted.


  • Select the app you'd like to uninstall.
Example list of apps.


  • Select Uninstall.
App info with Uninstall highlighted.


  • When prompted if you want to uninstall, select OK.
Uninstall prompt with OK highlighted.

6. Install App

  1. Launch the Play Store on your device.
Google play store icon.


  1. Search for your desired app using the search box located at the top.
  2. Touch the magnifying glass on the on-screen keyboard to search.
Android Keyboard with search magnifying glass highlighted.


  1. On the app's install page, touch INSTALL.
  2. Review the install prompt that pops up. Once done, touch ACCEPT.
  3. 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.

7. Introduction

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.

8. System Update

  1. Open Settings on your phone or tablet.
Android Settings.
  1. Scroll to the bottom, and select About.
Settings with About phone highlighted.
  1. Select System update.
Status with System update highlighted.
  1. 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.
Updates with Check for update highlighted.
  1. 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.

9. What's next?