Apps closing unexpectedly on iPhones can be frustrating. This issue often stems from outdated software, lack of storage space, or conflicts with other apps. Updating your iPhone’s iOS and individual apps usually resolves most app crashing problems.
Simple fixes can often solve app closure issues. Restarting your iPhone, closing background apps, and checking your internet connection are quick steps to try. If these don’t work, deleting and reinstalling the problematic app may help.
Sometimes, low storage space causes apps to close. Freeing up space by deleting unused apps or large files can improve app performance. Regularly updating your iPhone and apps also prevents many app-related problems.
Why iPhone Apps Keep Closing Unexpectedly
There are several common reasons why apps crash or close on iPhones:
- Outdated App Version
Apps that aren’t updated may not be compatible with the latest iOS version, causing instability or crashes.
→ Check for updates in the App Store under your profile icon (source: Apple Support). - Outdated iOS Software
If your iPhone software is outdated, it can conflict with newer app versions.
→ Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. - Low Storage Space
When your iPhone runs out of storage, apps can crash due to insufficient memory.
→ Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage and free up space by deleting unused apps or media. - Background Processes Overload
Too many apps running in the background can overtax your phone’s processor or memory.
→ Swipe up (or double-click Home button on older models) and close unused apps. - Corrupted App Data or Cache
Sometimes, app data becomes corrupted and causes instability.
→ Delete and reinstall the problematic app. - Network Issues
Apps that rely on internet connectivity (like YouTube or Instagram) may crash if your connection is unstable.
→ Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data. - System Glitches or Bugs
Occasionally, iOS itself may have bugs. Restarting your device can clear temporary system issues.
→ Press and hold the Power button and slide to power off, then restart. - Hardware Limitations
On older iPhones, newer apps might demand more processing power or memory than the device can handle.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Fixes
- Force Close and Reopen the App
- Swipe up from the bottom (or double-tap Home) → find the app → swipe it up to close.
- Reopen the app.
- Update the App and iOS
- App Store → Profile icon → Update All.
- Settings → General → Software Update.
- Restart Your iPhone
- This clears temporary system memory and can fix random app crashes.
- Reinstall the App
- Tap and hold the app → Delete → Reinstall from the App Store.
- Free Up Storage Space
- Delete unused apps, old photos, or large files.
- Offload unused apps under Settings > iPhone Storage.
- Reset All Settings (if issues persist)
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
(Note: This won’t delete your data, but will reset Wi-Fi passwords and preferences.)
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Contact the App Developer or Apple Support
- If the issue is isolated to one app, report it to the developer.
- For persistent system-wide crashes, contact Apple Support.
⚡ Pro Tips
- Keep your iPhone charged — low battery can cause performance dips.
- Avoid multitasking with heavy apps (like games and video editing tools).
- Regularly restart your iPhone to clear temporary memory.
In summary:
Most iPhone app crashes are caused by outdated software, low storage, or temporary glitches. Keeping your apps and iOS updated, managing storage, and restarting your device regularly can prevent most issues (sources: Apple Support, MacPaw, How-To Geek).
Key Takeaways
- Update iOS and apps to fix most app crashing issues
- Restart iPhone or reinstall problematic apps as quick fixes
- Free up storage space to improve app performance
Understanding the Causes of App Closures on iPhone
App closures on iPhones can stem from various factors. These issues range from software problems to hardware constraints. Knowing the root causes helps users fix and prevent app crashes effectively.
Software Issues and App Updates
Outdated apps often lead to crashes. Developers release updates to fix bugs and improve compatibility with new iOS versions. Old app versions may not work well with the latest iPhone software.
To avoid this:
- Check the App Store for updates regularly
- Enable automatic app updates in Settings
- Update iOS to the newest version
Sometimes new iOS updates can cause app issues. In this case wait for the app developer to release a fix. If an app keeps crashing delete and reinstall it. This can solve problems with corrupted app data.
Hardware Limitations and Performance Constraints
iPhones have limited RAM and processing power. This can cause apps to close when the device is overloaded.
Tips to improve performance:
- Close unused apps running in the background
- Restart your iPhone regularly
- Free up storage space by deleting unused apps and files
Older iPhone models may struggle with newer resource-heavy apps. Consider upgrading your device if you face frequent app crashes on an old iPhone.
Troubleshooting Tips
Try these steps if apps keep closing:
- Force restart your iPhone
- Reset all settings (this won’t delete your data)
- Check your internet connection
- Clear app cache if possible
- Contact app support for specific issues
If problems persist across multiple apps contact Apple Support. They can check for hardware issues or offer more advanced solutions.
Remember to back up your iPhone before trying major fixes. This protects your data in case something goes wrong during troubleshooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
iPhone apps can close unexpectedly for various reasons. Common causes include software glitches memory issues and outdated app versions. Here are some key questions and answers about this problem:
Why do my iPhone apps unexpectedly shut down?
Apps may shut down due to low memory or bugs in the app code. Closing background apps and restarting your iPhone can often fix this issue. Make sure your apps and iOS are up to date.
What causes some apps on my iPhone to stop working?
Insufficient storage space can make apps stop working. Delete unused apps or files to free up space. Corrupted app data can also cause problems. Try deleting and reinstalling the app.
How can I prevent my iPhone apps from closing on their own?
Keep your iPhone and apps updated. Avoid running too many apps at once. Restart your device regularly. Check for and remove any malware that might interfere with app performance.
Why do my apps keep crashing on my iPhone after an update?
New iOS updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues with older apps. Wait for app developers to release updates. If the problem persists try uninstalling and reinstalling the affected apps.
What might be causing my apps on an iPhone to close immediately upon opening?
This can happen if an app’s data is corrupted. Delete the app and reinstall it from the App Store. If the issue continues try resetting your iPhone’s settings or contacting the app developer for help.
Is there a reason why apps are closing while running in the background on my iPhone?
iOS may close background apps to save battery life or free up memory. To keep apps running longer adjust your Background App Refresh settings. Some apps may also have built-in timers that close them after a set period.
