If an app on your Google Pixel crashes, won’t open, or stops responding, restart the phone and install available Android and app updates first. If that does not fix it, force-stop the app and clear its cache. When several apps or the phone itself seem affected, use safe mode to check whether a downloaded app is involved. Avoid clearing app data or uninstalling until you understand what could be erased.
First, work out whether one app or the phone is affected
If only one app crashes while other apps work normally, focus on that app: update it, force-stop it, and clear its cache. If several apps misbehave or the Pixel is unstable, safe mode can help determine whether a downloaded app is contributing to the problem. Google’s Pixel app troubleshooting guidance recommends restarting after each troubleshooting step.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Restart the Pixel and install updates
- Restart the phone. The button sequence depends on the model: on Pixel 5a and earlier, press and hold the Power button; on Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold, press Power and Volume Up, then tap Restart.
- Check for Android updates at Settings → System → Software update and install any available update.
- Open the Play Store, find the affected app, and install its update if one is available. Reopen the app to check whether the problem remains.
Restart and test after each troubleshooting step so you can tell whether it helped.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsForce-stop the app and clear its cache
Force-stop and reopen
- Open Settings → Apps → See all apps.
- Tap the affected app, then tap Force stop.
- Open the app again and check whether it crashes, fails to open, or stops responding.
Clear temporary cached files
- From the app’s page in Settings, open Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache, then reopen the app.
Clearing cache removes temporary files, not the app’s saved data. Google describes it as a short-term fix because cached files can build up again. Do not confuse Clear cache with Clear storage or Clear data: those options can erase data saved by the app on the phone.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Use safe mode to check for a downloaded app problem
Safe mode temporarily turns off downloaded apps. If the problem disappears there, a downloaded app is likely involved. If the issue continues in safe mode, Google says a downloaded app is not the cause. Safe mode does not identify the specific app; you’ll need to isolate it after restarting normally.
Enter safe mode
With the phone on, use the sequence for your Pixel generation:
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
- Pixel 5a and earlier: Press and hold Power. On the screen, touch and hold Power off.
- Pixel 6 and later, including Fold: Press Power and Volume Up together. Then touch and hold Power off or Restart.
When prompted, tap OK. Google’s safe mode instructions note that Airplane mode turns on automatically. Turn it off if you need GPS, Wi-Fi, or calls while testing.
Remove apps one at a time if safe mode fixes the issue
- Exit safe mode by restarting the phone normally.
- Uninstall a recently downloaded app, then restart and test the phone.
- Repeat with other recent downloads one at a time until the problem stops.
- After identifying and removing the likely cause, reinstall other apps you removed if you still want them.
Testing after each removal helps pinpoint the cause; removing several apps at once makes it harder to know which one mattered.
Before clearing app data or uninstalling
These steps carry more risk to saved information than restarting, updating, force-stopping, or clearing cache. Clearing storage or data deletes app data saved on the phone. Uninstalling an app also erases its app data, and Google notes that some essential Pixel apps cannot be uninstalled.
- Uninstall updates: For Pixel native apps that cannot be uninstalled, Google provides an option to uninstall updates. Google cautions that saved data may be erased, so treat this as a data-risking step.
- Uninstall and reinstall: Consider this only after checking whether the app’s important information is backed up or can be restored. Uninstalling erases app data.
Google’s app troubleshooting steps describe these options. Check the app’s own backup or account-sync arrangements before proceeding; do not assume that uninstalling preserves information stored only on the device.
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
If the whole phone keeps crashing
Google’s phone-crash troubleshooting guidance flags a Pixel with less than 10% of storage available as potentially having issues. Treat that as a troubleshooting threshold from Google, not proof that low storage caused a particular crash. Check available space and free storage if the phone is running low.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
When to contact support
- One third-party app remains broken: Google recommends contacting that app’s developer.
- A Google app is affected, or you cannot update apps: Google directs users to Google Play support.
- Several apps or the phone remain unstable: If the issue persists after updates and safe-mode testing, consult Google’s Pixel support guidance for phone-level troubleshooting.
For further steps, see Google’s app troubleshooting and safe mode instructions. Button sequences and settings may vary by Pixel generation and Android version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
