Why Do Games Keep Crashing on Android? 10 Fixes to Try
Game crashing, freezing, or closing on launch? Try these 10 Android fixes, from clearing cache and updating WebView to checking storage and compatibility.
Few things are more frustrating than a game crashing right when you’re winning — or refusing to open at all. Crashes usually have simple causes. Work through these fixes in order, starting with the quickest.
1. Restart your phone
It sounds too simple, but restarting clears temporary glitches and memory problems. Try it first.
2. Update the game
Developers frequently fix crashes in updates. Open the Play Store, search for the game, and tap Update if available. Our update guide covers stuck updates.
3. Update Android and system components
- Android updates: Settings → System → System update (Samsung: Settings → Software update)
- Google Play system updates: often under Settings → Security & privacy → System & updates
- Android System WebView and Chrome: Update these in the Play Store. Some apps rely on WebView, and outdated versions have caused crashes in the past.
4. Free up storage
Games need free space for temporary files. If your storage is nearly full, games may crash or fail to load. Keep several gigabytes free. See how to free up storage on Android.
5. Clear the game’s cache
Corrupted cached files can cause crashes.
- Go to Settings → Apps → [the game] → Storage & cache.
- Tap Clear cache.
Careful: Don’t tap Clear storage unless your progress is linked to an account. Clearing storage resets the app and can delete local saves. Read how to back up game progress first.
6. Force stop the game
If the game freezes but doesn’t fully close, go to Settings → Apps → [the game] and tap Force stop. Then open it again.
7. Check for overheating
Phones under heat stress can crash demanding games. If crashes happen after you’ve been playing for a while, heat is a likely culprit. Lower graphics settings and follow our overheating guide.
8. Lower graphics settings
If your phone barely meets a game’s requirements, high settings can cause crashes from running out of memory. Choose lower graphics and frame rates.
9. Check compatibility
The game’s Play Store listing shows whether your phone is compatible. Some games stop supporting older Android versions or phones with limited RAM. If your phone is no longer supported, the game may crash or fail to update.
10. Reinstall the game
If nothing else works:
- Make sure your progress is linked to an account.
- Uninstall the game.
- Restart your phone.
- Reinstall it from the Play Store.
Reinstalling replaces any damaged files.
Still crashing? Contact support
If a game still crashes:
- Check the game’s official social media, website, or Discord for known issues.
- Use the in-game support option, or the developer contact listed on the Play Store page.
- Include your phone model, Android version, and what you were doing when it crashed.
Avoid risky “fixes”
Don’t download “fixed” versions of games from websites or install modded APKs. They can contain malware, can steal your account, and often break game rules. Only install games and updates from the Google Play Store.
Quick crash checklist
| Step | Done? |
|---|---|
| Restart phone | ☐ |
| Update game, Android, WebView | ☐ |
| Free up storage | ☐ |
| Clear cache | ☐ |
| Lower graphics | ☐ |
| Check compatibility | ☐ |
| Reinstall (after backing up) | ☐ |
Most crashes are fixed by the first five steps. Work through them calmly, and you’ll be back in the game soon.
Frequently asked questions
Why does a game crash only on my phone?
Games can have bugs on specific phone models or Android versions. Updating the game and Android often fixes it, and reporting the problem helps developers fix it faster.
Will clearing cache delete my game?
No. Clearing cache only removes temporary files. Clearing storage (or data) is different — it resets the app.
Should I factory reset my phone to fix crashes?
Only as a last resort, after backing up everything. Most crashes are fixed by updating, clearing cache, or reinstalling the game.
Spotted something out of date? Apps change fast. Let us know and we’ll review the guide.
