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If an app on your Pixel crashes, won’t open, or stops responding, start by restarting the phone and installing available Android and app updates. If that does not help, force-stop the app and clear its cache. When several apps—or the phone itself—are unstable, use safe mode to check whether a downloaded app is involved.
First, work out whether one app or the phone is affected
If just one app crashes while other apps and the phone work normally, focus on that app’s updates, cache, and developer support. If several apps fail or the phone is unstable, check Android updates and available storage, then use safe mode to test for a downloaded-app cause.
Google recommends restarting after each troubleshooting step. That makes it easier to tell whether a change fixed the problem.
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- Restart the phone. For a normal restart, press and hold the power controls and choose Restart. If the phone is unresponsive, the button sequence for a forced restart differs by generation: on Pixel 5a and earlier, press and hold Power; on Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold, press Power and Volume Up, then tap Restart.
- Check for an Android update. Open Settings → System → Software update and follow any available update prompts.
- Update the affected app. Open the Google Play Store, find the app, and install an available update.
Restart again and check the app after each step. Google’s Pixel troubleshooting instructions say, “After each step, restart your phone to see if it fixed the issue.” Google’s Pixel app troubleshooting guide covers crashes, apps that won’t open, and apps that won’t respond.
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- 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]
Force-stop the app, then clear its cache
Force-stop and reopen
Open Settings → Apps → See all apps, select the affected app, and tap Force stop. Open the app again and check whether the problem returns.
Clear temporary cache files
If force-stopping does not help, go to the app’s page in Settings, open Storage & cache, and tap Clear cache. This removes temporary files, not the app’s saved data. Google notes that it may be a short-term fix because cached files can accumulate again.
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]
Check storage if the phone or several apps are unstable
Google’s Pixel phone troubleshooting guidance flags a phone with less than 10% of its storage available as a possible source of issues. Treat that as a troubleshooting threshold, not proof that low storage is causing a particular app crash. Check your available space in Settings and make room if it is low. Google’s guidance for Pixel phone issues includes the storage threshold.
Use safe mode to test for a downloaded-app problem
Safe mode temporarily turns off downloaded apps. If the problem stops in safe mode, a downloaded app is likely involved. If it continues, Google says an app is not the cause.
Start safe mode while the phone is on
- Pixel 5a and earlier: Press and hold Power. Touch and hold Power off, then tap OK when prompted to reboot in safe mode.
- Pixel 6 and later, including Fold: Press Power and Volume Up together. Touch and hold Power off or Restart, then tap OK.
When the phone restarts, look for “Safe mode” at the bottom of the screen. Airplane mode turns on automatically; turn it off if you need GPS, Wi-Fi, or phone calls while testing. Google’s Pixel safe-mode instructions include the steps for identifying problematic apps.
Remove a likely culprit one app at a time
- Restart the phone normally to exit safe mode.
- Uninstall a recently downloaded app, then restart and test whether the original problem returns.
- Repeat with other recent downloads one at a time, restarting and testing after each removal.
Testing individually helps identify the cause without removing several apps unnecessarily. After finding and removing the app associated with the problem, you can reinstall other apps you removed during the check.
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]
Before clearing app data or uninstalling
These steps can remove information saved by the app on the phone. Clear cache first; do not confuse it with clearing storage or data.
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- Uninstall the app: Uninstalling also erases its app data. Some Pixel essential apps cannot be uninstalled.
- Uninstall updates: For a Pixel native app that cannot be uninstalled, this may be available instead. Google cautions that saved data may be erased.
These options are on the affected app’s Settings page. Google’s app troubleshooting instructions describe the available actions and their data consequences.
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- 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
When to contact support
If only one app remains broken after you have updated it, force-stopped it, and cleared its cache, Google recommends contacting that app’s developer. For problems with Google apps or trouble updating apps, Google directs users to Google Play support.
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