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If you’ve ever been in the middle of using an app on your iPad only to have it close unexpectedly, you know how frustrating it can be. Apps crashing on your iPad can seem random, but there are almost always a few underlying causes–and some easy ways to fix the problem for good. In this article, I’ll describe the most common reasons apps crash on iPad and how to fix them.
Table of Contents
10 Reasons Your iPad Apps Keep Crashing
Here’s a rundown of the factors that may cause your iPad to kick you out of apps:
1. You’re Using an Old Version of iOS With Your iPad
One of the most common reasons for apps crashing on your iPad is that you’re using an old version of iOS with your iPad. iOS is the operating system that powers your iPad and allows you to download and use apps from the App Store.
Every so often, Apple releases a new version of iOS with new features and improvements. However, they also stop supporting older versions of iOS after a certain point. If you don’t keep your iPad up-to-date with the latest iOS version, you may start having problems with apps crashing because they’re no longer compatible with your version of iOS.
Here are a few tell-tale signs that you’re using an old version of iOS:
1. Your iPad can’t connect to the App Store
If you try to open the App Store on your iPad and nothing happens, or you see a message saying that your device isn’t compatible with the App Store, it’s a good sign that your iPad is running an old version of iOS.
2. Your apps are no longer updating. If your apps have stopped updating, the chances are that they’re no longer compatible with the version of iOS you’re using.
- You can’t download new apps. Just like with app updates, you may not be able to download new apps if your iPad is running an old version of iOS.
- Some apps are no longer working. That’s because those apps require a newer version of iOS than what you have.
- Some features in apps don’t work properly anymore. If you see strange bugs or glitches in your apps that never used to happen, it’s a good sign that your iPad is due for an update.
2. There’s a Software Glitch Crashing Your Apps
Another possible reason for apps crashing on your iPad is that there might be a software glitch somewhere causing problems. If one app is constantly crashing while others are working fine, that’s usually a pretty good indication that something might be wrong with that specific app rather than your iPad as a whole.
On the other hand, if all your apps are crashing, it’s more likely that there’s a software glitch somewhere on your iPad. Here are additional signs that there might be a software glitch on your iPad:
- Your iPad is running slowly in general. If you’ve noticed that your iPad operates slower than usual, it could be because there’s a software glitch causing problems.
- You see strange graphical glitches. If you see things like pixels randomly appearing and disappearing on your screen, it’s a good sign that there might be a software glitch.
- Apps crash when you open them. If apps are crashing right when you try to open them, it’s likely because of a software glitch.
- Your iPad is crashing and restarting on its own. If it’s crashing and restarting without you even doing anything, that’s a pretty clear sign that there’s a software glitch.
3. Your iPad’s Memory Is Full
In simple terms, an iPad’s memory means how much stuff your iPad can store. That includes pictures, videos, apps, and anything else you might have saved on your iPad.
Every iPad has a certain amount of storage space, and that’s all you’ll ever have. For example, if you have a 16 GB iPad, you can only ever store up to 16 GB of stuff on your iPad.
Once your iPad’s storage space is full, it can start having many problems, including crashing apps. That’s because when your iPad’s memory is full, there’s no more room for new data (like app updates or new app downloads).
Here are 5 signs that your iPad’s memory is full:
- You can’t download new apps or updates. If you’re trying to download a new app or update an existing one and you get an error message saying that your device is out of storage, it means your iPad doesn’t have enough space to accommodate the new app or update.
- You can’t take new pictures or videos. If your iPad is full, you may not be able to take new photos or videos because there’s no more room to store them.
- Apps are crashing more often. If apps are crashing more often than they used to, it could be because your iPad’s memory is full and there’s not enough space for the apps to operate properly.
- Your iPad is running slowly. If your iPad seems slower than usual, it could be because there’s not enough memory to run all the apps and processes you have going on.
- You’re seeing a “Storage Almost Full” message. This message appears when your iPad’s storage is getting full. If you see this message, it’s a good idea to free up some space on your iPad.
4. Your Apps Are Outdated
Just like iOS updates provide new features and improvements for your iPad itself, app updates usually contain bug fixes and performance improvements for the individual apps themselves. So if an app has been crashing a lot lately, the chances are that there’s an update available that will fix the problem.
Unfortunately, not all apps are updated as often as others. Some apps might only be updated once a year or less, while others might be updated monthly or weekly. So if an app you use frequently hasn’t been updated in a while, it could start causing problems.
Some of the typical signs that an app is outdated and needs to be updated include:
- The app isn’t working correctly. If an app you use frequently suddenly starts acting up, it could be because it’s outdated.
- The app looks old. If an app’s interface looks dated or like it hasn’t been updated in a while, it could be a sign that the developer has stopped working on it.
- The app is no longer available. If an app you use suddenly becomes unavailable on the App Store, it could be because the developer has stopped supporting it.
5. You Have Too Many Apps Installed on Your iPad
If you have many apps installed on your iPad, it can cause problems. That’s because each app takes up a certain amount of space on your device, and if you have too many apps installed, it can crowd out other vital data and cause all sorts of problems.
Some of the signs that you have too many apps installed on your iPad include:
- Your iPad’s memory is full: As I mentioned before, if your iPad’s memory is full, it can start to cause all sorts of problems, including apps crashing. So if you’re seeing a “Storage Almost Full” message, it’s a good idea to delete some apps.
- Your iPad is running slowly: If your iPad seems slower than usual, it could be because there are too many apps installed and not enough memory to run them all properly.
- Apps are crashing more often: If apps are crashing more frequently, it could also be a sign that there are too many installed and insufficient memory to run them all properly.
- You can’t find the app you’re looking for: If you can’t find the app you’re looking for on your iPad, it could be because it’s buried under a bunch of other apps. Try deleting some apps to free up space and make finding the app you’re looking for easier.
6. You Have a Lot of Notifications Clogging Your iPad
If you have a lot of notifications on your iPad, that can start to slow down the device. That’s because each notification takes up a certain amount of space, and if you have too many of them, they can start to eat up your iPad’s available resources.
For example, if you have an email app that constantly syncs in the background, it can start to slow down your iPad if you have a lot of emails.
Besides, notifications can also be distracting. If you’re trying to focus on something and you keep getting interrupted by notifications, it can be very frustrating.
7. You Have Too Many Background Apps Running
If you have too many apps running in the background, it can start to slow down your iPad. That’s because each app running in the background is using up a certain amount of resources, and if you have too many apps running, it can start taxing your iPad’s available resources.
Besides, if you have too many apps running in the background, it can also start to affect your battery life. So if you find your iPad’s battery draining faster than usual, it could be because you have too many apps running in the background.
Here are the tell-tale signs that you have too many apps running in the background:
- Your iPad is running slowly. If your iPad seems slower than usual, it could be because there are too many apps running in the background and not enough resources to run them all properly.
- Apps crash more frequently. If apps are crashing more frequently, it could also be a sign that too many apps are running in the background.
- The battery drains faster. If the battery seems to be draining faster than usual, it could be because too many apps are running in the background, and they’re all using up power.
8. The Apps Are Incompatible With Your iPad
Another reason your iPad may kick you out of apps is that the apps are incompatible with your iPad. That’s most likely to happen if you’re using an older version of iOS with newer apps.
For example, let’s say you’re using an iPhone 5 running iOS 6 and try to install a new app that requires iOS 7 or later. In this case, the app would be incompatible with your iPhone and would cause it to crash.
Besides, if you’re using an older version of iOS, some apps may not even appear in the App Store. That’s because Apple requires developers to submit new versions of their apps that are compatible with the latest version of iOS.
9. You Have a Jailbroken iPad
In simple terms, a jailbroken iPad is one that’s been modified to allow you to install apps and tweaks that are not available in the App Store. While a jailbroken iPad can be fun and give you more control over your device, it also comes with some risks.
For example, jailbreaking your iPad can make it more vulnerable to malware and other security threats. And if you install an incompatible app or tweak it, it could cause your iPad to crash.
10. A Hardware Problem Could Be To Blame
In some rare cases, a hardware problem could be why your iPad keeps kicking you out of apps. For example, if your iPad’s battery is damaged or swollen, it could cause your iPad to crash.
Or if your iPad’s logic board is damaged, it could also cause your iPad to crash.
Here are a couple signs that a hardware problem could be to blame:
- The iPad is physically damaged. If your iPad has any physical damage, it could be the reason it’s crashing.
- The screen is flickering or frozen. If the screen is flickering or frozen, it could be a sign of a hardware problem.
9 Ways To Fix Your iPad Apps Crashing
Having apps crash on you can be frustrating, but there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
1. Check for Updates to iOS
One of the first things you should do is check for updates to iOS. Here’s how to do that:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Check to see if there’s an update available. If there is, download and install it.
2. Restart Your iPad
If you’re still having problems, try restarting your iPad. Here’s how to do that:
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button for 10 seconds.
- Once the power off slider appears, drag it to turn your iPad off.
- After your iPad turns off, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button again until the Apple logo appears.
3. Clear Your iPad’s Memory
If your iPad’s memory is full, it could also cause apps to crash. Here’s how to clear your iPad’s memory:
- Double-press the Home button to open the App Switcher.
- Find the app you want to close and swipe up on it to close it.
- Repeat this process for all the apps you want to close.
In addition, you can delete apps you don’t use anymore to free up some space. Here’s a video that may come in handy if you need more tips for freeing your iPad’s memory.
4. Uninstall and Reinstall Problem Apps
If you’re still having problems with apps crashing, try uninstalling and then reinstalling the problem app. Here’s how to do that:
- Tap and hold on the app icon until it starts wiggling.
- Tap on the X in the corner of the app to delete it.
- Go to the App Store and search for the app you just deleted.
- Download and install the app.
5. Update Your Apps
Another thing you can do is make sure all your apps are up to date. Here’s how to do that:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap on Updates in the bottom right corner.
- Tap on Update All to update all your apps.
- You should also check for updates to the problem app. To do that, find the app in the App Store and tap on the Update button next to it.
6. Turn Off Background App Refresh
If you have background app refresh turned on, it could be causing your apps to crash. Here’s how to turn it off:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on Background App Refresh.
- Turn the switch next to Background App Refresh to the Off position.
- You can also turn off background app refresh for specific apps by tapping on the app in the list and turning the switch next to it to the Off position.
7. Turn Off Notifications
If you’re getting a lot of notifications, it’s time to turn them off. Here’s how to do that:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Notifications.
- Scroll down and tap on the app you want to turn notifications off for.
- Turn the switch next to Allow Notifications to the Off position.
8. Get More Help From Apple
If you’ve tried all of the above and your iPad is still crashing, it’s time to get help from Apple. You can do that by making a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store or by contacting Apple Support.
Remember, if your iPad is under warranty, you may be able to get it fixed for free. And if you have AppleCare+, you may be able to get a replacement iPad.
9. Factory Reset Your iPad
If you’ve tried everything and your iPad is still crashing, you may need to factory reset it. That will delete all your data, so make sure you have a backup before doing this.
In addition, you should only do this as a last resort because it will delete everything on your iPad.
Here’s how to factory reset your iPad:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Scroll down and tap on Reset.
- Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
- If you have a passcode, you’ll be asked to enter it.
- Tap on Erase iPad. Your iPad will restart, and you’ll be asked to set it up as new or restore it from a backup.
Extra Tip: If you need a handy tool for backing up your iPad, get this PL ZMPWLQ iOS MFi Certified 256GB External-iPhone-Storage (link to Amazon.com). It’s affordable, easy to use, and affordable, making it a great choice for backing up your iPad.
Conclusion
There are many reasons your iPad can keep kicking you out of apps, from outdated software to full memory. Fortunately, there are also many ways to fix them! By following the tips above, you should be able to get those crashed apps up and running again in no time at all!