• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Technipages

Tutorials and fixes for smartphone, gadget, and computer problems

  • Topics
    • Android
    • Gaming
    • Hardware
    • Internet
    • iOS
    • MacOS
    • Office
    • Software
    • Windows
    • Definitions
  • Product Reviews
  • Downloads
  • About Technipages
Why Do Android Apps “Force Close”?

Why Do Android Apps “Force Close”?

By Mitch Bartlett 2 Comments

We’ve all had that stubborn app that just won’t work. Android users are constantly greeted with that “The applications has stopped unexpectedly. Please try again.” message when you need to use the app most. Your only choice is to tap “Force close” to exit the app. Many people have asked me “Why do Android apps Force Close?” It’s not an easy question to answer. There can be many reasons.

Generally, apps force close because they have encountered a condition that they are not coded to handle. For example, let’s say a given app uses a front-facing camera for video conferencing. When you launch it, it tries to access the front camera. But your phone doesn’t have a front-facing camera. If the program is not programmed in a way to handle that situation, it may throw a “Force close” error message. Program code would have to explicitly be written within the app for handling a situation where there is no front-facing camera to prevent the error.

Some force closes can be caused by software compatibility issues. If an app was written to utilize resources in Android 2.2 and you are running Android 8.0. The app may not be able to run properly because it isn’t programmed to do anything if the resource isn’t present. The same goes for resources such as memory. If the app has to utilize 100MB of RAM to operate and your device only has 64MB available to use, it may give up and force close.

Fixing Common Force Close Problems

Most often, force close messages are caused by the app accessing corrupted data. For one reason or another, the app expects a certain bit of data to be available and can’t access it. Since the program isn’t programmed or “told” what to do in such situations, the result is a force close. In these cases, you can usually clear the problem by going to Settings > Apps > app name > Clear data. If doing this doesn’t work, you may want to contact the developer of the app for advice.

 

There is very little users can do to prevent force close errors. Though, you can usually find a workaround for app issues in various Android forums throughout the Interwebs or by using an alternate app. Like it or not, force close errors are simply a part of an Android owner’s life.

You Might Also Like

  • Windows 10: Force Close Apps That Are Frozen in Full-Screen
    Windows 10: Force Close Apps That Are Frozen in Full-Screen
  • Galaxy S10e: Close Apps
    Galaxy S10e: Close Apps
  • MacOS: Force Quit Apps
    MacOS: Force Quit Apps
  • Firefox for Android: How to Force Enable Zooming
    Firefox for Android: How to Force Enable Zooming
  • 3 Best RSS Feed Apps For Android
    3 Best RSS Feed Apps For Android
  • Best Timer Apps for Android
    Best Timer Apps for Android
  • Android: 4 Best Podcast Apps
    Android: 4 Best Podcast Apps
  • Best Android Music Apps
    Best Android Music Apps
  • How to Hide Apps on Android
    How to Hide Apps on Android

Filed Under: Android Tagged With: Oreo

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Fauzi says

    February 28, 2021 at 8:26 am

    Great explain and example. Thanks

  2. Alexx Cruz says

    December 20, 2017 at 3:24 am

    Thanks bro.. seems like you posted the article to me alone.. I was seriously annoyed with my phone.. Infinix Note 4.
    Thanks once again!

Did this help? Let us know!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The Latest Foldable Phones – A Look At The Huawei P50 Pocket
  • Best Budget Android Phones 2022
  • How To Install Google Assistant on Galaxy Watch 4
  • How to Build the Best Themed PC for Your Budget
  • Windows 11: How to Change the System Sounds
  • Windows 11: How to Get the Battery Report
  • How to Fix Mic Not Working on Android
  • Google Maps: How to Use Coordinates

Who’s Behind Technipages?

Baby and Daddy My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

You May Also Like

  • 10 Best Android Phone Cleaner Apps in 2019
  • 10 Best Speaker Booster Apps
  • 9 Best Android TV box
  • Best Budget Android Phones 2021

© Copyright 2022 Technipages · All Rights Reserved · Privacy