How to Fix Third-Party App Issues on Your Motorola Phone
Motorola phones are known for their clean, stock-like Android experience, but that doesn't make them immune to app-related problems. When a third-party app you've downloaded from the Google Play Store starts crashing, freezing, or refusing to open, it can disrupt your daily routine.
This guide is designed to help you troubleshoot and resolve common issues with third-party applications on your Motorola device. These steps are applicable to a wide range of app problems, from performance slowdowns to frequent crashes.
## Why Do Apps Misbehave on Your Phone?
When an app that isn't pre-installed on your phone starts acting up, it's usually due to a software issue rather than a hardware fault. Here are the most common culprits:
- Corrupted App Cache: Apps store temporary files to run efficiently. If these files get corrupted, the app can become unstable.
- Software Conflicts: Another recently installed app could be conflicting with the one that's crashing.
- Insufficient Permissions: The app may not have the necessary permissions (e.g., storage, location) to function correctly.
- Outdated Software: Either the app itself or your phone's Android operating system might need an update.
- Low Storage: If your phone's internal storage is nearly full, it can cause apps to perform poorly and crash.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing App Problems
Follow these steps in sequence. We'll start with the quickest and easiest solutions.
### Step 1: Clear the App's Cache and Data
This is the most common fix for a misbehaving app.
- Open 'Settings' on your Motorola phone.
- Go to 'Apps' or 'Apps & notifications'.
- Find the app that is causing problems and tap on it.
- Tap on 'Storage & cache'.
- First, tap 'Clear cache'. This removes temporary files without deleting your settings. Open the app to see if the issue is resolved.
- If the problem persists, return to this screen and tap 'Clear storage' or 'Clear data'. Warning: This will reset the app to its factory state, deleting all your saved data, settings, and logins for that app.
### Step 2: Check for App and System Updates
Running the latest software is crucial for stability.
- Update the App: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select 'Manage apps & device', and then 'Updates available'. See if the problematic app has an update and install it.
- Update Your Phone: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System updates to check if a new version of Android is available for your Motorola device.
### Step 3: Review App Permissions
If an app can't access what it needs, it will fail.
- Go to Settings > Apps and select the app.
- Tap on 'Permissions'.
- Review the list of permissions. If you see any that are 'Denied' which seem essential for the app's function (e.g., a photo editing app needing 'Storage' permission), grant them.
### Step 4: Boot into Safe Mode
Safe Mode helps you determine if another app is causing the problem.
- Press and hold the physical Power button.
- In the menu that appears, press and hold the 'Power off' option on the screen.
- A 'Reboot to safe mode' prompt will appear. Tap 'OK'.
- Your phone will restart in Safe Mode (you'll see 'Safe mode' text on the screen).
- Try opening the problematic app. If it works correctly in Safe Mode, this indicates that another app you've installed is causing a conflict.
- To fix this, restart your phone normally and begin uninstalling your most recently downloaded apps one by one until the issue is resolved.
By following these troubleshooting steps, you can identify and fix the root cause of most third-party app issues on your Motorola phone.