Applications sit at the center of smartphone technology.

But apps aren’t perfect.

They can malfunction, which is incredibly frustrating when we’re trying to get things done.

person holding smartphone in hand

When this happens, performance issues may arise.

If your RAM fills entirely, your apps may take longer to load or crash altogether.

To avoid this from happening, consider restarting your phone occasionally.

close up shot of ram chip

Old App Software

Carrying out app updates can be annoying because it’s a little inconvenient.

This can slow performance, cause crashes, and make an app almost unusable.

On top of this, old app software may have security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.

keyboard enter key with update label

App updates often patch vulnerabilities and bugs, keeping you that much safer from malicious attacks.

So, don’t be afraid to modernize your apps.

Old Operating System Software

This cause is somewhat similar to the previous one.

computer code in shape of skull

Now, unlike app updates, operating system updates can take a while, sometimes up to an hour.

That way, you won’t be without your phone when you need it during the update.

Malware

Malware isn’t just a risk to PCs and laptops; plenty of malware can infect your smartphone.

green matrix background

For example, you may unknowingly install malware via amalicious attachment.

Even applications can be malicious, designed specifically to install harmful programs or monitor your phone activity.

But sometimes, certain malware can affect your phone to the point where it becomes very noticeable.

photo of iphone with broken screen

Old or Corrupt Cache Data

Your phone’s cache is another form of temporary data storage.

It can pull up relevant data when your apps are re-opened, but it can also cause problems.

So it’s not a bad idea to clear your cache every few months to free up space.

person using map application on smartphone

Faulty Hardware

Sometimes, it’s not the software to blame for your utility issues.

This isn’t great news, as you’ll likely have to spend some money on resolving the issue.

Let’s say, for example, that you’re using an app that requires a Bluetooth connection.

Ifyour phone’s Bluetooth capabilities are damagedin any way, this will likely cause in-app issues.

The App Itself

It’s not always your phone’s fault that an app isn’t working.

Apps aren’t impervious to issues and can run into problems regularly.

Server crashes,DDoS attacks, bugs, and other factors can cause an app to malfunction.

You’ve probably come across this kind of problem before.

So, are you dealing with an individual complication or a larger problem?

A good way to determine if the app is malfunctioning is by conducting a quick online search.

Have You Tried Turning It Off and On Again?

There is no one thing that causes all tool problems.

An array of factors can play into these issues, ranging from temporary to long-term.