How to Fix iPhone Apps Crashing or Freezing (iOS 17 Guide)

If your iPhone apps are crashing or freezing after updating to iOS 17, don’t stress—it’s usually a simple fix. The fastest way to stop the crashing is to force quit the app and restart your iPhone, then check for app updates in the App Store. This solves most glitches instantly. But if the problem keeps happening, there are a few more steps worth trying before reinstalling or resetting anything.
1. Force Quit the App
Sometimes, an app just needs a fresh start.
- Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or double-tap the Home button if you have one)
- Find the frozen app and swipe it up to close
Then relaunch the app and see if it runs normally.
2. Restart Your iPhone
Turning your iPhone off and back on can clear out small memory issues causing apps to crash.
- For Face ID models: Hold the Side button + Volume Up/Down
- For Touch ID models: Hold the Power button
Wait a few seconds, then turn it back on and reopen the app.
3. Check for App Updates
Some apps may not yet be optimized for iOS 17, and developers often release fixes quickly.
- Go to the App Store
- Tap your profile icon (top right)
- Scroll down and update all apps
Look specifically for the crashing app and make sure it’s the latest version.
4. Update iOS (If Needed)
Apple often releases minor updates to fix stability issues after major iOS releases.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If an update is available, install it
This can patch bugs that affect how apps behave.

5. Delete and Reinstall the App
If one specific app keeps freezing:
- Long-press the app icon > Remove App
- Re-download it from the App Store
This removes corrupted files and refreshes everything from scratch.
6. Free Up Storage Space
Apps may crash if your iPhone is running low on storage.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Delete large files, old apps, or offload unused content
Aim to keep at least 1–2GB free for optimal performance.
7. Reset All Settings (Last Resort)
If you’ve tried everything and the issue continues across multiple apps:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
This won’t delete your data, but it will reset preferences like Wi-Fi passwords and home screen layout.
Final Thought:
iOS 17 brought great features, but like every major update, a few bugs are expected. Most app crashes are easy to fix with updates, restarts, or simple resets. Give these steps a shot—and you’ll likely have your apps running smoothly again in no time.