A frozen or incorrectly working application on Android is a problem that every user faces. Sometimes simply restarting the app is enough to return it to normal operation. But how to do it right? Not everyone knows that on Android there are several ways to restart applications - from basic to advanced, requiring technical knowledge.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods: from standard closing through the multitasking menu to forced stop through ADB or developer settings. You'll learn which method is right for your situation, how to avoid data loss, and what to do if the application refuses to close. And also why some apps hang more often than others and how to prevent this.

1. Standard restart through the multitasking menu

The easiest and fastest way is to close the application through recent tasks menu. This method works on all versions Android (from Android 5.0 Lollipop to Android 15) and does not require special knowledge. Here's how to do it:

  • 📱 On most smartphones (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel) Conduct a swipe up from the bottom of the screen and hold for 0.5 seconds to open the recent apps menu.
  • 🔍 Find the desired application in the list and swipe it up (on some firmware - left/right).
  • 🔄 Launch the application again from the main screen or menu.

This method is suitable for 90% of cases when the application freezes or is unstable. However, it does not guarantee that all background processes will stop completely; some services may continue to run. If the problem persists, proceed to the next method.

📊 How often do you encounter frozen applications on Android?
Once a week
Once a month
Very rarely
Never

2. Forced stop through Android settings

If the application does not close through the multitasking menu or restarts immediately, use forced stop. This method completely removes the app from memory and stops all associated processes. Instructions:

  1. Open Settings → Applications (on some devices - Settings → All applications).
  2. Find the desired application in the list (use search if the list is long).
  3. Tap on it and select Force stop (or Stop).
  4. Confirm the action in the window that appears.

⚠️ Attention: Forced stop may reset unsaved data in the application (for example, draft messages or game progress). Do not use this method for system applications (for example, com.android.systemui) - this may lead to unstable operation of the phone.

Save. important data in the application

Close all app windows

Check if the application is a system one

Make sure you have enough battery power-->

On some firmware (for example, MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung), the path to application settings may differ. If you don’t find the section, use the search in the settings for “applications.”

3. Restarting through the developer settings (for experienced ones)

If you developer or just like to “dig” into the settings, you can use USB debugging and command am force-stop. This method is guaranteed to close all application processes, including hidden services. Here's how to do it:

  1. Activate mode 7 times Developer: go to Settings → About phone and tap on Build number.
  2. Go back to the main settings and open a new section For Developers.
  3. Enable USB debugging.
  4. Connect the phone to the PC and run the command in ADB: 
    adb shell am force-stop com.example.app

    (replace com.example.app with the real application package).

🔍 How to find the application package? Install the application App Inspector from Google Play or use the command: 

adb shell pm list packages | grep "keyword"

For example, for Telegram this will be org.telegram.messenger.

What to do if ADB does not recognize the device?

Make sure that the drivers for your smartphone are installed (download them from the manufacturer's website).

Check whether the File transfer (MTP) mode is enabled when connecting via USB.

Restart your phone and PC.

Try another USB cable (preferably the original one).

This method is useful if the application starts background processes that cannot be removed using standard methods (for example, some launchers or optimizers). However, for ordinary users it is redundant - a forced stop through the settings will suffice.

4. Restarting through safe mode (if the application blocks the system)

There are times when the application is so strong stuckthat it prevents you from using the phone: the screen does not respond to touches, the buttons do not work, or the system constantly reboots. In such a situation, it will help safe mode (Safe Mode, which loads Android without third-party applications.

To enter safe mode:

  • 🔄 On most devices: hold the button power, then long tap on Turn off → Safe Mode.
  • 📱 On Samsung: hold the button power + volume down until the logo appears.
  • 🤖 On clean Android (for example Pixel): hold the power button, then long tap on Reboot → Safe Mode.

In Safe Mode:

  1. Delete or update the problematic application.
  2. Clear its cache in Settings → Applications.
  3. Restart the phone in normal mode.
💡

If the phone does not respond to buttons, try holding the power button for 10-15 seconds to force reboot. On some models (Xiaomi, Realme) this will work even if the system is completely blocked.

5. Automatic restart via Tasker or MacroDroid

If some application freezes regularly (for example, Facebook, Instagram or banking software), you can configure automatic restart using automation applications. The most popular tools:

Application Functional Setting up complexity Free version
Tasker Full automation (restart by time, event, condition) Complex 7 days trial period
MacroDroid Simple macros (restart by timer, when error) Simple Yes (with restrictions)
Automate Visual programming of task flows Average Yes

Configuration example in MacroDroid:

  1. Create a new macro.
  2. Add a trigger: The application is open → select the target application.
  3. Add an action: Close application → specify the same application.
  4. Add a delay (for example, 5 seconds).
  5. Add another action: Launch application.

⚠️ Attention: Automatic restart may cause problems in the application (for example, unsaved messages or game progress). Do not configure it for critical apps (banking applications, instant messengers with important correspondence). data loss in the application (for example, unsaved messages or game progress). Do not configure it for critical apps (banking applications, instant messengers with important correspondence).

6. Radical methods: clearing cache and resetting settings

If the application hangs constantly even after a restart, the problem may be deeper: a damaged cache, a conflict with other apps, or data errors. In such cases, it will help:

  • 🧹 Clear cache: go to Settings → Applications → [application name] → Storage → Clear cache. This will not delete your data, but will clear temporary files.
  • 🗑️ Clear data: same path, but select Clear data. ⚠️ This will delete all settings and application files (accounts, saves, etc.)!
  • 🔧 Reset application settings: in Settings → System → Reset → Reset application settings. This will return all permissions and settings to default.

If the problem persists, check:

  • 📥 Application updates in Google Play.
  • 🛠️ System updates in Settings → Software update.
  • 🔍 Conflicts with other apps (for example, optimizers or antiviruses).
💡

Clearing the cache is a safe first step when an application crashes. Clearing data is an extreme measure that erases all user settings.

Frequently asked questions about restarting applications

Why does the application immediately restart after closing?

This may be due to:

  • 🤖 Autostart in the application settings (disable in Settings → Applications → Autostart).
  • 🔄 Background processes (check in Settings → Battery → Battery usage).
  • 📱 System optimization (on Xiaomi, Huawei turn off “Protection” for the application).
Is it possible to restart a system application (for example, "Settings")?

Yes, but with caution. System applications (for example com.android.settings) can be forcibly stopped through the settings, but:

  • ⚠️ This can lead to unstable operation of the phone.
  • 🔄 Some system processes will restart automatically.
  • 🛠️ On some firmware (ColorOS, MIUI), system applications are protected from stopping.
How to restart an application if the screen does not respond to touches?

If the sensor does not work:

  1. Connect mouse via OTG (if your phone supports it) and close the application through the menu.
  2. Use voice assistant (for example, Google Assistant): say “Okay, Google, close [application name]. —
  3. Execute forced reboot (hold the power button for 10+ seconds).
  4. If all else fails - remove the battery (if removable) or wait until the phone is discharged.
Why does the application work slower after restarting?

This may be due to:

  • 🗑️ Clearing the cache (the application has to load data again).
  • 📶 Bad Internet (if the application depends on the network).
  • 🔋 Lack of RAM (close other applications).
  • 🛠️ Errors in the latest update (check reviews in Google Play).

If the brakes are constant, try reinstall the application or roll back to the previous version (via APK).

How to find out which application is causing crashes?

Use the built-in tools:

  • 📊 Activity Monitor: Settings → Battery → Battery usage (see which application consumes the most).
  • 🛠️ Error log: on some firmware there is a section Settings → System → Logs.
  • 🔍 Third-party utilities: CPU Monitor, OS Monitor (show processor load by application).