App Crashes & Freezes

Common symptoms

• App quits unexpectedly.
• App freezes and shows the spinning beachball.
• App won’t open at all.
• App becomes unresponsive after a few minutes.
• Multiple apps freeze at the same time.

Step 1 – Force quit the app

If an app is frozen, force quitting is the fastest way to regain control.

1. Press Option + Command + Esc.
2. Select the frozen app.
3. Click Force Quit.

Step 2 – Update the app

Outdated apps often crash due to compatibility issues.

• App Store apps: Open App Store → Updates.
• Third‑party apps: Check the developer’s website.

Step 3 – Update macOS

System bugs can cause app instability.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to General → Software Update.
3. Install any available updates.

Step 4 – Check Activity Monitor

High CPU or memory usage can cause apps to freeze.

1. Open Activity Monitor (Applications → Utilities).
2. Check the CPU and Memory tabs.
3. Quit apps using excessive resources.

Step 5 – Test in Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables extensions and login items that may cause crashes.

Apple silicon

1. Shut down the Mac.
2. Hold the power button until “Loading startup options”.
3. Select your disk → hold Shift → Continue in Safe Mode.

Intel Macs

1. Shut down.
2. Turn on and hold Shift.
3. Release at login screen.

If the app works in Safe Mode, the issue is likely caused by extensions or login items.

Step 6 – Remove unnecessary login items

Startup apps can conflict with other software.

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to General → Login Items.
3. Remove items you don’t need.

Step 7 – Reset the app’s preferences

Corrupted preference files can cause crashes.

1. Quit the app.
2. Open Finder.
3. Press Command + Shift + G.
4. Enter:

   ~/Library/Preferences

5. Find the app’s .plist file and move it to the desktop.
6. Reopen the app.

If the app works, delete the old .plist file.

Step 8 – Reinstall the app

Reinstalling replaces damaged files.

1. Delete the app.
2. Empty the Trash.
3. Reinstall from the App Store or developer website.

Step 9 – Run Disk Utility First Aid

Disk errors can cause apps to freeze or crash.

1. Restart into Recovery Mode.
2. Open Disk Utility.
3. Select your startup disk.
4. Run First Aid.

When it might be hardware

• Multiple apps crash at random times.
• Mac freezes even in Recovery Mode.
• Frequent kernel panics.
• Failing SSD or overheating issues.