What resetting an process does
Resetting an process clears out the data it has stored on your device — cached files, login information, settings you changed, and temporary files that sometimes get corrupted. When an app freezes, crashes repeatedly, or behaves strangely, a reset often fixes the problem by forcing it to start fresh the next time you open it.
A reset is different from uninstalling. When you uninstall an app, you remove it completely. When you reset it, you keep the app but erase what it remembers. On most devices, resetting takes less than a minute and does not require you to log in again, though some apps will ask for your password the next time you use them.
The steps differ depending on whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, Windows computer, or Mac. Each section below covers one device type with the exact steps in order.
Key Takeaways
- Resetting an app clears cached files and stored data without removing the app itself, and usually fixes crashes or freezing.
- On Android, go to Settings, find the app name, and tap "Clear Cache" first — try "Clear Data" only if the app still misbehaves.
- On iPhone, you cannot clear cache the same way; the fastest fix is to force-close the app and restart your phone.
- On Windows, uninstalling and reinstalling the app from the Microsoft Store or the publisher's website is the standard reset method.
- If an app still does not work after a reset, check that your device has the latest software version installed.
Resetting an app on Android phones
Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap "Apps" or "process Manager" — the exact name depends on your phone brand. Find the app that is not working by scrolling through the list or using the search box at the top.
Tap the app name to open its details page. You will see buttons for "Force Stop," "Clear Cache," and "Clear Data." Tap "Clear Cache" first. This removes temporary files without erasing your login information or settings. Wait a few seconds, then close Settings and try opening the app again.
If the app still crashes or freezes, go back to the same details page and tap "Clear Data" instead. This erases everything the app remembers, including saved passwords and preferences. You will need to log in again the next time you use it, but this solves most problems that clearing cache alone does not fix.
Resetting an app on iPhones
iPhone does not have a "clear cache" button the way Android does. The fastest way to reset an app is to force-close it. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or swipe down from the top right if you have a newer iPhone with Face ID) to see all open apps. Find the app that is not working, swipe up on it, and wait for it to disappear.
Now open the app again. This clears temporary files and often fixes freezing or crashing. If the problem continues, restart your entire phone: hold the power button until you see "Slide to Power Off," slide it, wait 10 seconds, then hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
If restarting does not work, you can uninstall and reinstall the app. Press and hold the app icon on your home screen, tap "Remove App," then "Delete App." Go to the App Store, search for the app by name, and tap the read button. This is the closest iPhone equivalent to a full reset.
Resetting an app on Windows computers
The method depends on where the app came from. If you downloaded it from the Microsoft Store, open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings." Click "Apps," then "Apps and Features." Find the app in the list, click it, and click "Uninstall." Confirm by clicking "Uninstall" again.
Open the Microsoft Store, search for the app by name, and click "Install" to read it fresh. This removes all stored data and settings, so the app will behave as if you just installed it for the first time.
If the app came from a website or a publisher's installer rather than the Microsoft Store, use the same uninstall process through Settings. Then visit the publisher's website, read the latest version, and run the installer. This ensures you get the newest version, which may have bug fixes that solve the problem you were experiencing.
Resetting an app on Mac computers
Open Finder and click "Applications" in the sidebar. Find the app that is not working, right-click it, and select "Move to Trash." Empty the Trash by right-clicking the Trash icon in the dock and selecting "Empty Trash."
To reinstall, open the App Store and search for the app by name, or visit the publisher's website and read the installer. Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps. The app will now start with no stored data or settings.
If you want to try a lighter reset before uninstalling, you can clear the app's cache folder manually. Open Finder, press Command+Shift+G, and type ~/Library/Caches. Look for a folder with the app's name and drag it to Trash. This is more technical than the other methods, but it preserves your login information while clearing temporary files.
When to restart your device instead of resetting the app
Before you reset an app, try restarting your device first. Many app problems are actually caused by your phone or computer running out of memory or getting stuck in a confused state. Restarting clears memory and often fixes crashes without you having to erase any app data.
Restart by powering off completely, waiting 10 seconds, and powering back on. If an app still misbehaves after a restart, then move on to the reset steps above. This order saves you time because restarting is faster and does not erase anything.
Checking your device software version
If an app continues to crash or freeze even after you reset it, the problem may be that your device software is out of date. Apps are built to work with current software versions, and an old operating system can cause compatibility problems.
On Android, go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, tap "About Phone," and look for "System Update" or "Software Update." On iPhone, go to Settings, tap "General," then "Software Update." On Windows, press the Windows key, type "Update," and click "Check for Updates." On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "System Settings," click "General," and then "Software Update."
If an update is available, install it and try the app again. Updating your device often fixes app problems that resetting alone cannot solve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting an app delete my photos or documents?
No. Resetting an app only erases data that the app itself stored — login information, settings, and temporary files. Your photos, documents, and other files on your device are not affected. If you are worried about losing something, resetting is safe.
Do I have to log in again after resetting an app?
Usually not after clearing cache, because your login information stays saved. If you clear all data, you will need to log in again. Most apps remember your password if you saved it, so you can usually log back in with one tap.
What is the difference between clearing cache and clearing data?
Clearing cache removes temporary files the app created while running — images, web pages, and other things it downloaded to load faster. Clearing data erases everything, including your login information and any settings you changed. Start with cache; use data only if the app still does not work.
Can I reset an app without uninstalling it on iPhone?
Not in the same way as Android. iPhone does not have a cache-clearing button. Force-closing the app (swiping it away) clears some temporary data, and restarting your phone clears more. If those do not work, uninstalling and reinstalling is the next step.
What should I do if an app still does not work after I reset it?
Check that your device has the latest software version installed, because app problems are often caused by an outdated operating system. If updating does not help, try uninstalling the app completely and reinstalling the newest version from the App Store, Google Play, or the publisher's website.