Google Maps Keeps Crashing on Android – Ways to fix

Imagine you’re late for an important meeting, and you’re stuck in an unfamiliar part of town. You whip out your Android phone, tap the Google Maps icon with a sigh of relief, only to watch in disbelief as the application shuts down, refusing to guide you through the labyrinth of city streets. Sound familiar? You are not alone. Many Android users share your plight, facing the perplexing problem of “Google Maps Keeps Crashing on Android – Ways to fix.” It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

The reliance we place on technology is tremendous, and it feels like a betrayal when it fails us at crucial moments. In the same vein, it’s equally frustrating when you plan a long trip, your journey meticulously outlined on Google Maps, and then, in the middle of nowhere, the app crashes, leaving you at the mercy of confusing signboards and dubious directions. But worry not, for all is not lost. We know your struggle, and that’s why we’ve put together an easy guide that will provide you with efficient solutions to restore Google Maps to its normal functionality. Whether it’s an issue with your device or a bug within the app, the answer could be just a few steps away. So, buckle up and let’s embark on this troubleshooting journey; here are the steps you should take.

Also read: Troubleshooting Server Crashes in Android AIDL

Understanding the Issue

When faced with the frequent crashes of Google Maps on your Android device, it’s crucial to first understand the common issues associated with the app, along with their potential causes. By gaining insights into these problems, you’re better equipped to identify and troubleshoot your specific issue.

Common Google Maps Problems on Android

There’s a range of issues that Android users often encounter with Google Maps. They vary from frequent crashes – the app shutting down unexpectedly – to the map not loading or displaying incorrectly. Other problems include the GPS failing to lock onto the device’s location, the app not providing the correct route, or real-time navigation ceasing unexpectedly. Sometimes, users might also face issues where place markers or directions fail to load, or the voice guidance feature doesn’t work as expected.

Reasons Behind Google Maps Crashes

A variety of factors could be behind Google Maps frequently crashing on Android devices. Sometimes, it could be due to outdated software – either the Google Maps app itself or your Android operating system might need an update. Another common cause is the overloading of device cache or data, which can slow down the app and eventually cause it to crash. In some instances, the issue might be related to an unstable internet connection, disrupting the app’s functionality. Finally, the problem could also arise from bugs within the app or a conflict with other apps on your device. Understanding these causes can help guide you towards the right solution to fix the Google Maps crash issue.

Fix: Google Maps Keeps Crashing on Android

Fix 1: Restart Your Device and Force Stop Google Maps

Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective when dealing with technological issues. If your Google Maps app is consistently crashing, consider implementing these two basic yet potent steps to potentially resolve the issue.

Step 1: Restart Your Device

Your first course of action should be to restart your device. This action can refresh the system, clear temporary data, and shut down any unwanted background processes that might be causing the app to malfunction.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Press and hold the Power button on your Android device.
2. From the menu that appears, tap on the Restart option.
3. Wait for your device to power off and back on again.

After your device restarts, try opening Google Maps to see if the problem has been resolved. If the app continues to crash, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Force Stop Google Maps

Force-stopping an app can effectively end any processes that might be causing it to malfunction. This method can be particularly helpful if the app has been running in the background for an extended period.

Follow these steps to force stop Google Maps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps & notifications.
3. In the list of applications, locate and tap on Google Maps.
4. Select the Force Stop option.

Upon successfully force-stopping the app, try to launch it once more to check if the issue has been resolved. If Google Maps still keeps crashing on your Android device, it may be time to explore more in-depth troubleshooting methods.

Fix 2: Checking Your Internet Connection

In some instances, the issue of Google Maps crashing might not be linked to the app or device itself, but instead due to a weak or unstable internet connection. In such cases, conducting a network speed test and alternating between Wi-Fi and mobile data could potentially resolve the issue.

Step 1: Testing Your Network Speed

The functionality of Google Maps heavily relies on a steady internet connection. If your network speed is slow, it can cause the app to malfunction or crash.

Here’s how to test your network speed:

1. You can use an online speed testing tool like Speedtest by Ookla. This can be accessed through their website or by downloading the app from the Google Play Store.
2. Run the speed test to evaluate your current network speed.
3. If your connection is slow, try resetting your router or contacting your internet service provider for further assistance.

Step 2: Switching Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data

If your internet speed test indicates a strong connection but Google Maps continues to crash, you might want to switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Sometimes, certain settings or restrictions within either connection could hinder the functionality of the app.

Follow these steps:

1. If you’re currently using Wi-Fi, go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Tap on Wi-Fi and toggle it off.
3. Then, select Mobile Network or Data Usage from the settings menu.
4. Toggle on Mobile Data.

Conversely, if you’re using mobile data, you can switch to a stable Wi-Fi connection following a similar process. After alternating your internet connection, try running Google Maps again to see if the problem has been fixed. If the app continues to crash, it’s recommended to investigate further potential issues that could be causing the app’s instability.

Fix 3: Google Maps App Updates

Ensuring your Google Maps app is up-to-date is another crucial troubleshooting step, as running an outdated version of the app might be the reason it keeps crashing. Regular updates not only provide new features but also fix known bugs and improve the app’s stability.

Step 1: Importance of Regular Updates

Regularly updating Google Maps is essential because updates often contain patches for bugs and issues that users may have encountered in previous versions. Updates can also enhance app performance and provide new or improved features. An outdated app version may not be fully compatible with your Android system, causing instability and, in turn, crashes. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your Google Maps app up-to-date.

Step 2: How to Update Google Maps

Updating Google Maps is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the Menu button (represented by three horizontal lines), usually found in the top-left corner of the screen.
3. Select My apps & games from the dropdown menu.
4. Find Google Maps in the list of your installed apps. If an update is available, it will be indicated here.
5. Tap the Update button next to Google Maps.

After the update is complete, launch Google Maps to see if the issue is resolved. If the app is already up-to-date or continues to crash after the update, further troubleshooting will be needed.

Fix 4: Clearing Cache and Data

Clearing cache and data from the Google Maps app can often help resolve issues of instability and frequent crashes. This process removes temporary files and saved data that might be causing the app to malfunction.

Step 1: What is Cache and Why Clear it?

The cache is a component of apps where temporary data is stored. This data helps apps run faster and more efficiently by recalling stored information instead of generating it anew each time. However, over time, the cache can become cluttered and might even store corrupted files, leading to app crashes and slow performance. Therefore, clearing the cache periodically can help the app function more smoothly.

Step 2: Steps to Clear Cache and Data

Follow these steps to clear the cache and data for Google Maps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps & notifications.
3. In the list of applications, locate and tap on Google Maps.
4. Tap on Storage & cache.
5. You’ll see two options: Clear Storage and Clear Cache. Tap on each to clear the app’s data and cache respectively.

Note that clearing the app’s data will reset the app to its factory defaults. This means any downloaded maps, saved places, or settings in Google Maps will be removed. You should only use this option if clearing the cache alone does not solve the problem.

After completing these steps, reopen Google Maps to check if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, it would be wise to explore further troubleshooting steps.

Fix 5: Reinstalling Google Maps

If none of the aforementioned solutions work, reinstalling Google Maps could be the next appropriate step. This process involves uninstalling the problematic version of the app and then reinstalling it from the Google Play Store.

Step 1: When to Consider Reinstallation

Reinstallation should be considered when basic troubleshooting fails and the app continues to crash, despite updating the app, clearing cache and data, and ensuring a stable internet connection. By reinstalling, you essentially remove the existing app and its data from your device and then install a fresh version, which can help eliminate persistent bugs or corrupted files.

Step 2: How to Reinstall Google Maps

Follow these steps to reinstall Google Maps on your Android device:

1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps & notifications.
3. In the list of applications, locate and tap on Google Maps.
4. Tap on Uninstall. Confirm the action if prompted.
5. Once the app has been uninstalled, go to the Google Play Store.
6. In the search bar at the top, type “Google Maps” and tap on the corresponding result.
7. Tap on Install to download and install a fresh copy of Google Maps.

After the installation is complete, open Google Maps to see if the problem has been resolved. If the app continues to crash, further investigation into the issue might be required.

Fix 6: Operating System Updates

Sometimes, the cause of Google Maps crashing could be attributed to your device’s operating system. Keeping your Android system up-to-date is vital as it provides system improvements, security updates, and bug fixes that enhance the performance of apps and the device as a whole.

Step 1: Keeping Your Android System Up-to-Date

Regular updates to your Android system are critical for its efficient functioning. These updates often include fixes for known bugs, improvements in system stability, and even enhancements to system features. An outdated Android system might not support the latest version of Google Maps, leading to instability and frequent crashes.

Step 2: How to Update Your Android System

Updating your Android system is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on System.
3. Tap on Advanced to expand additional options.
4. Tap on System Update. Your device will check for available updates.
5. If an update is available, tap Download and Install. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Note: Ensure your device is charged or is charging during the update process to avoid interruptions.

After the system update, check to see if Google Maps is functioning properly. If it continues to crash, it may be time to consider contacting Google Support for further assistance.

Fix 7: Contacting Google Support

When all troubleshooting methods have been exhausted and Google Maps still continues to crash on your Android device, it might be time to contact Google Support. They can provide expert assistance and guide you through more specific or advanced solutions.

Step 1: When to Contact Google Support

You should consider reaching out to Google Support when you’ve tried all the standard troubleshooting steps, including ensuring your device and Google Maps are up-to-date, clearing the app’s cache and data, reinstalling the app, and confirming a stable internet connection. If none of these solutions have resolved the issue, Google Support can help investigate further.

Step 2: How to Reach Google Support

Follow these steps to reach out to Google Support:

1. Visit the Google Support website.
2. Select Contact Us located at the top right of the page.
3. In the product selection dropdown, choose Google Maps.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to describe your issue. The support team might offer some standard troubleshooting advice first.
5. If the given advice doesn’t resolve your issue, you can choose to email, chat with, or request a call from a support specialist.

Remember to provide as many details as possible about your issue, including your device model, Android version, Google Maps version, and the steps you’ve already taken to try to fix the problem. This information will help the support specialist diagnose the issue more effectively.

Fix 8: Additional Fixes for Google Maps Crashes

If Google Maps continues to crash despite trying the above solutions, consider these additional steps. They involve force stopping Google Maps, checking app permissions, resetting Google Play Services, and trying the lighter version of the app – Google Maps Go.

1: Force Stop Google Maps

Force stopping Google Maps can effectively end any processes that might be causing it to malfunction. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps & notifications.
3. In the list of applications, locate and tap on Google Maps.
4. Tap on Force Stop.

2: Check App Permissions

Google Maps requires certain permissions to function correctly, such as Location and Storage. To check and adjust these permissions:

1. In the Settings app, tap on Apps & notifications.
2. Locate and select Google Maps.
3. Tap on Permissions.
4. Ensure all necessary permissions are granted. If not, enable them.

3: Reset Google Play Services

Google Play Services is essential for the proper functioning of Google Maps. Resetting it can sometimes resolve issues:

1. In the Settings app, tap on Apps & notifications.
2. Tap on See all apps.
3. Tap on the three dots in the top-right corner and select Show system.
4. Locate and tap on Google Play Services.
5. Tap on Storage & cache and then on Clear Storage and Clear Cache.

4: Try Google Maps Go

Google Maps Go is a lighter version of Google Maps, designed to work on devices with less processing power or on slower networks. If Google Maps continues to crash, you might want to give this version a try:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. In the search bar, type “Google Maps Go” and select it from the results.
3. Tap on Install to download and install the app.

After trying these additional steps, see if the Google Maps crashing issue has been resolved. If not, it might be worth seeking professional assistance.

Conclusion

Navigating a world without Google Maps can be daunting. If your app’s behaving oddly, crashes interrupting your journey, don’t fret. This comprehensive guide walks you through the best ways to fix “Google Maps keeps crashing on Android”. From simple device restarts to critical system updates, each step ensures your digital compass stays reliable. However, if Google Maps continues to misbehave, contacting Google Support could be your ticket to a smoother mapping experience. Remember, with every tech hiccup comes a solution. Safe travels with a fully functional Google Maps!

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