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Google Maps Keeps Crashing on Android? (SOLVED!)

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Writer, Android

Chizara is a technical writer who loves learning new things and sharing her knowledge with people in simple, clear terms. As part of her coursework, she is learning about Extended Reality and the Metaverse. She currently serves as a writer at Gotechtor covering all things Android.

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Google Maps is the best navigation app when it comes to getting around. They use it to get directions, and the best route to their destination, view traffic conditions, research places, and check reviews.

But what happens when Google Maps keeps crashing? You could be left stranded on a journey or lose the ease of being on top of anything that occurs traffic-wise.

This article explains why your Google Maps app keeps crashing on Android and how to solve the problem.

Why Does Google Maps Keep Crashing?

Typically, Google Maps keeps crashing due to a bug in the app. Sometimes, apps have bugs that cause the software to perform abnormally. Some of these abnormal behaviors include continuous crashing or stopping.

Other reasons why Google Maps app keeps crashing include the following:

  • Server errors
  • Corrupt app cache
  • Low storage space
  • Out-of-date Google Maps app
  • Some app permissions have been denied
  • Your device is not compatible with the current Google Maps app version
  • Incompatible features from the Beta program

How to Fix Google Maps Keeps Crashing

To fix Google Maps keeps crashing, close all applications running in the background. Keeping a lot of apps open in the background can drain your battery and slow your phone. Go to your recent tab and close apps. Then restart your phone, and Google Maps should work.

1. Restart Your Device

Sometimes, all you need to do is to restart your device. Restarting your phone will clear the RAM and all processes running on your phone. This gives your device a fresh start and can help to clear bugs.

To reboot your Android Device, please follow these steps:

  • Long-press the ON/OFF button on the side of your device until you get a prompt like the one below.
restart your android device
Restart Your Phone. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

Note: The interface you get may differ from the image above if you have a different Android brand. The buttons will still be the same.

2. Update Google Maps

Bugs in Google Maps might be to blame for the “Google Maps keeps crashing” problem. Regularly updating your apps ensures bugs are fixed with each new update. If your app is not up to date, it might not get the bug fixes rolled out by the app.

Updating an app is a straightforward process. Open the Google Play Store app, search for Google Maps and click Update.

Update Google Maps. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

If this fix doesn’t work, please try the other solutions below.

3. Clear Google Map’s Cache and Data

Clearing the app cache and data can help to free up space on your Android phone and solve glitches and bugs.

Clearing the app’s data also clears all saved information and personalized settings. The app would go back to how it was when you first installed it.

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

  • Go to Settings and then click on Apps.
  • In the apps list, look for the Google Maps app.
  • Go to its Storage.
  • Click on Clear Cache.
  • Go back to Storage and click on Clear Data.
  • Confirm the action by clicking OK.

Your Google Maps app should stop crashing now.

4. Force Stop Google Maps

Force-stopping the app might fix the “Google Maps keeps crashing” problem. Force-stopping an app is one way of restarting it, and restarting the Google Maps app can fix the problem.

Follow these steps to force stop Google Maps:

  • Go to Settings
  • Select the Google Maps app from the Apps panel.
  • At the bottom of the screen, click on the Force Stop button. (The Force stop button might be at the top of the screen on other devices.)

Now, try opening the Google Maps app. It will not crash.

5. Allow All App Permissions

Google Maps might not work optimally if all the permissions for the app are not allowed. You have to allow all permissions, especially the location permission.

Follow the steps below to allow permissions:

  • Go to Settings.
  • Open Apps in settings.
  • In the apps list, search for Google Maps.
  • In the App Info, go to Permissions.
Permissions in Google Maps info page
Permissions in app info. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Ensure that all permissions are allowed for the app.
Allow all app permissions for google maps
Allow All App Permissions. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

Restart your phone and launch the Google Maps app. It will run smoothly without crashing.

6. Clear Google Play Services Data

Google Play Services is a background app that connects apps from Google Play Store, Google Apps, and Android software. Google Play Services ensures that all the apps and processes run smoothly on your phone.

Issues with the stored data in the Google Play Services app can force apps to close and keep crashing. Clearing the data can fix that.

Follow the steps below to clear the Google Play Services data:

  • Go to Settings and then click on Apps.
  • In the apps list, look for the Google Play Store app.
  • Go to its Storage.
  • Click on Clear Data.
  • Confirm the action by clicking OK.

7. Uninstall and Reinstall Google Maps

A quick uninstall and reinstall might be all you need to fix the “Google Maps keeps crashing” problem.

Follow the steps below to uninstall and reinstall Google Maps:

  • Go to Google Play Store and search for Google Maps.
  • Click on Uninstall.
  • Wait for the uninstall to finish.
  • Click on Install.

You should now be able to use Google Maps smoothly without it crashing or stopping.

8. Leave the Beta Program

Being part of an app’s beta programs means that you get to try out new features and review them before they become accessible to the general public. These features might be incompatible with your device or even be buggy.

If you are part of the beta program, you should leave the program and download the normal version of the Google Maps app from Play Store.

  • Open the Google Play Store app.
  • Search for Google Maps.
  • Scroll down to the You’re a Beta Tester section.
  • Click on Leave.
Leave Google Maps beta program
Leave the Beta Program. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

Install the app normally and restart your phone. The “Google Maps keeps crashing” problem should be fixed now.

9. Update Your Device

An out-of-date Android version can cause problems for your phone and its apps. Regular updates allow your Android device to work optimally and get rid of bugs.

To update your Operating System, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings and select Software Update.
Search for software updates
Click on Software Update. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • If there is an update available, click on Download and Install.
download and install the software updates
Download Software Updates. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor
  • Click on Download to start the software update.
Click on the download button
Click Download. Screenshot: Chizara Ibeakanma/Gotechtor

Wait for the OS to install. After updating and installing, the “Google Maps keeps crashing” problem will be gone.

10. Switch to Google Maps Go

If your phone doesn’t have a lot of memory or space, Google Maps might crash. You can download Google Maps Go in its place.

Google Maps Go is the lightweight or “lite” version of the Google Maps app. It takes much less space and works with Chrome.

Go to Google Play Store and search for Google Maps Go to start using it.

Final Thoughts on Fixing “Google Maps Keeps Crashing”

Google Maps crashing while navigating an unknown area can be a sour experience. Luckily this problem is not difficult to solve, considering you know what to do.

With our solutions, you will be able to fix this problem and use your Google Maps app without running into issues or crashes.

  • Restart Your Device
  • Update Google Maps
  • Clear Google Map’s Cache and Data
  • Force Stop The App
  • Allow All App Permissions
  • Clear Google Play Services Data
  • Uninstall and Reinstall Google Maps
  • Leave The Beta Program
  • Update Your Device
  • Switch to Google Maps Go

If you have any other ideas or suggestions, don’t hesitate to suggest them in the comment section below.

Writer, Android

Chizara is a technical writer who loves learning new things and sharing her knowledge with people in simple, clear terms. As part of her coursework, she is learning about Extended Reality and the Metaverse. She currently serves as a writer at Gotechtor covering all things Android.

Chizara Ibeakanma

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