The buggiest apps of 2024

When I saw this, I knew I had to share it with you. Researchers over at Electronics Hub did the thankless work of going through 400 of the most-used apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and thousands of user reviews — all to find the buggiest, most frustrating-to-use apps.

Take a look at this list, and remember: Sometimes, it’s not about you not knowing how to use your phone; it’s the apps. 

Someone call pest control

Here are the worst app offenders of 2024:

  • Shopping: Convenience chain Wawa’s app topped the list, with issues on order pickups and redeeming fuel points. Other big brands have big app bugs, too; the Target, Best Buy and CVS Pharmacy apps all ranked among the worst.
  • Dating: If you’re trying to find a match on Grindr, it’s the glitchiest of the dating apps and has frequent messaging issues.
  • Food and drink: Craving a late-night burrito? You should probably hit the Taco Bell drive-thru. The fast-food chain’s app was the buggiest, with the Wendy’s, Sonic and Chick-fil-A apps right behind.
  • Social: Many people say the latest updates for Amino, a social app for niche interests, don’t actually fix bugs. Telegram is really bad, too — not what you want from a “privacy-focused.” app.
  • Gaming: Anyone still playing Pokémon GO? If so, the app crashes shortly after launching or when you open an in-game map.
  • Productivity: The prize goes to GTL’s GettingOut app, which is used to communicate with loved ones in prison. The app regularly freezes and has issues sending and receiving pics. Business apps Notion and Google Docs ranked high on the list for this category, too. 🙄
  • Banking and finance: Drum roll, please … the Go Program Way2Go Card app isn’t just the buggiest finance app — it’s the buggiest app overall. Not cool. It’s used by state governments to deliver child support payments and unemployment benefits. The Navy Federal Credit Union app came in second. Yeesh.

Squash those bugs

Before you delete that buggy app and throw your phone out the window, try a force restart. 

  • On Android: Hold your finger on the app’s icon and click the i in the top right corner of the pop-up. Then, click Force Stop in the bottom right. 
  • On iPhone: Swipe up on the problem app to close it, then tap its app icon to relaunch it.

Didn’t work? Restart your phone. Failing that, I have a bunch more tips here on my site here.

Android

  • Sync your phone with Google’s servers. Go to Settings > System > Date and Time. Turn off the automatic time zone and date and time settings, change the time and date to be incorrect, and then turn the automatic date and time settings back on.
  • Make sure your phone has the latest updates installed. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update to check.
  • Make sure you’re using the latest version of the app. Go to Manage Apps and Devices to check.
  • Clear the app’s cache and data. Go to Settings > Apps, then choose the app that’s having issues. On the next page, select Storage.
  • Delete the app from your phone, then reinstall it

Apple

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Our favorite cleaning products to get your home sparkling

Over the next couple of days, the team and I are sharing what you’ve been asking me for all month: Shopping picks! The goal is to take all the dread out of checking all your people off your list.

Some of you will think this is weird, and others will shout, “Me too, Kim!” I love getting my house sparkling clean after Thanksgiving. I put on some tunes, scrub every corner and then the house is ready for Christmas decorations. Here are some tools to make it easier.

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From the “whatever” department: Amazon, Google and Best Buy are working on a “hacker-safe” label for smart devices. Scan the QR code for info on your new doorbell or TV, and see if it meets certain cybersecurity standards. The ETA for the label is later this year, but hackers always find a way.

Trivia

What percent of e-waste — think old computers, phones and other tech — gets recycled? Is it … A.) 50%, B.) 90%, C.) 20% or D.) 10%?

Find the answer here!

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Memorial Day weekend do’s and don’ts

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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Trivia

In 2004, an escaped convict nicknamed the “Rooftop Robber,” or simply “Roofman,” hid for six months in which shuttered tech superstore: A.) CompUSA, B.) RadioShack, C.) Circuit City or D.) Fry’s Electronics?

Find the answer here

Trivia

What percent of e-waste — old computers, phones and other tech — gets recycled? Is it … A.) 50%, B.) 90%, C.) 20% or D.) 10%?

Find the answer here

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Several online platforms help sell your old stuff. Tap or click for a few options that are better than Craigslist.

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Before you log in to Facebook or WhatsApp again, read this warning

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While the phishing email’s wording can differ, scammers regularly use legitimate brands to lure you in. By spoofing an email from a social media platform or service provider, they hope that you won’t notice minor differences from the real thing. Tap or click here for subtle clues that email is a clever phishing scam.

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It’s Memorial Day weekend and we’d like to begin by thanking everyone who has served in the U.S. military. So, thank you!

Now, with Memorial Day picnics and parades, we’ve also come to expect another major seasonal milestone: Memorial Day sales. You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your home to score these awesome tech deals.

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Seniors can get a $49 Apple Watch 5 - see if you qualify

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