6 Effective Solutions for Resolving “Settings Keeps Stopping” Error on Android

ByJim Miller

If you're an Android user, you rely on the Settings app to manage app permissions, customize your lock screen, and tweak notification settings. But what happens when the Settings app itself decides to take an unexpected break and bombards you with the annoying “Settings Keeps Stopping” error? Don't worry, we've got you covered with some advanced troubleshooting tips to help you fix this issue.

1. Uninstall and Reinstall Google App Updates

Many users on the Android Central forum have reported that uninstalling Google app updates resolved the “Settings keeps stopping” problem on their phones. You can try this method too:

  1. Open the Play Store and search for the Google app. Select the first result that appears.
  2. Tap “Uninstall” and confirm the action.
  3. Tap the “Update” button to reinstall the app updates. Check if the Settings app still crashes on your Android.

2. Clear Cache for Settings and Google Play Services

The Settings app collects cache to store your searches and important data, which can sometimes cause problems. Similar issues can also occur due to corrupted Google Play Services cache. You can try clearing the cache for Settings and Google Play Services:

  1. Open the Settings app and navigate to “Apps.”
  2. Scroll down to locate “Settings” on the list and tap on it.
  3. Go to “Storage” and tap the “Clear cache” option.
  4. Return to the “Apps” page and locate “Google Play services.” Tap on it.
  5. Go to “Storage” and tap the “Clear cache” option.

3. Wipe Cache Partition

Android stores temporary files in the system cache partition to perform tasks more efficiently. If these files become corrupted, you may encounter various problems, including the “Settings keeps stopping” error. To fix this, follow these steps:

  1. Press and hold the power button and tap “Power off.”
  2. Connect your phone to your PC using a USB cable.
  3. Once connected, press and hold the power button and volume up button simultaneously until the phone manufacturer's logo appears.
  4. Use the volume down key to highlight the “Wipe cache partition” option and press the power button to select it.
  5. Use the volume down key to select “Yes” and press the power key to confirm.
  6. Once the cache is cleared, highlight the “Reboot system now” option and press the power key to confirm.

4. Boot Your Phone into Safe Mode

Starting your Android phone in safe mode can help you determine whether the “Settings keeps stopping” error is caused by a third-party app. Here's how to do it:

  1. Press and hold the Power button until you see the power menu.
  2. Long press on the “Power off” icon and tap the green checkmark to boot in Safe Mode.
  3. Use your phone in safe mode for a while and observe if the Settings app crashes. If it doesn't, one of your third-party apps is likely causing the problem. Restart your phone and uninstall recently installed apps to fix the issue.

5. Install Android Updates

If you're still encountering the “Settings keeps stopping” error, it may be related to the Android version on your phone. Installing pending Android updates might solve the problem:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap “Software update.”
  2. Tap “Download and install” to apply pending system updates.

6. Reset Your Phone

If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting your phone to restore all custom settings to their default values. However, your apps and personal data will not be affected:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap “General management.”
  2. Scroll down and tap “Reset,” then select “Reset all settings” from the following menu.
  3. Tap “Reset settings” and enter your device PIN or password to proceed.

With these troubleshooting tips, you can resolve the “Settings keeps stopping” error on your Android device and regain full control over your phone's settings. Enjoy a smooth sailing experience with your Android!