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Amazon app not working? 7 ways to troubleshoot

amazon app on phone
You may need to take a few different steps to get the Amazon app working when it isn't. SOPA Images/Getty Images

  • If the Amazon app is not working on your device, there are a handful of troubleshooting steps you can take.
  • Start by force closing and restarting the app; you can also check for app updates.
  • Here are seven ways to get your Amazon app working properly.
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You can use the Amazon app to shop and browse, place online orders, check the status of an order and even get a discount at Amazon-owned stores like Whole Foods. When an app like Amazon does so many things, you probably come to rely on it — which is why it's so frustrating if it does not work properly.

But don't lose hope. If your Amazon app displays an error or doesn't work at all, there are a handful of ways to troubleshoot the problem and get it back up and running again. 

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Restart the Amazon app

One of the most common (and easy to solve) problems is when a software glitch prevents the Amazon app from starting properly or not properly loading the main page. The first thing to try is to close the app completely (sometimes called force closing the app). If you need a refresher, here is how to close an app on Android and close an app on iOS. After you close the app, start the app again and see if that has solved the problem. 

Closing the Amazon app in iOS.
If you have trouble using the Amazon app, force close it and then start it again. Dave Johnson/Insider
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Make sure you have an internet connection

It's also possible that if the Amazon app isn't working properly, it might be due to a connectivity issue. The Amazon app needs to be able to go online, either via WiFi or your cellular service. Make sure you see a strong WiFi or cellular signal in the status at the top of the phone's display. If it's not clear if you have reliable service, try to use another app that accesses the internet to make sure your connection isn't what's causing a problem with Amazon.

The wireless icons at the top of the iPhone home screen.
Make sure you have a reliable wireless connection. Dave Johnson/Insider
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Check for an app update

There might be a problem with the Amazon app that's preventing it from working. It's possible, for example, that it's incompatible with a recent update to your phone's operating system. Your apps should be configured to update themselves automatically, but if you are having a problem, it's worth checking to see if there's an app update waiting which hasn't been installed yet. Here is how to update your apps on Android, and here's how to update apps on iOS

Restart your phone

If you're still having trouble with the Amazon app, it's a good idea to restart your phone entirely — this will flush out any temporary software issues that are plaguing your phone. You can turn off most Android phones by holding the power button for several seconds, or you can pull the Control Center down from the top of the screen and tap the power icon. If you have an iPhone, here's how to restart it no matter which iPhone model you own.

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Clear the Amazon app's cache

A less common glitch involves the Amazon app's cache. If the cache becomes corrupted, you might need to clear it in order for the app to work properly again. The only way to clear an iPhone app's cache is to uninstall the app and then reinstall it from the App Store. But you can clear the Amazon app's cache on Android without removing the app:

1. Start the Settings app and tap Apps.

2. If necessary, tap See all apps and then tap Amazon Shopping.

3. Tap Storage & cache

4. Tap Clear storage

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Reinstall the Amazon app

One other potential problem: Your Amazon app or some of its associated files might be corrupted. The solution is pretty straightforward — just delete the Amazon app from your phone and then reinstall it from your device's app store. You'll be automatically logged out, so make sure you have your Amazon account login information to sign back in.

Deleting the Amazon app on iOS.
Delete the Amazon app from your iPhone and then reinstall it. Dave Johnson/Insider
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Update your phone's operating system

Does the phone itself have important updates waiting to be installed? If you have pending iOS or Android OS updates waiting, there could be a conflict with the Amazon app. To eliminate any potential glitches with the OS, it's a good idea to make sure your mobile device is completely up to date. Here is how to update your Android phone with the latest software, and here is how to update iOS on your iPhone

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