Pixel launcher keeps stopping

There is nothing more irritating than seeing the words ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ appear on your screen, especially when you’re in the middle of something important. As much as we love our Pixel phones for their incredible features and slick design, these technical hiccups can take the sheen off. The issue can be traced to several reasons, from system updates to buggy apps. Don’t despair; there are solutions. In this guide, we’ll explore what could be causing the issue and how to fix it.

Why Does Pixel Launcher Keep Stopping?

The main causes for ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ include:

1. App Updates: Recent updates to your Pixel Launcher or other apps might have compatibility issues causing your launcher to stop.
2. System Updates: New system updates sometimes bring along unanticipated glitches and can disrupt the smooth functioning of your phone.
3. Corrupted App Data: Stored data or cache in your phone’s apps can sometimes become corrupted, leading to app malfunctions.

How to Fix Pixel Launcher Keeps Stopping?

Fix 1: Clearing Cache and Data from Pixel Launcher

One of the most common and effective solutions to the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue is clearing the cache and data. By doing so, you effectively remove temporary files that might have become corrupted, thus affecting the app’s performance. Here are the detailed steps:

Step 1: Accessing Apps & Notifications

First, you need to access the apps list on your device:

• Unlock your Pixel phone and swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access the app drawer.
• Find and tap the ‘Settings’ gear icon.
• Scroll down until you see ‘Apps & Notifications’, then tap it.

Step 2: Accessing Pixel Launcher Settings

Next, you need to find Pixel Launcher in the list:

• Tap ‘See all apps’ to display all the apps installed on your device.
• Scroll down the list until you find ‘Pixel Launcher’. Tap on it to open the app settings.

Step 3: Clearing Cache and Data

Finally, clear the cache and data:

• Tap ‘Storage & cache’. You will see options to ‘Clear Storage’ and ‘Clear Cache’.
• Start by tapping ‘Clear Cache’. This will remove temporary files that are created by the app for faster access.
• Next, tap ‘Clear Storage’. Note: This will delete all data related to the Pixel Launcher, including settings, files, and accounts, so proceed only if you’re comfortable with starting fresh.

Step 4: Restart your Device

After clearing the cache and storage:

• Press and hold the power button on your device until you see the power off option.
• Tap ‘Restart’ (or ‘Power off’ and then power it back on if ‘Restart’ is not an option).
• Wait for your device to restart.

Now, check if your Pixel Launcher works smoothly. If it doesn’t, consider trying the other fixes in this guide. Keep in mind, it’s always a good idea to back up important data before troubleshooting software issues.

Fix 2: Updating Pixel Launcher to the Latest Version

Running an outdated version of Pixel Launcher can sometimes cause the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue. Google often releases updates to resolve bugs or improve performance. Follow these detailed steps to update your Pixel Launcher.

Step 1: Open Google Play Store

• Unlock your device and open your app drawer by swiping up from the bottom of your screen.
• Find the Google ‘Play Store’ app and tap on it to open.

Step 2: Search for Pixel Launcher

Follow steps:

• Tap on the search bar at the top of the Play Store.
• Type ‘Pixel Launcher’ into the search bar and press enter.

Step 3: Update Pixel Launcher

• In the search results, find the ‘Pixel Launcher’ app. It’s usually the first result.
• If an update is available, you’ll see an ‘Update’ button instead of an ‘Open’ button.
• Tap on the ‘Update’ button.

Step 4: Wait for the Update to Install

Follow steps:

• The download and installation process will start automatically. You can see the progress on the app page.
• Once the update is complete, the ‘Open’ button will reappear.

Step 5: Restart Your Device

• Press and hold the power button on your device until the power options appear.
• Tap ‘Restart’. If the restart option is not available, select ‘Power off’, then turn your device back on manually.
• Wait for your device to restart.

After the restart, the Pixel Launcher should be working as expected. If you are still experiencing issues, consider trying the other fixes in this guide.

Fix 3: Rolling Back to a Previous Version of Pixel Launcher

If a recent update is causing the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue, you may need to roll back to a previous version of the app. This involves uninstalling the updates, reverting Pixel Launcher to the factory version. Here’s how:

Step 1: Accessing Apps & Notifications

• From your home screen, swipe up to access the app drawer.
• Locate and tap the ‘Settings’ gear icon.
• Scroll down to ‘Apps & Notifications’ and tap on it.

Step 2: Accessing Pixel Launcher App Info

Follow steps:

• Tap ‘See all apps’ to display all the apps on your device.
• Scroll down the list until you locate ‘Pixel Launcher’. Tap on it to open its settings.

Step 3: Uninstalling Updates

• Tap on the ‘Three-dot’ menu in the top-right corner of the screen.
• A drop-down menu will appear. Tap on ‘Uninstall updates’.
• A confirmation prompt will appear. Tap ‘OK’ to proceed with the uninstallation of updates.

Step 4: Restart Your Device

• Press and hold the power button on your device until the power off option appears.
• Tap ‘Restart’. If the restart option isn’t there, choose ‘Power off’, then manually switch your device back on.
• Wait for your device to restart.

After rolling back to the previous version of Pixel Launcher, check to see if the problem persists. If the issue is resolved, avoid updating the Pixel Launcher until a new update that fixes the problem is available. If the problem continues, consider trying the other fixes in this guide.

Fix 4: Booting Your Phone in Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a diagnostic mode in Android devices that disables all third-party apps, letting you isolate any potential issues. If the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue disappears in Safe Mode, a third-party app may be causing the problem. Here’s a step-by-step guide to start your phone in Safe Mode:

Step 1: Activate Safe Mode

• Press and hold the ‘Power’ button on your device until the power options appear.
• Touch and hold the ‘Power off’ option. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to ‘Reboot to safe mode’.
• Tap ‘OK’ to confirm.

Step 2: Verify Pixel Launcher in Safe Mode

Follow steps:

• Once your device restarts, it will be in Safe Mode. A ‘Safe Mode’ badge will be visible on the lower-left corner of the screen.
• Now, check the performance of Pixel Launcher. If it works smoothly without stopping, a third-party app may be causing the issue.

Step 3: Identify and Remove Troublesome Apps

• Restart your phone to exit Safe Mode.
• Uninstall recently downloaded or updated apps one by one. After each uninstallation, check Pixel Launcher’s performance.
• If Pixel Launcher stops crashing after you’ve uninstalled a specific app, that app was likely the culprit.

Step 4: Restart Your Device

• After identifying and removing the problematic app, press and hold the power button on your device until the power options appear.
• Tap ‘Restart’. If the restart option isn’t available, select ‘Power off’ and then manually power your device back on.
• Wait for your device to restart.

After completing these steps, your Pixel Launcher should work without interruptions. If the problem persists, contact Google support or your device manufacturer’s customer service for further assistance. Remember, while Safe Mode is a powerful tool, it’s important to tread carefully to avoid unintended consequences.

Read more: Kernel data Inpage error

Fix 5: Resetting Your Device to Factory Settings

If none of the above solutions work, the last resort is to reset your device to factory settings. This method wipes out all data and returns your phone to the state it was in when you first got it. Remember, this should be your last resort and you should only proceed after backing up all your important data.

Step 1: Back up Your Data

Before initiating the factory reset, ensure all your data is backed up.

• Go to ‘Settings’ and tap on ‘System’.
• Tap ‘Backup’. Make sure the switch at the top is ‘On’.
• Tap ‘Back up now’. Wait for the backup process to complete.

Step 2: Initiate Factory Reset

Now, let’s proceed with the factory reset:

• From ‘Settings’, scroll down and tap on ‘System’.
• Tap ‘Reset’, then ‘Erase all data (factory reset)’.
• You may be asked to enter your PIN, password, or pattern for security reasons. After entering the required information, tap ‘Erase all data’.

Step 3: Set Up Your Device

• Your device will restart and you will see a Welcome screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device.
• Log in to your Google account and choose to restore your device from the backup you created earlier.

After your device is set up and restored, check if the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue has been resolved. If the problem still persists, it could be a hardware issue or a deeper software issue that requires professional attention. Contact Google’s customer support for further guidance.

Fix 6: Checking for System Updates

Sometimes, the problem of ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ could be due to running an outdated version of the Android operating system. Google periodically releases system updates to fix bugs and enhance overall performance. Follow these steps to check for system updates:

Step 1: Open Settings

• Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to access the app drawer.
• Locate and tap the ‘Settings’ gear icon.

Step 2: Navigate to System Updates

Follow steps:

• Scroll down the settings list and tap on ‘System’.
• Then, tap on ‘Advanced’ to expand the list of options.
• Tap on ‘System update’.

Step 3: Check for Updates

• Your device will automatically check for updates.
• If an update is available, you will see an ‘Update’ button. Tap on it to start the update process.

Step 4: Install the Update

Follow steps:

• Your device will download the update and ask you to reboot to install it. Tap on ‘Reboot now’.
• Wait for the device to restart and install the update.

Step 5: Verify the Update and Check Pixel Launcher

• Once the update is installed and your device restarts, go back to ‘Settings’ > ‘System’ > ‘Advanced’ > ‘System update’ to verify the update.
• Open Pixel Launcher to check if the problem has been resolved.

By ensuring that your Android operating system is up-to-date, you can avoid various issues, including the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ error. If the issue still persists after trying this fix, you may need to consider contacting the Google support team for further assistance.

Fix 7: Reinstalling Pixel Launcher

Sometimes, the best way to solve the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue is by reinstalling the app. Doing so allows you to get a fresh start and could eliminate any bugs causing the problem. Here’s how:

Step 1: Uninstall Pixel Launcher

• Go to ‘Settings’ and tap on ‘Apps & Notifications’.
• Tap ‘See all apps’, then locate and select ‘Pixel Launcher’.
• Tap on the ‘Three-dot’ menu in the top-right corner of the screen and select ‘Uninstall updates’. This will revert Pixel Launcher to its factory version.

Step 2: Clear Cache and Data

Follow steps:

• Still within the Pixel Launcher settings, tap ‘Storage & cache’.
• Tap ‘Clear Cache’ and ‘Clear Storage’ to remove all residual data and files.

Step 3: Reinstall Pixel Launcher Updates

• Open Google ‘Play Store’.
• In the search bar, type ‘Pixel Launcher’ and hit enter.
• Tap ‘Update’ to reinstall the latest version of Pixel Launcher.

Step 4: Restart Your Device

• Press and hold the power button until the power off options appear.
• Tap ‘Restart’. If the restart option isn’t there, choose ‘Power off’ and then manually turn your device back on.
• Wait for your device to restart.

Reinstalling Pixel Launcher can give it a fresh start, potentially solving the issue. However, remember to back up any data or settings before you uninstall updates or clear data. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, reach out to Google’s customer service for more help.

Fix 8: Using an Alternative Launcher

If all else fails and the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue persists, you may consider using an alternative launcher until the problem gets resolved. There are plenty of reliable and customizable Android launchers available in the Google Play Store. Here’s how you can switch to a different launcher:

Step 1: Download an Alternative Launcher

• Open the Google ‘Play Store’.
• In the search bar, type ‘Launcher’ and hit enter.
• You’ll see a list of various launchers. Some popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, and Apex Launcher.
• Choose a launcher that appeals to you and tap ‘Install’.

Step 2: Set the New Launcher as Default

Follow steps:

• Once the new launcher is installed, press the home button.
• A prompt will appear asking you to choose a Home app. Select the new launcher from the list.
• To make it the default, tap ‘Always’.

Step 3: Customize Your New Launcher

• Most launchers come with a variety of customization options, allowing you to personalize your home screen.
• Spend some time setting up your new launcher to your preference.

Using an alternative launcher can serve as a temporary workaround until the Pixel Launcher issue is resolved. Keep in mind, however, that switching to a different launcher might change your user experience slightly. If you want to switch back to Pixel Launcher later, just go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps & Notifications’ > ‘Default Apps’ > ‘Home App’, and select Pixel Launcher.

Preventing “Pixel Launcher Keeps Stopping” Issues

While encountering the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue can be frustrating, there are steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some helpful tips to keep your Pixel Launcher running smoothly:

1. Keep Your Apps and System Updated

Regularly update both your Pixel Launcher and other installed apps from the Google Play Store. Developers often release updates to fix bugs and improve stability. Similarly, stay on top of system updates to ensure your device is running the latest version of Android, which can include important bug fixes and optimizations.

2. Avoid Untrusted or Incompatible Apps

Be cautious when installing new apps on your device. Stick to reputable sources like the Google Play Store to minimize the risk of downloading malicious or incompatible apps. Read user reviews and check app ratings before installing to ensure their reliability.

3. Clear Cache and Data Regularly

Periodically clear the cache and data of your Pixel Launcher and other frequently used apps. This helps eliminate temporary files and refreshes the app’s performance. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Apps & Notifications’ > ‘Pixel Launcher’ > ‘Storage & cache’ to clear cache and storage.

4. Limit Background Processes and Widgets

Reduce the number of active background processes and limit the use of widgets on your home screen. Excessive background processes can strain your device’s resources, potentially leading to performance issues. Similarly, too many widgets can consume memory and impact overall system performance.

5. Regularly Restart Your Device

Restarting your device on a regular basis can help clear temporary system files and refresh your device’s memory. This simple step can prevent minor software glitches and improve overall performance.

6. Use Reliable Antivirus Software

Install reputable antivirus software on your device and keep it updated. Antivirus software helps identify and eliminate potential threats, ensuring the security and stability of your device.

7. Be Mindful of App Permissions

Pay attention to the permissions requested by apps during installation. Only grant necessary permissions and avoid granting access to sensitive information or device controls unless absolutely necessary. This reduces the chances of malicious apps interfering with your device’s functioning.

By following these preventive tips, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering the ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping’ issue and enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience on your Pixel device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when faced with the frustrating issue of ‘Pixel Launcher keeps stopping,’ there are several effective fixes available. By clearing cache and data, updating or rolling back the Pixel Launcher, booting in Safe Mode, reinstalling the app, or using an alternative launcher, you can troubleshoot and resolve the problem. It’s crucial to stay updated, avoid incompatible apps, and take preventive measures to maintain the smooth functioning of your device. Remember, if the issue persists, reaching out to Google support or your device manufacturer can provide further assistance. Stay proactive and enjoy a seamless user experience on your Pixel device.

FAQs