LINE Says Android Crash Issue Resolved, Urges Users to Clear Cache Without Erasing Data

October 31 fix leaves some Android users needing extra steps

LINE said it resolved an issue preventing some Android users from opening its messaging app on the evening of October 31, 2026. In a November 1 notice, the company advised anyone still affected to clear LINE's cache through their phone's settings, then completely close and reopen the app.

The warning alongside that advice is crucial: choose "Clear cache," not "Clear data" or "Clear storage." The latter options can reset the app's stored information, require users to sign in again and put chat histories that have not been backed up at risk.

LINE said reports of failed launches began arriving on the evening of October 30. Some users described an app that closed immediately after opening; others could still receive message notifications but encountered crashes when entering the Home screen. Attempts to restart phones, clear temporary files or reinstall LINE did not work for everyone.

The disruption affected access to conversations as well as the app's main screen. A notification could arrive while the user remained unable to open LINE to read the conversation or reply. For those users, the company's recovery instructions offered a way to act without first entering the malfunctioning app.

LINE's announcement put the resolution of the service issue on October 31, while also acknowledging that some Android devices might still need attention. The immediate priority for those users is to restore access while protecting the messages and photographs already stored on their phones.

How the disruption unfolded

LINE's account places the first incoming complaints on October 30. Discussions on Taiwan's PTT mobile phone forums became visible on October 31, when users exchanged descriptions of repeated crashes and unsuccessful repair attempts.

• October 23: One user said LINE had updated to version 26.16.0, several days before crashes began on that device.
• October 30, evening: LINE said it began receiving reports that users could not successfully open the app.
• October 31: Android users discussed crashes on PTT, including problems entering the Home screen.
• October 31, evening: LINE said it confirmed the issue had been resolved.
• November 1: LINE published its resolution notice and instructions for users still affected.

Some users first experienced trouble on October 31, later than the initial reports received by LINE. The company also apologized for the inconvenience and said its team was closely checking the recovery.

The five steps LINE recommends

LINE's instructions begin in Android's system settings, rather than the settings inside LINE. This matters when the app closes before a user can reach any of its menus.

The company recommended the following sequence:

• Step 1: Open the phone's Settings app.
• Step 2: Go to Apps, then find and select LINE.
• Step 3: Open Storage. Some devices label this section Storage & cache.
• Step 4: Select Clear cache.
• Step 5: Completely close LINE, then open it again.

Android manufacturers use slightly different menu names, so the storage screen may look different from one phone to another. The choice that matters is the action itself: clearing the cache, rather than clearing the app's data or storage.

Users who have already tried clearing the cache and still cannot open LINE should contact LINE customer support. Repeatedly moving on to more destructive options can put locally stored information at risk without resolving the problem.

Why clearing cache is different from clearing data

A cache is a collection of temporary files an app keeps so it can reuse information without loading it from scratch each time. Clearing it removes those temporary files. LINE's guidance says this normally leaves chat history intact.

Clear data and Clear storage perform a broader reset. They can remove information the app uses to maintain its current state, including details associated with the signed in account and locally stored content. That is why LINE warned that users might need to log in again and could lose conversations that had not been backed up.

The similar wording makes the storage screen a particularly sensitive point in the repair process. A user trying to get back into an urgent conversation may see several options for freeing space, but those buttons have different consequences.

Before selecting anything, check the full label. LINE's recommended action for this incident is Clear cache. If the only visible option says Clear data or Clear storage, pause and check the device's menus rather than assuming it is an equivalent command.

Users described problems across versions and devices

PTT discussions included a description of repeated crashes on an OPPO Find X8 Pro and a comment identifying LINE version 26.17.0. Another user said version 26.16.0 had been installed on October 23, with crashes beginning only on October 31.

Other Android users said LINE continued to work normally. The experiences described in the discussions therefore ranged from no interruption to an app that could receive notifications but closed when its Home screen was opened.

LINE has not explained the technical cause, published a total number of affected users or announced a further repair release date. Its November 1 instructions focused on clearing the cache for devices that remained affected after the company confirmed recovery.

The version numbers and device descriptions are useful details for a support request. Someone experiencing the problem can tell LINE which phone they use, which app version is installed and exactly where the crash occurs, such as immediately at launch or after selecting Home.

Three workarounds circulated among users

Android users also shared three approaches in online discussions: opening LINE while offline, changing its theme and adjusting its battery setting. These were suggestions from users; LINE's instructions for this incident remained the five steps involving the cache.

The offline approach began with clearing LINE's cache, then switching on airplane mode and checking that both Wi-Fi and mobile data were off. Users suggested opening LINE without a connection, moving to the Chats screen and then reconnecting. They also advised keeping LINE open and returning through the phone's recent apps screen rather than fully closing it.

A second suggestion involved changing LINE's appearance. Users who could reach the app's settings were advised to open Themes, select My themes and apply the built in basic theme or another downloaded theme. This option requires enough access to LINE to reach those controls.

The third approach involved Android's battery controls. Users suggested opening Settings, selecting Apps and LINE, then changing Battery or App battery usage from Optimized or Restricted to Unrestricted. That setting gives the app more freedom to run and may increase battery use.

Some participants described success after trying these approaches. Results varied, making LINE's own recovery steps and customer support the clearest starting points for anyone still locked out.

Check updates and available storage

LINE's general support guidance also recommends restarting the phone, checking for updates to LINE and Android, clearing the cache and trying another network connection. It advises keeping at least 2GB of storage available on the device.

Available storage means unused space on the phone, rather than the amount of data included in a mobile plan. Users can check that figure in Android's storage settings. A phone with little room left may need space freed before apps can operate normally.

Updating LINE and the operating system is part of general troubleshooting. For this incident, the company's specific follow up instruction was to clear the cache and reopen the app after the October 31 recovery.

Changing between Wi-Fi and mobile data is another general check. Users who do so should be aware of any mobile data limits or charges attached to their plan.

Protect conversations before considering reinstallation

Reinstalling LINE was among the steps users said they had already tried without success. One forum participant also described losing pictures after reinstalling, illustrating the practical cost of removing the app before checking what can be restored.

LINE's support guidance advises backing up chat history and confirming account login information before deleting and reinstalling the app. A backup provides a stored copy that can be used during restoration; information kept only inside the existing installation may be lost when that installation is removed.

Users unable to open LINE may also be unable to create a fresh backup through the app. In that situation, contacting customer support before deletion gives them a chance to explain both the crash and their concern about preserving conversations.

A useful support request can include the phone model, Android version, LINE version, when the problem began and the steps already attempted. It should also describe whether notifications still arrive and whether the crash happens at launch, on Home or elsewhere. Those details help describe the failure more precisely than simply saying that LINE does not work.

Key Points

• LINE said reports began on October 30 and that it confirmed the issue was resolved on the evening of October 31, 2026.
• A November 1 notice advised affected Android users to clear LINE's cache through the phone's settings, then fully close and reopen the app.
• Clear data and Clear storage can reset app information and put chat history that has not been backed up at risk.
• Users described crashes on different versions and devices, while some Android phones continued working normally.
• LINE's general guidance recommends keeping at least 2GB of storage available and checking app and operating system updates.
• Anyone still affected should contact LINE support and protect chat backups and login information before considering reinstallation.