LG webOS app crashes usually come from a broken “signal chain”: outdated app builds, cached data gone bad, DRM re-auth hiccups, or HDMI/eARC handshakes after an update. This guide fixes the chain in the right order so you don’t nuke your settings unless it’s absolutely necessary. Let’s keep it clean and fast. ⚙️🧼
One external reference you might need during the last-resort step: LG’s official Reset to Initial Settings instructions (covers webOS 6.0–25+). Use it only if earlier steps fail. LG PL
The golden rule (before you start)
- Update order matters: update TV firmware → apps → soundbar/AVR (if used).
- Power cycle properly: shut down devices, unplug TV from mains for 60 seconds (standby ≠ full reboot).
- Test one change at a time: after each step, open the problematic app and play a 4–5 minute clip.
1) Quick wins (often enough)
- Soft reboot the TV (hold the Power button on the remote ~5 sec until it restarts) → retest.
- Reinstall the problematic app: Home → Apps/Content Store → search app → Uninstall → Install → sign in again → retest.
- Clear app leftovers / memory optimizer: Settings → Support/Device Care (name may vary) → Memory Optimizer / App clean-up → retest.
- Sign out & in (DRM refresh): for Netflix/Prime/YouTube, fully sign out, then sign in again. 🔁
2) Network sanity (DRM & CDN issues often look like “crashes”)
- Router reboot (power off 20–30 sec) → back on.
- DNS swap (optional test): set DNS to a reliable resolver (e.g., your ISP default back to automatic after testing).
- Disable IPv6 (temporary test): some ISPs’ IPv6 stacks cause app auth hiccups. If playback stabilizes, re-enable later and test again.
3) Audio chain issues (eARC/ARC) that masquerade as app problems
Certain “app crashes” are really eARC dropouts or mode switches:
- TV: Settings → Sound → Sound Out → HDMI (eARC) device, then Advanced → Digital Sound Output → Pass Through; eARC: On.
- Soundbar/AVR: set eARC/ARC mode ON, input to TV/eARC, disable audio processing modes temporarily.
- HDMI sanity: certified 48 Gbps cable, connect to the eARC-labeled port on TV and bar/AVR; remove extra HDMI devices while testing.
- If audio stabilizes with Sound Out → TV Speaker, the issue is in the HDMI chain, not the app. 🎧
4) App reset & rebuild (per-app)
- Remove the app completely.
- Power cycle the TV (mains unplug 60 sec).
- Install fresh → sign in → disable autoplay previews (where applicable) and test normal playback vs HDR/DV titles.
- If only HDR/Dolby Vision titles crash, keep testing with SDR titles: that points to a video pipeline or bandwidth issue rather than the app itself.
5) TV-level cleanup (without factory reset)
- Remove unused inputs/devices from Home Dashboard (simplifies CEC/handshake).
- Turn off Energy Saving (prevents dim/AGC side-effects mid-playback).
- Disable logo dimming temporarily (Picture → OLED Care/Logo Luminance → Low/Off) just for debugging.
- CEC (Simplink) toggle test: Off → reboot → On. Conflicting CEC messages can kill playback sessions.
6) When you must factory reset (rare, but decisive)
If none of the above fixes it, perform Reset to Initial Settings and rebuild from scratch:
- Reconnect Wi-Fi/Ethernet, skip non-essential prompts, install one problematic app first, test, then add the rest.
- Re-enable eARC/Pass Through and Game Optimizer only after verifying stable playback.
- Follow LG’s official path for the reset steps across webOS versions (single external reference): LG USA Support — Reset your TV.
Troubleshooting Matrix (symptom → likely cause → fix)
| Symptom | Most likely cause | What to do (in order) |
|---|---|---|
| App opens then crashes at playback start | Bad cache/DRM token; outdated app | Reinstall app → reboot TV (mains) → sign in again → test SDR vs HDR |
| Only HDR/DV titles crash or stutter | HDMI handshake/eARC; bandwidth; tone-mapping conflict | TV Sound Out TV Speaker test → if stable, fix eARC chain (Pass Through, eARC ON, 48 Gbps cable) |
| Random black screen + audio mutes every few minutes | eARC CEC conflict or lip-sync correction loop | Simplink OFF test → Pass Through → power cycle bar/AVR → try different HDMI port |
| “App not available in your region” after update | CDN/Geo cache, DNS/IPv6 oddities | Router reboot → DNS auto → IPv6 OFF (test) → app reinstall |
| Only one app is broken | App data corrupt | Uninstall → power cycle → install fresh → sign in |
| Many apps unstable after firmware update | Incomplete post-update cache rebuild | Memory Optimizer → full power cycle → reinstall one key app first |
| Nothing helps | System-wide corruption | Factory reset (as last resort), then rebuild chain clean |
Pro tips (to keep it stable)
- Keep logins handy (password manager) before any resets.
- Update the soundbar/AVR firmware the same day you update webOS.
- Avoid mixed HDMI chains (e.g., passing a console through a soundbar to the TV) during diagnostics—connect straight to the TV first.
- Once stable, take a photo of key settings (Sound Out, Digital Sound Output, eARC) so you can restore quickly next time. 📸
FAQ
Do I need to clear “cache” on webOS like on a phone?
Not exactly; webOS handles memory differently. Use Memory Optimizer (naming varies by model), then reinstall the problematic app—that effectively clears its data.
Why does unplugging the TV fix things?
A full power cycle restarts services that standby doesn’t fully reset, refreshing HDMI/CEC and app processes.
My apps still crash with the soundbar disconnected—what next?
Then it isn’t eARC; focus on reinstall app → reboot → sign in and test over a stable network (prefer wired/Ethernet if possible).
Factory reset wipes everything—should I do it?
Only after exhausting lighter fixes. When you do, follow LG’s official reset guide for your webOS version and rebuild the chain step-by-step.
Final Verdict
Fix app crashes on LG TVs by rebuilding the chain from the smallest link up: app → TV reboot → network sanity → eARC chain → clean reinstall → only then factory reset. Keep it systematic and you’ll usually solve it in under 20 minutes without losing your whole setup. ✅🙂
Recommended internal reads (live on TVComparePro):
