If you’ve recently updated your Reddit app and are now facing a frustrating issue where the screen goes completely blank, you’re not alone. A growing number of users, both on Android and iOS, have reported this problem, making the platform inaccessible. While Reddit has not officially acknowledged the bug in full detail, community experiences and troubleshooting attempts have produced a reliable fix. Here’s a serious yet simple guide anyone can follow to bring back normal app functionality.
TL;DR
After the latest Reddit update, many users are experiencing a blank white or black screen when launching the app. The most effective fix involves resetting the app’s data and then performing a fresh uninstall and reinstall. Several users confirmed success with this method, significantly improving app stability. System cache clearance may also help in persistent cases.
Understanding the Issue: What’s Causing the Blank Screen?
The root cause of the blank screen seems to be a compatibility issue introduced with the latest Reddit app update. While Reddit hasn’t officially detailed the technical reasons, early reports suggest corrupted cache files, update conflicts, or incompatible legacy data may be contributing. The app loads to a white or black screen and becomes completely unresponsive.
This typically occurs right after users install a recent update through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Users from both operating systems—Android and iOS—have reported similar symptoms, which includes:
- White screen or black screen upon launch.
- Frozen loading icon with no progress.
- Inability to access the home feed or any subreddit.
- App closing itself or remaining unresponsive.
Fixing the Reddit Blank Screen Issue Step-by-Step
The following solution is based on user-driven troubleshooting and proven results shared widely on community forums and Reddit itself. It involves resetting the app’s data completely and then performing a clean install.
Step 1: Clear App Data (Android Only)
On Android, app data can become corrupted during updates. To remove this potentially broken data:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Reddit.
- Tap on Storage & Cache.
- Tap Clear Storage and Clear Cache.
Be aware that doing this will log you out of the app, and delete locally stored data such as temporary downloads or in-app preferences.
Step 2: Uninstall the Reddit App
Next, remove the Reddit app completely from your device.
On Android:
- Long-press the Reddit icon.
- Tap Uninstall.
On iOS:
- Press and hold the app icon until it jiggles.
- Tap the X and confirm deletion.
Step 3: Reboot Your Phone
This step is often overlooked but important. A device reboot clears system-level temporary files that might interfere with a fresh app install.
Simply restart your device after uninstalling the app. Make sure it’s not just putting the phone to sleep—do a full reboot.
Step 4: Perform a Fresh Install
Now, reinstall the Reddit app from your respective app store:
- Visit the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).
- Search for Reddit and install the official app.
Once installed, log in with your credentials and monitor the app for the issue. In most cases, the app should now load without showing a blank screen.
Additional Solutions If the Problem Persists
For some users, the main fix described above did not entirely resolve the issue. If that happens, try these additional suggestions:
1. Check for System Updates
Make sure your operating system is up to date. An outdated OS can often conflict with recent app updates. Go to:
- Settings → System → Software Update (on Android)
- Settings → General → Software Update (on iOS)
2. Alternative Reddit Clients
If you still cannot get the official app to work, consider using a third-party Reddit app such as:
- Apollo (iOS only)
- Relay for Reddit (Android)
- Infinity (Android)
While functionality may vary, these apps are often more lightweight and experience fewer critical crashes during official app updates.
3. Wait for a Patch
If neither a clean install nor alternative clients solve the issue, the bug might require a server-side patch or app update from Reddit’s developers. Keep an eye on Reddit’s official Twitter account and subreddit (r/redditmobile) for update announcements.
How to Prevent This in the Future
To avoid running into the same issue with future updates:
- Wait before installing day-one updates of major apps; let early adopters discover any bugs first.
- Regularly clear app cache manually, especially after updates.
- Make occasional backups of your Reddit app settings or use Reddit via browser for critical needs.
Community Response & Shared Experiences
Multiple Reddit threads have surfaced with users sharing their frustrations and success stories regarding the blank screen issue. In particular, this workaround (reset data → reinstall) has been echoed in hundreds of upvoted replies across subreddits like r/techsupport and r/RedditHelp. Users underline that while the fix is simple, the problem has gone unnoticed by many who assume the issue lies within their phone hardware.
Some users noted that logging out of all devices before reinstallation increased success rates. Others reported the issue only resolved after they waited a few hours post-uninstall before reinstalling, suggesting server-side factors could be at play as well.
Conclusion
While the recent Reddit app update has caused inconvenience for thousands of users, the blank screen problem is not beyond repair. Resetting stored data and performing a clean install has worked for a majority of affected users, making it the most trusted path to resolution. Until Reddit issues a patch or provides official guidance, this method stands as a tried-and-true solution anyone can perform without technical expertise.
If issues persist, do not hesitate to report bugs through the app or Reddit’s website, so developers are made fully aware of the scope of the problem. Community collaboration remains key in identifying and squashing bugs that slip through quality assurance protocols.
App users deserve reliable, transparent functionality—and sometimes, the best fixes come directly from the user base itself.