The Starbucks app is a popular tool for ordering drinks and managing rewards. Sometimes, users encounter issues that prevent the app from working correctly. Common problems include app crashes, login failures, and inability to load menus or process payments. These issues often stem from temporary glitches, outdated software, or network connectivity problems.
Fixing a non-functioning Starbucks app usually involves simple troubleshooting steps. Users can start by force-closing the app and reopening it. If this doesn’t work, checking for app updates or clearing the cache may resolve the problem. In some cases, uninstalling and reinstalling the app can eliminate persistent issues.
Network connectivity plays a crucial role in the app’s performance. A stable internet connection is essential for the app to function properly. Users experiencing problems should ensure their device has a strong Wi-Fi or cellular data signal. If connection issues persist, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data might help.
Why Is My Starbucks App Not Working?
If your Starbucks app isn’t working, you’re not alone. Many users occasionally run into issues with loading, logging in, or redeeming rewards. Whether you’re trying to order ahead, reload your card, or track Stars, app glitches can be frustrating—especially when you’re in line waiting for your caffeine fix.
This guide breaks down common reasons why the Starbucks app may not be working, along with step-by-step fixes to get you back on track.
Common Problems With the Starbucks App
Before we jump into solutions, here are the most frequent issues users report:
- App won’t open or keeps crashing
- App stuck on the loading screen
- Login problems (incorrect credentials, two-step verification errors)
- Payment methods not working (reload failures, card errors)
- Rewards or Stars not showing up
- Mobile orders not going through
- GPS/location issues (stores not showing up nearby)
- App freezing after an update
Quick Fixes for Starbucks App Issues
Here’s a checklist to troubleshoot and fix the Starbucks app.
1. Check If Starbucks Servers Are Down
Sometimes it’s not you—it’s them.
- Visit Downdetector.com or search “Starbucks app down” on social media (like Twitter/X).
- If servers are down, you may need to wait for Starbucks to fix it.
Pro tip: You can still place an order in person and earn Stars by scanning your card from your Starbucks physical card or giving your account details.
2. Update the App
Outdated versions of the app can lead to glitches or incompatibility.
How to update:
- iPhone (iOS): Open the App Store, tap your profile icon, scroll to see pending updates, and update Starbucks.
- Android: Open the Google Play Store, tap your profile icon, select Manage apps & devices, and update Starbucks.
3. Force Close and Reopen the App
Restarting the app can clear minor glitches.
- On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-tap Home on older models), find Starbucks, and swipe up to close it.
- On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Starbucks, then tap Force Stop and relaunch it.
4. Restart Your Phone
A simple restart can fix memory issues or stuck processes affecting the app.
- Power off your phone completely.
- Wait 30 seconds.
- Turn it back on and relaunch the Starbucks app.
5. Clear the App Cache (Android Only)
If you’re using Android, clearing cached data can fix crashes and slow performance.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Starbucks.
- Tap Storage & Cache.
- Tap Clear Cache (you can try Clear Data too, but you’ll have to log in again).
On iPhone, there’s no direct cache clear option, but you can delete and reinstall the app instead.
6. Delete and Reinstall the Starbucks App
If the app is corrupted, a clean install usually works.
- Delete the app:
- iPhone: Press and hold the app icon, tap Remove App > Delete App.
- Android: Press and hold, tap Uninstall.
- Reinstall the app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Log back in with your Starbucks account credentials.
7. Check Your Internet Connection
A weak or unstable connection can cause the app to freeze or crash.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if it improves.
- Restart your router if you’re on Wi-Fi.
- Avoid public networks with poor performance.
8. Log Out and Back In Again
This can refresh your account session and fix syncing issues with rewards, payment, or mobile orders.
Steps:
- Open the Starbucks app.
- Tap Account Settings > Log Out.
- Close the app completely.
- Reopen it and log in again.
Specific Starbucks App Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Problem: Can’t Log In
- Double-check your email/username and password.
- Reset your password if needed.
- If two-step verification isn’t working, make sure your phone number or email is correct in your account settings on Starbucks.com.
Problem: Starbucks Stars Aren’t Showing Up
- Sometimes there’s a delay in syncing. Give it a few minutes.
- Make sure you were signed into the right account during your purchase.
- If Stars still aren’t showing, contact Starbucks Customer Service through the app or website.
Problem: Payment Method Isn’t Working
- Check your card balance or payment details.
- Re-add your payment method in Account Settings > Payment.
- Some banks block reloads due to fraud protection—check with your bank if necessary.
Problem: Can’t Place Mobile Orders
- Verify location services are enabled:
- iPhone: Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Starbucks > Set to “While Using the App.”
- Android: Settings > Location > App Location Permissions > Starbucks > Set to “Allow while using the app.”
- Not all stores accept mobile orders at certain times—try a different location.
Problem: App Freezes After an Update
- Restart your phone.
- Clear the app cache or reinstall the app.
- Check for any additional pending updates in the App Store or Play Store.
When to Contact Starbucks Customer Support
If none of these fixes work, reach out to Starbucks Customer Service.
- In the app, go to Account > Help & Support.
- Visit starbucks.com/contact and use chat, email, or phone options.
- Call 1-800-STARBUC (1-800-782-7282) for immediate help.
They can assist with:
- Account access issues
- Missing Stars or rewards
- Payment disputes
- Technical bugs
Key Takeaways
- Force-close and restart the app to resolve temporary glitches
- Update the app and clear cache to fix persistent issues
- Check internet connection and switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data if needed
Identifying the Issue
When the Starbucks app stops working, pinpointing the root cause is crucial. A systematic approach can help isolate the problem and guide users towards a solution.
Checking Internet Connectivity
The Starbucks app requires a stable internet connection to function properly. Users should first verify their Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. To test connectivity:
- Open a web browser and try loading a website
- Check if other apps are working online
- Toggle airplane mode on and off
If using Wi-Fi, try switching to mobile data or vice versa. Some users report issues when connected to VPNs, so disabling any active VPN services may help. For persistent problems, restarting the router or contacting the internet service provider might be necessary.
Using External Resources for Verification
External platforms can provide valuable insights into widespread app issues. Downdetector is a useful tool that tracks outages and problems reported by users. To check:
- Visit Downdetector’s Starbucks page
- Look for spikes in reported issues
- Read user comments for specific problem descriptions
Social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit are also helpful. Users often share their experiences and potential fixes. Searching for “Starbucks app not working” on these platforms can reveal if others are facing similar issues and what solutions they’ve found effective.
Troubleshooting the Starbucks App
When the Starbucks app stops working, several methods can help restore its functionality. These range from simple fixes to more advanced solutions.
Basic Troubleshooting Steps
Start by closing and reopening the Starbucks app. On Android, press the three-line icon at the bottom of the screen or swipe up, then swipe away the app. For iPhone users, swipe up from the bottom and swipe the app away.
If that doesn’t work, restart your phone. This often resolves minor glitches affecting app performance.
Check your internet connection. The Starbucks app requires a stable connection to function properly. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if that helps.
Ensure the app is up to date. Outdated versions can cause issues. Visit the App Store or Google Play Store to check for and install any available updates.
Advanced Solutions
Clear the app’s cache and data. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Starbucks > Storage & cache. Tap “Clear cache” and “Clear data”. For iPhone, offload the app by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Starbucks > Offload App.
Uninstall and reinstall the app. This can fix corrupt files or settings. After uninstalling, restart your phone before reinstalling the app from the official app store.
Check your account settings. Ensure your password is correct and your account is active. If needed, reset your password through the app or Starbucks website.
Contact Starbucks support if problems persist. They can provide specific troubleshooting steps or check for account-related issues that may be affecting app functionality.
Operating System and App Store Involvements
The Starbucks app’s functionality depends on compatibility with your device’s operating system and proper integration with app stores. These factors play a crucial role in ensuring smooth operation and access to the latest features.
Checking for OS Compatibility
Your device’s operating system version affects the Starbucks app’s performance. Older OS versions may lack support for newer app features. To check compatibility:
- Verify your device’s current OS version
- Compare it with the app’s requirements in the app store
If your OS is outdated, update it to the latest version. This often resolves app issues and improves security. For iPhones, go to Settings > General > Software Update. Android users can check Settings > System > System Update.
Some older devices may not support the latest OS versions. In such cases, consider upgrading your device for the best app experience.
Engaging with App Store and Google Play Store
App stores are essential for maintaining and updating the Starbucks app. They provide access to the latest versions and bug fixes. To ensure optimal performance:
- Enable automatic app updates in your device settings
- Regularly check for manual updates in the app store
If issues persist, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This refreshes app data and often fixes glitches. Before uninstalling, note your account details for easy login after reinstallation.
App stores also offer user reviews and ratings. These can provide insights into common issues and potential fixes. Check recent reviews for any widespread problems other users may be experiencing.
Contacting Starbucks Support
When the Starbucks app isn’t working, reaching out to their support team can be a helpful solution. Customers have several options to get in touch with Starbucks for assistance.
The primary method is through the Starbucks website. Users can find a dedicated support page with common troubleshooting steps and FAQs. If these don’t resolve the issue, there’s an option to submit a support ticket online.
For more direct communication, Starbucks offers phone support. Customers can call 1-800-782-7282 to speak with a representative about app problems, account issues, or placing orders.
Email support is also available. Users can send detailed descriptions of their app issues to info@starbucks.com. This method is useful for non-urgent matters or when attaching screenshots of error messages.
Social media platforms serve as another contact point. Starbucks maintains active Twitter and Facebook accounts where customers can message for support.
For Starbucks Rewards members, the app itself may have a built-in chat feature. This allows users to communicate with support directly through the app, if it’s still partially functional.
When contacting support, it’s helpful to:
- Provide the app version number
- Describe the specific problem
- List any troubleshooting steps already taken
- Include device model and operating system information
These details can speed up the resolution process and help support teams offer more accurate solutions or workarounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Users often encounter issues with the Starbucks app. These problems can range from connectivity troubles to login difficulties and update-related glitches.
What could be causing the connectivity issues with the Starbucks app today?
Connectivity problems may stem from network instability or server outages. Users should check their internet connection and attempt to access other apps or websites.
If the issue persists, Starbucks’ servers might be experiencing downtime. Waiting for a short period and trying again later often resolves these temporary disruptions.
How does one troubleshoot login problems on the Starbucks mobile application?
Login issues can often be fixed by verifying account credentials. Users should double-check their username and password for accuracy.
Clearing the app’s cache or data may help. If problems continue, resetting the password or contacting Starbucks customer support are effective next steps.
In what ways can I resolve Starbucks app malfunctions on my iPhone?
For iPhone users, force-closing the app and restarting it can solve many issues. To do this, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe the app away.
Updating the app to the latest version often fixes bugs. If problems persist, deleting and reinstalling the app can be an effective solution.
What steps should be taken if the Starbucks app is not functioning on Android devices?
Android users can start by force-stopping the app through the device’s Settings menu. Clearing the app’s cache is another useful troubleshooting step.
Checking for and installing any available updates is crucial. If issues continue, uninstalling and reinstalling the app often resolves persistent problems.
What are the common issues after updating the Starbucks app that may prevent it from working?
Post-update issues may include login problems, payment errors, or menu display glitches. These are often temporary and resolve themselves within a day or two.
Restarting the device after an update can help. If problems persist, contacting Starbucks support or checking their social media for known issues is advisable.
How can a user successfully update their Starbucks app to the latest version?
Users can update the Starbucks app through their device’s app store. For iOS, this is the App Store, and for Android, it’s the Google Play Store.
Enabling automatic updates ensures the app always runs the latest version. If updates fail, checking available storage space and internet connection can help resolve the issue.
