Trading App Not Working? Fix Common Issues and Avoid Future Problems

When your trading app not working, a mobile platform used to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, or crypto on the go, it’s not just annoying—it can cost you money. Whether it’s crashing when you try to place an order, freezing during market open, or showing "No Connection" even with full bars, this is a real problem for everyday investors. Millions rely on these apps for quick decisions, and when they fail, you’re left guessing what to do next.

The mobile trading app, a software tool that connects your brokerage account to your smartphone depends on three things: your phone’s software, the app’s backend, and your internet connection. A simple iOS update can break compatibility. A server outage at your broker—like the ones that hit Robinhood in 2021—can shut down trading for hours. Or maybe your Wi-Fi is weak, and the app doesn’t handle poor signals well. Even something as small as a corrupted cache can make the app behave like it’s broken. Most users don’t realize that restarting the app, clearing its data, or switching from Wi-Fi to cellular often fixes 70% of these issues.

Then there’s the brokerage app issues, problems tied to the financial institution behind the app, not the device or network. If your broker is using outdated APIs, has too many users logged in at once, or hasn’t tested the app on newer phones, you’re the one paying the price. Some apps still don’t support Face ID properly, or they crash when you try to use biometric login after a system update. And if you’re using a lesser-known broker, chances are their tech team is stretched thin. That’s why apps from big names like Fidelity or Schwab tend to be more stable—they have bigger teams, better infrastructure, and more frequent updates.

Don’t wait until the market is moving to figure this out. Check your app’s version regularly. Turn on notifications from your broker so you know when maintenance is scheduled. Keep your phone updated, but don’t install OS updates right before earnings season. And if you’re switching brokers, test the app for a week before moving your money. You’d be surprised how many people lose trades because they never tested the platform properly.

What you’ll find below are real fixes, tested by investors who’ve been there. From how to reset your trading app without losing your watchlist, to which brokers have the most reliable mobile platforms in 2025, to what to do when the app says "Order Failed" but your money is gone—you’ll get clear steps, no fluff. No theory. Just what works when your portfolio is on the line.