Whether you’re learning French during your commute or brushing up your Spanish before a trip, having Duolingo stop working mid-session is frustrating.
You tap the app, expect it to load… and nothing happens.
But don’t worry—this guide helps you fix it quickly, understand why it’s happening, and get back to learning.
Common Reasons Duolingo Isn’t Working (and What They Mean)
Here are the most frequent problems users experience:
- App won’t open or freezes — due to outdated versions, app cache issues, or local device conflicts
- Lessons not loading or stuck at 0% — often caused by poor internet connections or server-side errors
- Progress not syncing between devices — syncing fails if your login session is corrupted
- Notifications broken or delayed — happens when the app isn’t allowed to send background alerts
- Audio or lessons missing — due to truncated downloads, data-saving limits, or permissions issues
Step-by-Step Fixes That Actually Work
These proven fixes resolve most “Duolingo not working” issues quickly and easily.
1. Restart the App & Device
🔁 Close the app completely (swipe away) and reopen it.
🔄 If needed, restart your phone or tablet.
This simple step clears temporary glitches and cache issues.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure you’re on a stable Wi‑Fi or reliable mobile data network.
Switch networks (Wi-Fi ↔ mobile) to test.
If that fixes it, your connection was the issue.
3. Update the App
Head to the App Store or Google Play Store and hit Update (if available).
Outdated apps often crash or fail.
4. Clear the Cache (Android Only)
Go to Settings → Apps → Duolingo → Storage.
Tap Clear Cache, then reopen the app.
🗑️ This removes temporary files causing errors.
For iPhone users, reinstall to clear issues.
5. Reinstall the App
- Uninstall Duolingo
- Restart your device
- Reinstall from your app store
- Log in again
This gives you a fresh, error-free installation.
6. Check for Server Outages
Sometimes the problem isn’t yours—Duolingo may be down for everyone.
- Visit sites like Downdetector
- Check @duolingo on X (Twitter)
- If there’s a server issue, all you can do is wait—problems usually resolve within a few hours.
7. Ensure Sync Is Working
If progress isn’t syncing:
- Log out and back in
- Go to Settings → Sync Progress
- Make sure your email or social login method is correct
Proper syncing ensures your learning progress stays safe.
8. Grant App Permissions
Missing sound or lessons? Make sure you’ve granted Duolingo access to:
- Microphone (for speaking exercises)
- Storage/data (for audio downloads)
- Notifications (to get reminders and streak alerts)
9. Check Device Storage
Low storage can restrict new downloads.
Free up space by removing unused apps or media files, then reopen Duolingo.
Quick Troubleshooting Table
| Issue / Symptom | Possible Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| App won’t open or crashes | Cache issues, outdated app | Restart, clear cache / reinstall |
| Lessons loading slowly or stuck | Weak internet or server problem | Switch network, check status |
| Progress not syncing | Outdated app or login issues | Update, log out/in, sync |
| No sound during lessons | Missing permissions | Enable mic/audio permissions |
| Notifications stopped working | Permissions or background limit | Enable notifications/activity |
User Tips & Experiences
- “I had audio issues—clearing the cache fixed it almost instantly.”
- “Switching to mobile data got my lessons to load again.”
- “A reinstall after weeks of app use solved my crash.”
You’re not alone—and these solutions really work!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why won’t my spelling exercises load?
Often a cache or connection issue. Clear it or switch networks—it usually solves the issue.
Q2: It’s not letting me record speaking exercises.
Duolingo needs microphone access. Go to Settings > Privacy > Microphone and toggle Duolingo on
Q3: My streak disappeared—will it come back?
If syncing fails, refresh the app. If the streak remains lost, reach out to Duolingo Support via app or help center.
Q4: Why am I not getting daily reminders?
Check notification permissions and battery settings. Allow the app to run in the background.
Q5: Are server outages common with Duolingo?
They’re rare but typically short-lived (1–3 hours). If it’s global, just wait it out.
Final Takeaway: Fixing Duolingo Isn’t a Drama
When Duolingo stops working, don’t panic. Most glitches are simple:
- Restart or reinstall
- Update the app
- Check your internet or wait for outages
With that, you’re just a few taps away from getting back to learning your next new word.