We’ve all been there — you open the Gumtree app on your phone, ready to post a listing or browse deals, and … nothing happens. It freezes. It shows a blank screen. It logs you out. Ugh. But don’t worry — in this guide, we’ll walk through realistic reasons why the Gumtree app might not be working, step-by-step fixes, and even some high-quality alternative apps you can switch to if you need a plan B. It’s all user-first advice, no fluff, focusing on what you can do now.
Why the Gumtree App Might Be Misbehaving
Let’s break down the common culprits behind the issues so you can fix smarter:
1. Outdated App or OS Compatibility Issues
Sometimes the app version on your phone just isn’t compatible with your device’s operating system anymore. According to user reports, the Gumtree app has crashed or failed to function properly, especially after OS updates.
If the developer hasn’t updated the app for newer OS versions, you’ll run into problems.
2. Cache/Data Corruption or Network Glitches
Your device may have stored outdated or corrupted data for the app. Network issues (slow WiFi, VPNs, proxies) also frequently cause listing uploads and navigation to fail. Gumtree itself recommends clearing cookies and cache when you experience browser issues.
3. Server/Backend Problems or Outages
You could be fully up-to-date and still see issues because of server problems on Gumtree’s end or a region-specific deployment bug. For example, multiple reports show the app “not working” or “crashes” across different devices.
4. Account- or Listing-Specific Issues
Sometimes the issue isn’t the app at all but your account or listing. For example, if your listing breaches policy, it may be removed or hidden and you may think the app is bugged. Gumtree outlines how to check if your ad is inactive or removed.
How to Fix the Gumtree App — Step by Step
Here’s a practical checklist to run through. Try each step until the app works again.
- Restart your device
- A simple reboot can clear many temporary glitches.
- Also switch networks: from WiFi to mobile data, or vice-versa.
- Check for App & OS Updates
- Visit the App Store / Google Play and update Gumtree if available.
- Check your phone’s OS version – if it’s too old or too new (and unsupported), that can cause crashes.
- Clear Cache & Data (Android) / Offload App (iOS)
- On Android: Settings → Apps → Gumtree → Storage → Clear cache / Clear data.
- On iOS: you can delete the app, reinstall it — since there’s no “clear cache” option.
- Uninstall and Reinstall the App
- Sometimes a fresh install fixes deeper installation or file-corruption problems. Many users reported this step resolved issues like “stucks at loading screen”.
- Disable VPNs / Proxies / Ad-Blockers
- Some network modifications interfere with live-listing or uploading functions.
- Also check if the app works on mobile data (not just WiFi) to isolate network problems.
- Check Account & Listings
- Log in via browser (not just app) to see if your account is active or listing has been removed.
- Check if you got any policy email from Gumtree that your listing or account was flagged.
- Contact Gumtree Support
- If none of the above works, take a screenshot of the error, note the steps you’ve tried, and reach out to Gumtree support with your device & OS info.
Top Alternatives to Gumtree — If You Want a Backup
If you rely on a classified-ads marketplace and Gumtree’s acting up, here are strong alternatives to check out:
- Facebook Marketplace – Huge user-base, global/mobile support, seamless integration with Facebook accounts.
- eBay Classifieds – More traditional auction-style, but also solid for local selling and buying.
- OfferUp (US-centric) – App built entirely for local buying/selling with strong mobile UX.
- LetGo (now merged with OfferUp in many places) – Simple interface for quick listings.
- Vinted – Especially good if you’re selling secondhand clothes and accessories.
Each alternative has advantages — e.g., larger audiences, better app stability, different fee/commission structures, stronger trust & safety features.
Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you pick:
| App | Best For | Things to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Marketplace | Broad item categories + social tie | Must manage via Facebook account & messaging |
| eBay Classifieds | Wider reach + auctions | May involve higher fees or shipping steps |
| OfferUp / LetGo | Quick local deals via mobile only | May be concentrated regionally |
| Vinted | Fashion / accessories | Less general-item oriented |
Pick the one that fits your listing style and audience. If you mainly sell local furniture, a “quick local only” app might beat a nationwide listing site.
Final Thoughts
Having your Gumtree app fail at a critical moment is frustrating — but in most cases, the solution isn’t far off. By going through update → cache clear → reinstall → network check, you’ll resolve 80-90% of issues. And if it still misbehaves, switching to one of the alternative apps ensures you’re not stuck waiting while your items sit unsold.
One last tip: back up important listing info (item descriptions, photos) even if the app works, so you can reuse them easily across platforms.
FAQs (People-First & Direct)
Q1: Why won’t the Gumtree app open at all on my phone?
A: Usually, it’s because of an outdated app version or OS incompatibility, or your network is blocking it. Start by updating the app and switching networks (WiFi ↔ mobile data).
Q2: I’ve cleared cache and reinstalled but listings still won’t upload photos, what gives?
A: This often happens due to corrupted files or an OS bug. Try using WiFi instead of mobile data, ensure the images are under the size limit, and check if the issue also occurs on the browser — if it does, it may be a backend problem.
Q3: Is my account being blocked by Gumtree causing the app to behave badly?
A: Possibly. If your listing was flagged or removed, some app functions might get restricted. Log in via the website to check your Ad status or any policy violation email from Gumtree.
Q4: One region’s Gumtree app works but mine crashes — what’s the difference?
A: App behavior can vary by region/version and OS. It’s possible your region hasn’t gotten a bug-fix update yet. In that case, switching to a different local marketplace may make sense temporarily.
Q5: If I switch to a different app (like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp), will I lose my listings?
A: Yes — you’ll need to repost items on the new platform. But many listing assets (photos, description) are reusable, so you’re not starting from zero. It’s worth it for a more stable listing experience.