Stuck on the login screen? 7 fixes that work on most apps (iPhone, Android, and web)

Login screen loop with padlock and refresh arrow

When an app accepts your email and password but keeps returning you to the login screen, it’s usually not “your fault.” It’s typically a session, cookie, or network handshake that isn’t sticking.

Let’s fix it in a clean, low-risk order.

Start at step 1 and stop as soon as it works. The early steps are safe and quick; the later ones are more “reset-ish.”

1. Confirm the basics: internet, VPN, and time settings

Switch networks: try Wi‑Fi to mobile data (or the reverse).
Turn off VPN / private relay / ad blockers temporarily: these can break sign-in redirects.
Check device date & time: set to automatic. Wrong time can invalidate security tokens.

2. Force-close the app (or close the browser tab) and try again

It sounds basic, but a stuck session can survive in memory.

Mobile: force-close the app from the app switcher, then reopen it.
Web: close the tab, open a new one, and retry.

If it works once and then breaks again later, you’re likely dealing with a cache/cookie or account-session problem—keep going.

3. Update the app (or refresh the browser) and restart your device

Older app builds can fail login when the service changes something server-side.

Update the app from the App Store / Google Play.
Browser: update your browser and disable any “experimental” flags if you’ve changed them.
Restart your phone/computer to clear stuck background processes.

4. Clear cache / cookies for the app or site

Cookie and cache icons next to a browser window

Android: Settings → Apps → (your app) → Storage → Clear cache. If needed, Clear storage (this signs you out).
iPhone/iPad: many apps don’t expose cache clearing. The practical equivalent is offload/reinstall (next step).
Web: clear cookies/site data for that specific site (not necessarily your whole history), then reload.

After clearing, sign in once, then wait 30–60 seconds before closing the app—some apps finalize session setup after the first screen loads.

5. Try a different sign-in method (password vs. “Continue with Google/Apple”)

Sometimes the loop is caused by the specific identity method, not your account.

If you normally use “Continue with Google/Apple”, try signing in with email + password (or set a password first).
If you normally use a password, try the provider button (Google/Apple) if it’s linked.
Make sure you’re using the same email you originally registered with. Aliases and “Hide My Email” can confuse things.

6. Reset password and check two-factor codes

Two-factor authentication screen concept with shield icon

If the app accepts your credentials but won’t stay signed in, a security check can be failing silently.

Reset your password (even if you’re sure it’s correct).
Check your authenticator/SMS codes: make sure the codes are coming from the right account.
Look for “new login” emails: some services require you to approve the sign-in from an email link.

Also check if you have multiple devices logged in—logging out of other sessions (if available in account settings) can stop repeated session conflicts.

7. Reinstall the app (or use an incognito/private window) and check service status

This is the “clean slate” step.

Mobile: delete the app, restart the device, reinstall, then sign in.
Web: try a private/incognito window with extensions disabled.
Check if the service is down: if many users can’t log in right now, it may resolve only when the provider fixes it.

If it fails even after reinstall/incognito, the issue is often account-side (locked account, region restriction, billing, or a flagged login).

Final thoughts

A login loop usually comes down to session data (cookies/cache), network interference (VPN/ad blockers), or an account security check that didn’t complete.

If you’re still stuck after step 7, contact the app’s support and mention you’ve already tried cache/cookies and reinstall—this helps them skip the basic script and check your account directly.