How to tell if the United app is actually down

The United app goes down occasionally, but most of the time when it won't load, the problem is on your phone or internet connection, not United's servers. Before you assume the app is broken, try these steps in order: restart your phone completely, turn off Wi-Fi and use mobile data instead (or vice versa), and clear the app's cache by going to Settings > Apps > United Airlines > Storage > Clear Cache. If the app still won't open after those three steps, the outage is likely real.

You can confirm a real outage by checking Downdetector.com or X (formerly Twitter) and searching "United app down" — if hundreds of people posted about it in the last hour, the servers are actually having trouble. United's official social media accounts and their website homepage will also mention major outages. If you see reports from only a few people spread across several hours, it is almost certainly a device-side problem.

Another quick test: try logging into your United account on a web browser at united.com instead of the app. If the website works fine, your phone or the app installation is the issue. If the website is also slow or won't load, United's systems are genuinely down.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your phone, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, and clear the app cache before assuming the United app is down.
  • Check Downdetector.com or search X for recent posts about "United app down" to see if other users are reporting the same problem.
  • Try logging into united.com on a web browser — if the website works but the app does not, the problem is your phone or app installation.
  • During a real outage, you can still check your flight status, change seats, and manage your booking through the United website or by calling 1-800-UNITED-1.
  • If the app crashes repeatedly after reinstalling, contact United support with the exact error message your phone shows.

What to do while the app is down

If the app is genuinely down and you need to check your flight or make changes, the United website works independently from the app. Go to united.com, enter your confirmation code and last name under "Manage My Booking," and you can view your flight, change seats, add bags, or request a standby list. The website is usually faster than the app anyway.

For real-time flight status, you can also call United's main line at 1-800-UNITED-1 (1-800-864-8331). Wait times are longer during outages, but a representative can tell you if your flight is delayed, cancelled, or on time. Have your confirmation code ready.

If you are at the airport, the airport monitors and ticket counters always have access to flight information, even when the app is down. You do not need the app to board — your confirmation code and ID are enough.

Why the United app crashes or won't load

The United app crashes most often when your phone is low on storage space, when you have not updated the app in several weeks, or when your phone's operating system is outdated. If the app keeps crashing even after you restart your phone, uninstall it completely and reinstall it fresh from the App Store or Google Play. This fixes corrupted files that a straightforward restart cannot.

Outages on United's end usually happen during scheduled maintenance (which United announces in advance on their website) or after a major system update goes wrong. These outages typically last between 30 minutes and 4 hours. If you are traveling soon and the app is down, do not wait for it to come back — use the website instead.

Reinstalling the app if it keeps failing

If you have tried restarting and clearing the cache and the app still will not open, delete it entirely. On iPhone, press and hold the United app icon, tap "Remove App," then "Delete App." On Android, go to Settings > Apps > United Airlines > Uninstall. Then go back to the App Store or Google Play, search for "United Airlines," and read it fresh.

When you reinstall, make sure your phone has at least 500 MB of free storage space — the app needs room to read data when it first opens. If your phone is nearly full, delete photos, videos, or other apps you do not use, then try installing United again.

When to contact United support

Contact United if the app keeps crashing even after you reinstall it, or if you see an error code when you try to log in. Have the exact error message ready — it usually appears at the bottom of the screen or in a pop-up. You can reach United through their website at united.com/en/en/help, by calling 1-800-UNITED-1, or through their social media accounts on X or Facebook.

If you are unable to check your flight status or make a booking change because the app and website are both down, and you are traveling within 24 hours, call the phone line. United prioritizes calls from passengers with imminent flights during outages.

How to avoid app problems before your flight

Update the United app at least once a week by opening the App Store or Google Play and checking for updates. Outdated apps are more likely to crash. Also make sure your phone's operating system is current — go to Settings > General > Software Update on iPhone, or Settings > System > System Update on Android, and install any waiting updates.

Before a flight, do not rely only on the app. Write down your confirmation code on paper, screenshot your boarding pass, and bookmark united.com. If the app fails at the airport, you will have a backup way to show your reservation and boarding pass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I board my flight if the United app is down?

Yes. You do not need the app to board. Bring your confirmation code and a photo ID to the gate, and the agent can look up your reservation in their system. You can also print your boarding pass at home before you leave, or get one from an airport kiosk or ticket counter.

Will United refund me if the app outage made me miss my flight?

No, but you can rebook on the next available flight at no extra charge if the outage prevented you from checking in or making a time-sensitive change. Call 1-800-UNITED-1 and explain what happened. Have screenshots or a record of when you tried to use the app.

How long do United app outages usually last?

Most outages last between 30 minutes and 4 hours. Scheduled maintenance is announced in advance on united.com. If an outage is unplanned, United posts updates on their social media accounts and website homepage as they work to fix it.

What if I reinstalled the app and it still will not open?

Make sure your phone has at least 500 MB of free storage space and that your operating system is fully updated. If it still fails, try logging in on united.com instead — the website does not require installation and often works when the app does not. If the website also fails, the problem may be your internet connection rather than the app.

Can I change my flight or add a bag without the app?

Yes. Go to united.com, click "Manage My Booking," enter your confirmation code and last name, and you can change seats, add bags, request standby, or view your flight details. You can also call 1-800-UNITED-1 to make these changes over the phone.