How to tell if the United Airlines app is actually down

The United Airlines app goes down occasionally, but most of the time when it won't open or load, the problem is on your phone, not United's servers. Start by closing the app completely and restarting your phone. Then try opening it again. If that doesn't work, try logging in through the United website on your phone's browser instead — if the website loads and the app doesn't, the app itself is the problem.

If both the app and website are slow or won't load, check your internet connection by opening a different website or app. If other sites work fine, United's systems may actually be down. You can confirm this by checking DownDetector.com or X (formerly Twitter) — search "United Airlines app down" and look for recent posts from other travelers reporting the same issue in the last 30 minutes.

United does not post a public status page that shows real-time outages the way some airlines do. Your fastest way to know for certain is to call United directly at 1-800-864-8331 and ask whether the app is experiencing issues. They can tell you when ready and help you book or check your flight another way if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • Restart your phone and close the app completely before assuming United's servers are down.
  • Try the United website on your phone's browser to see whether the problem is the app or the internet connection.
  • Check DownDetector or X for recent reports from other travelers experiencing the same outage.
  • Call United at 1-800-864-8331 to confirm whether the app is down and to book or check your flight by phone.
  • United does not maintain a public outage status page, so real-time confirmation usually requires a phone call.

Steps to take if you cannot access your booking

If you need to check your flight status or make changes and the app won't work, use the United website instead. Go to united.com, click "Manage My Booking," and enter your confirmation number and last name. This works on any browser and does not require the app.

If the website is also down, call 1-800-864-8331. Have your confirmation number ready. United's phone line stays open even when digital systems are slow, and representatives can look up your booking, tell you your flight status, and make changes for you over the phone. Wait times are usually longer during outages, so call early if you have a flight within the next few hours.

Why the United app goes down and how long it usually lasts

The United app experiences outages for a few common reasons: scheduled maintenance (usually announced in advance), unexpected server issues, or problems with the company that hosts United's systems. Scheduled maintenance typically happens late at night or early morning and lasts 30 minutes to a few hours. Unscheduled outages are less predictable but often resolve within an hour.

During peak travel times — early morning, evening, and holiday periods — the app sometimes slows down dramatically even when it is technically working. This is not a full outage but can feel like one if pages take minutes to load. If you are traveling soon, avoid relying on the app during these windows and use the website or phone instead.

Fixing the app if it is working but behaving strangely

If the United app opens but freezes, crashes, or shows old information, the problem is usually the app itself, not the servers. Start by force-closing the app: on iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe the app up. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > United Airlines and tap "Force Stop."

Then clear the app's cache. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find United Airlines, and tap "Offload App" (this removes it but keeps your data). Then reinstall it from the App Store. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > United Airlines > Storage > Clear Cache. Restart your phone and open the app again.

If the app still misbehaves after clearing the cache, uninstall it completely and reinstall it fresh from the App Store or Google Play. This fixes most app-specific problems. If it still does not work after a fresh install, the issue is likely on United's end, and you should use the website or phone instead.

What to do if you have a flight in the next few hours

Do not wait for the app to work if your flight is within 4 hours. Call United at 1-800-864-8331 when ready to confirm your reservation and check in if your flight is within 24 hours. You can also check in online at united.com without using the app — go to "Check In" and enter your confirmation number and last name.

If you are already at the airport, go to a United ticket counter or kiosk. Kiosks do not require the app and can check you in, print your boarding pass, and handle baggage. If the kiosks are also down (rare), the ticket counter staff can help you manually.

Preventing app problems before your next trip

Save your confirmation number in your phone's notes or email it to yourself before your trip. This way, you can check in and manage your booking through the website even if the app fails. Bookmark united.com on your phone's home screen so you can reach it quickly.

read your boarding pass to your phone's wallet app (Apple Wallet or Google Wallet) as soon as you check in. This stores your boarding pass offline, so you can show it at the gate even if your phone loses internet connection. The United app can add your boarding pass to your wallet, but so can the website — go to your booking and look for the wallet icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check in without the app?

Yes. Go to united.com on any browser, click "Check In," and enter your confirmation number and last name. You can also check in at the airport using a United kiosk or ticket counter. The app is convenient but not required.

Will United notify me if my flight is delayed if the app is down?

United sends delay notifications by text and email if you have provided those contact details in your account. The app is not your only way to receive alerts. Check your email and text messages during an outage to see whether United has already notified you.

What if I cannot reach United by phone because of high call volume?

Try the website first — it usually handles traffic better than the phone line during outages. You can also message United through X (@United) or use the chat feature on united.com if it is working. If your flight is not for several hours, wait 30 minutes and try calling again.

Does the app outage affect my reservation or ticket?

No. Your reservation exists in United's database regardless of whether the app works. An app outage is a technical problem with the software, not with your booking. Your flight and ticket are safe.

How do I know if the app is down for everyone or just me?

Check DownDetector.com or search "United Airlines app down" on X. If dozens of people posted about the same problem in the last 30 minutes, it is a widespread outage. If only a few people mention it, the problem is likely on your phone or network.