Hey there! If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been trying to use the Walmart app, only to find it’s not working. Maybe it’s crashing, refusing to load, or just giving you error messages.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone. On April 17, 2025, thousands of users reported issues with the Walmart app and website, leaving many frustrated.
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What’s Happening with the Walmart App Today?
First things first: the Walmart app isn’t always perfect. It’s a powerful tool for shopping groceries, household items, and even electronics, but it can run into hiccups. On April 17, 2025, reports flooded in about the app and Walmart’s website being down or slow.
Users couldn’t add items to their carts, search for products, or check out. Some even got error messages like “We’re having technical issues, but we’ll be back in a flash.” Sound familiar?
These issues weren’t limited to one area. People across the United States, especially in southern cities, reported problems. According to outage tracking sites like Downdetector, over 3,600 users flagged issues at the peak of the outage around 3:00 PM ET.
Social media posts on X echoed the frustration, with users saying the app was “crashing” or “not loading anything.” By 6:45 PM, things seemed to improve, but some users still faced delays or glitches.
So, why is this happening? Let’s break it down.
Common Reasons the Walmart App Might Not Work
The Walmart app is complex. It connects millions of users to Walmart’s massive inventory, delivery systems, and payment processes. When something goes wrong, it could be due to several reasons. Here are the most common culprits:
1. Server Outages or Overload
Walmart’s app relies on servers to function. These servers handle everything from product searches to order tracking. If too many people use the app at once, the servers can get overloaded. This is especially common during busy shopping seasons, like holidays or back-to-school sales.
On April 17, 2025, the app and website faced a partial outage. This wasn’t a complete shutdown, but it stopped many users from searching or checking out. The high number of user reports suggests the servers were struggling to keep up. Sometimes, Walmart’s team performs maintenance, which can temporarily disrupt service. Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do about server issues except wait.
2. Outdated App Version
Using an old version of the Walmart app can cause problems. Walmart regularly releases updates to fix bugs, improve performance, and add new features. If your app isn’t updated, it might not communicate properly with Walmart’s servers.
This is a common issue because many users ignore update notifications. An outdated app can lead to crashes, slow loading, or error messages. Checking for updates is an easy fix, and we’ll show you how later.
3. Internet Connection Issues
The Walmart app needs a stable internet connection to work. If your Wi-Fi is weak or your phone is in airplane mode, the app might not load. Even a slow mobile data connection can cause problems, especially when loading product images or processing payments.
Since the app relies on real-time data, a spotty connection can make it seem like the app is broken. This is one of the easiest issues to troubleshoot, so don’t skip checking your internet.
4. Device Compatibility or Settings
Your phone’s settings or operating system can affect the app. For example, if your phone is in power-saving mode, it might limit the app’s ability to run smoothly. An outdated phone operating system (like iOS or Android) can also cause compatibility issues.
Other settings, like location services or VPNs, can interfere. The Walmart app uses your location to offer local deals and delivery options. If location services are off or a VPN is masking your location, the app might not work properly.
5. App Cache or Data Problems
Every app stores temporary data, called cache, to load faster. Over time, this cache can get corrupted, causing the app to malfunction. Clearing the cache is a simple fix that doesn’t delete your account or saved items.
Similarly, if the app’s data is corrupted, it might not load correctly. This can happen after a failed update or a glitch during use.
6. Account or Authentication Issues
Sometimes, the problem is with your Walmart account. If the app can’t authenticate your login, it might not let you access features like your cart or order history. This can happen if you’ve changed your password, logged in from a new device, or if Walmart’s servers are having trouble verifying your account.
Logging out and back in can often fix this issue. In rare cases, Walmart might flag your account for review, especially if there’s unusual activity, like multiple failed login attempts.
7. Bugs or Glitches in the App
No app is perfect, and the Walmart app is no exception. Bugs can creep into new updates, causing unexpected issues. For example, some users reported that the latest version of the app had accessibility problems, like search results not loading properly for screen readers.
Walmart’s team usually fixes these bugs in future updates, but they can cause temporary headaches. Social media posts from 2024 and early 2025 mentioned similar issues, like carts not loading or orders disappearing from purchase history.
8. High Traffic or Special Events
Walmart’s app sees massive traffic during sales events, like Black Friday or Easter. On April 17, 2025, some users worried that the outage would affect Easter shopping. High traffic can overwhelm the app, especially if Walmart is promoting deals or launching new products, like the Nintendo Switch 2 preorders mentioned in posts on X.
When millions of users access the app at once, it can slow down or crash. This is similar to what happened during the outage on April 17, when search and checkout functions were hit hardest.
How to Fix the Walmart App Not Working
Now that we know why the app might be acting up, let’s talk solutions. These steps are simple and designed for anyone to follow. Try them in order, starting with the easiest fixes.
Step 1: Check If Walmart’s Servers Are Down
Before you do anything else, check if the problem is on Walmart’s end. Visit outage tracking sites like Downdetector or IsItDownRightNow. These sites show if other users are reporting issues with Walmart’s app or website.
You can also check Walmart’s official X account or the Walmart Help account for updates. On April 17, 2025, Walmart’s team didn’t post specific details about the outage, but they asked users to send direct messages for help. If the servers are down, you’ll need to wait until Walmart fixes them. This usually takes a few hours, as seen with the April 17 outage, which started improving by late afternoon.
Step 2: Test Your Internet Connection
A weak internet connection is a common culprit. Here’s how to check:
- Wi-Fi: If you’re on Wi-Fi, move closer to your router. Restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in.
- Mobile Data: Switch to mobile data if Wi-Fi is slow. Make sure you have a strong signal (at least 3 bars).
- Airplane Mode: Ensure airplane mode is off. You can toggle it on and off to refresh your connection.
- Speed Test: Use a speed test app to check your internet speed. The Walmart app needs at least 5 Mbps for smooth performance.
If your connection is weak, try connecting to a different network or wait until you’re in a better signal area.
Step 3: Update the Walmart App
An outdated app can cause all sorts of problems. Here’s how to update it:
- For iPhone (iOS):
- Open the App Store.
- Search for “Walmart.”
- If an update is available, tap “Update.”
- For Android:
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for “Walmart.”
- Tap “Update” if it’s available.
After updating, relaunch the app and check if it works. If no update is available, move to the next step.
Step 4: Restart Your Device
A quick restart can fix many app issues. It clears temporary glitches and resets your phone’s network connections. Here’s how:
- iPhone: Press and release the volume up button, then volume down button. Hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.
- Android: Press and hold the power button. Select “Restart” from the menu.
Once your phone restarts, open the Walmart app again.
Step 5: Clear the App’s Cache and Data
Clearing the cache can fix corrupted data. Note that clearing data might log you out, so have your login details ready. Here’s how to do it:
- For Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Walmart.
- Tap “Storage.”
- Tap “Clear Cache.” If that doesn’t work, tap “Clear Data.”
- Relaunch the app and log in.
- For iPhone:
iOS doesn’t let you clear cache directly. Instead, you can offload the app:- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Walmart.
- Tap “Offload App.” This removes the app but keeps your data.
- Reinstall the app from the App Store.
After clearing cache or data, test the app again.
Step 6: Check Your Device Settings
Make sure your phone’s settings aren’t causing issues:
- Location Services: Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services (iOS) or Settings > Location (Android). Ensure location is enabled for the Walmart app.
- Power-Saving Mode: Turn off power-saving mode, as it can limit app performance. Check under Settings > Battery.
- VPN: If you’re using a VPN, disable it temporarily. VPNs can interfere with the app’s location-based features.
- Operating System: Update your phone’s OS. For iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update. For Android, go to Settings > About Device > Software Update.
These changes can resolve compatibility or performance issues.
Step 7: Log Out and Log Back In
If the app is struggling to authenticate your account, try logging out:
- Open the Walmart app.
- Go to Menu > Sign Out.
- Close the app completely (swipe it away from your recent apps).
- Reopen the app and log in with your email and password.
This can refresh your session and fix authentication errors.
Step 8: Reinstall the Walmart App
If nothing else works, uninstall and reinstall the app. This removes any corrupted files and gives you a fresh start:
- iPhone: Press and hold the Walmart app icon. Tap “Remove App” > “Delete App.”
- Android: Press and hold the Walmart app icon. Drag it to “Uninstall” or go to Settings > Apps > Walmart > Uninstall.
Then, download the app again from the App Store or Google Play Store. Log in and check if it works.
Step 9: Contact Walmart Support
If the app still doesn’t work, it’s time to reach out to Walmart’s support team. Here’s how:
- In-App Chat: If the app loads partially, go to Menu > Help > Chat with Us.
- Phone: Call 1-800-WALMART (1-800-925-6278).
- Website: Visit walmart.com and use the live chat feature under “Help.”
- Social Media: Send a direct message to @WalmartHelp on X.
When contacting support, provide details like your device type (iPhone or Android), the error message, and what you’ve already tried. This helps them diagnose the issue faster.
Specific Issues Reported on April 17, 2025
Let’s take a closer look at what happened on April 17, 2025, based on user reports and news. This can give us clues about the outage and how to handle similar issues.
Search and Checkout Problems
The biggest complaint was that users couldn’t search for products or check out. When searching for items like AirPods or groceries, many saw a “Sorry…” message with a graphic (like a toaster) and text about technical issues. Others could load the main page but got stuck when adding items to their carts.
This suggests a problem with Walmart’s search and checkout systems. These features rely on real-time server connections, which were likely overloaded or undergoing maintenance.
App Slowness and Crashes
Social media posts described the app as “slow and chuggy” or “crashing” entirely. One user said they couldn’t log back in after deleting and reinstalling the app. This points to a mix of server issues and possible app bugs, especially for users who hadn’t updated recently.
Delivery and Order Delays
Some users reported delays in order confirmations or issues with delivery tracking. One person mentioned their order was stuck, and they couldn’t cancel or request substitutions. This could be tied to the app’s connection to Walmart’s delivery system, which was disrupted during the outage.
Accessibility Issues
A few users, especially those using screen readers, reported accessibility problems. For example, search results didn’t load properly, or the app skipped to unrelated tabs. These issues were noted in 2024 posts as well, suggesting Walmart’s app still has some accessibility bugs to iron out.
Tips to Avoid Future App Issues
The April 17 outage was frustrating, but there are ways to minimize problems in the future. Here are some tips to keep the Walmart app running smoothly:
Keep the App Updated
Always update the Walmart app when a new version is available. Updates fix bugs and improve compatibility with Walmart’s servers. Set your phone to update apps automatically to avoid missing updates.
Use a Strong Internet Connection
Shop when you have a reliable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection. Avoid using the app in areas with weak signals, like basements or rural spots. If you’re on Wi-Fi, restart your router regularly to maintain speed.
Monitor Your Device’s Storage
The Walmart app needs free storage space to run properly. Check your phone’s storage under Settings > Storage (Android) or Settings > General > iPhone Storage (iOS). Delete unused apps or files to free up space.
Report Issues Promptly
If you run into problems, report them to Walmart’s support team. This helps them identify widespread issues, like the April 17 outage, and fix them faster. Be specific about the error and your device type.
Try the Website as a Backup
If the app isn’t working, try walmart.com on your phone’s browser. During the April 17 outage, some users found the website more reliable than the app, especially for browsing categories. You can also use the website to contact support.
Join Walmart+ for Extra Features
If you’re a frequent Walmart shopper, consider Walmart+. This membership offers perks like Scan and Go, which lets you shop in-store without using the app’s online features. It also includes free shipping and delivery benefits, which can be handy if the app is down.
What If the App Still Doesn’t Work?
If you’ve tried all the steps and the app still isn’t working, don’t give up. Here are a few last-resort options:
- Use a Different Device: Try the app on another phone or tablet. This can rule out device-specific issues.
- Shop In-Store: If you need items urgently, visit a local Walmart store. Bring a written list to stay organized, as some users suggested during past outages.
- Check for Official Updates: Keep an eye on Walmart’s X account or news sites like TechRadar for updates on outages. On April 17, TechRadar reported that the app was recovering by 4:51 PM ET, which helped users know when to try again.
- Switch to Another Retailer: If the app is down for too long, consider shopping at competitors like Target or Amazon. Many offer similar products and delivery options.
Why Walmart’s App Matters
The Walmart app is more than just a shopping tool. It’s a lifeline for millions of users, especially those who rely on online grocery delivery or pickup. For people with disabilities or limited mobility, the app provides access to essentials without leaving home. That’s why outages, like the one on April 17, can be so frustrating.
Walmart knows this and invests heavily in its app. Features like Scan and Go, order tracking, and Walmart+ perks show their commitment to digital shopping. But with millions of weekly users (an estimated 200 million for the grocery app alone), the app faces immense pressure to perform.
Looking Ahead: Will Walmart Fix These Issues?
Walmart’s team is likely working hard to prevent future outages. The April 17 issue showed they can restore service within hours, but it also highlighted areas for improvement. Here’s what Walmart could do to make the app more reliable:
- Upgrade Servers: Investing in stronger servers could handle high traffic better, especially during sales events.
- Improve Accessibility: Fixing bugs for screen readers and other accessibility tools would help all users.
- Better Communication: Posting clear updates during outages, like on X or the app’s homepage, would keep users informed.
- Test Updates Thoroughly: Ensuring new app versions are bug-free before release could reduce glitches.
As users, we can help by reporting issues and keeping our devices updated. Together, we can make the Walmart app a smoother experience.
Final Thoughts
The Walmart app not working on April 17, 2025, was a headache for many. Whether it was a server outage, a buggy update, or a weak internet connection, the issue disrupted shopping plans across the country. By following the steps in this guide—checking servers, updating the app, and troubleshooting your device—you can often fix the problem or at least figure out what’s wrong.
If the app is still giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to contact Walmart’s support team or try the website. Outages like this are temporary, and Walmart’s team is usually quick to respond. In the meantime, keep your app updated, your internet strong, and your patience stronger. Happy shopping, and here’s hoping the Walmart app is back to normal soon!
Sources: Downdetector, TechRadar, posts on X
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