The Upside app has become a popular choice for users seeking cashback and savings on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and restaurants. But like any heavily-used mobile app, Upside isn’t immune to occasional glitches, outages, and performance hiccups. If you’ve recently found yourself asking, “Why is the Upside app not working?”, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and in most cases, the problem can be resolved with some simple troubleshooting steps.
TL;DR
If your Upside app isn’t working, the issue could stem from a poor internet connection, outdated app version, server outage, or corrupted cache. Start by checking your internet connectivity and ensuring the app is up-to-date. If those don’t work, try forcing the app to close, clearing the cache, or reinstalling it altogether. In rare cases, the app’s servers may be down, so watch for official announcements via social media or their website.
1. First: Rule Out a Server Outage
Before diving deep into troubleshooting, check whether the issue is on Upside’s end. The app’s servers occasionally go down for maintenance or due to unexpected traffic spikes.
- Visit official pages: Check Upside’s Facebook page or Twitter/X account to see if there’s a posted outage.
- Use third-party services: Sites like Downdetector can help verify if the app is down for everyone or just you.
If a widespread outage is confirmed, you’ll need to wait it out as their engineering team resolves the issue.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
This might seem basic, but a large number of app failures are connected to a shaky or non-existent internet connection. Since Upside needs to connect to its servers to pull data and submit transactions, a stable connection is essential.
Try this:
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if there is any difference in performance.
- Run a speed test to ensure you have a reliable connection.
- Try loading other apps or websites to confirm it’s not your connection causing the issue.
3. Force Close and Reopen the App
If Upside is stuck on a loading screen or keeps crashing, a quick fix often comes from simply restarting the app. On both Android and iOS, you can manually force stop the app and then reopen it.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Upside > Force Stop.
- On iOS: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and swipe away the Upside app.
This forces the app to restart all of its background processes and sometimes clears up unseen issues.
4. Update the Upside App
Running an outdated version of the app can cause functionality problems, including syncing errors, slow loading, or missing features. In many cases, app updates include critical bug fixes or security patches.
To update manually:
- On Android: Go to the Google Play Store and check if there’s an update button on the Upside app page.
- On iOS: Open the App Store and search for Upside. Tap “Update” if available.
5. Clear App Cache and Data
Over time, apps store temporary files that can become corrupted and lead to malfunction. Clearing cache or app data often solves persistent issues.
Steps for Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Upside > Storage > Clear Cache.
- If the issue persists, choose Clear Data, but be warned this will require you to log in again.
On iOS, there is no direct way to clear cache. You may need to delete and reinstall the app instead.
6. Reinstall the App
Reinstalling the app can reset any underlying issues that aren’t resolved with a simple update or cache clearing. It wipes out all old settings and gives you a clean slate.
To reinstall:
- Delete the existing Upside app from your device.
- Restart your smartphone (optional but helpful).
- Download the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
7. Ensure Location and Permissions Are Enabled
Because Upside relies on knowing your location to verify purchases (especially at gas stations), having the right location permissions enabled is crucial.
To check:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Upside > Permissions.
- Ensure Location is set to “Allow all the time” or “While using the app.”
- Double-check permissions for notifications, camera, and device storage, which may be needed to upload receipts.
If any permission is missing or revoked, the app may be unable to perform correctly.
8. Check for Conflicting Apps or VPNs
Using privacy-focused tools like VPNs or firewalls can interfere with how the Upside app connects to its servers. For example, a VPN can route your IP address through a different city or country, confusing location-based systems.
Try this:
- Temporarily disable any VPNs or privacy apps and relaunch Upside.
- Ensure that firewall or security settings aren’t blocking the app’s internet access.
If Upside works only when these tools are turned off, you may need to whitelist the app or adjust your VPN settings.
9. Reset Network Settings (If Necessary)
If you’ve tried all the steps above and the app is still not functioning properly, one last resort before contacting support is to reset your network settings. This is especially helpful if you suspect deeper issues with DNS, mobile data, or network permissions.
- On Android: Settings > System > Reset > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- On iOS: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings.
Note: This will erase all saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, but it often resolves stubborn connectivity problems.
10. When All Else Fails: Contact Support
If you’ve exhausted every option and the app is still not working, it’s time to get help directly from the source. Upside provides technical support through their website and within the app itself — if it’s still semi-functional.
To contact support:
- Email: support@upside.com
- App: Tap the Help icon within the account section of the Upside app.
- Website: Visit Upside Support Center.
Be sure to include details like your phone model, operating system, app version, and a short description of the problem. Screenshots also help speed things up.
In Summary
App glitches are frustrating, especially when they interfere with cashback rewards and savings. But in most cases, a little troubleshooting can get the Upside app back on track. Whether you’re facing connectivity errors, app crashes, or missing permissions, there’s usually a fix within your control.
Try following the steps in this guide one by one, starting with basic internet troubleshooting and leading up to reinstalling the app. Most issues don’t require professional help — just a little patience and know-how.
Now that you’re armed with practical steps, hopefully you’ll be back to earning cash back in no time.