The Coursera app is a valuable tool for learners who want to access educational content on the go. One of its most useful features is the ability to download lectures offline, allowing students to study without relying on a constant internet connection. However, some users experience crashes when attempting to download videos—an issue that interrupts learning and can be deeply frustrating.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to identifying and resolving the Coursera app crashing issue when downloading lectures offline. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, we’ll walk you through proven troubleshooting steps, explain common causes, and suggest workarounds to keep your learning uninterrupted.
Common Reasons Why Coursera Crashes During Offline Downloads
Understanding the root cause of the problem can help you resolve it faster. Crashes during downloads are often linked to:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Insufficient storage | Not enough free space for video downloads, especially on internal memory |
| App bugs or corrupt cache | Temporary files or update glitches that destabilize the app |
| Outdated app version | Older versions may not be optimized for newer OS or device configurations |
| OS compatibility issues | System-level conflicts, especially after major Android/iOS updates |
| Connectivity interruptions | Sudden changes between Wi-Fi and mobile data can corrupt the download process |
| File system or SD card problems | Corrupted SD cards or restricted permissions can cause write failures |
Initial Quick Checks Before Diving Deeper
Before getting technical, do a few basic checks that solve the issue for many users:
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection —preferably Wi-Fi.
- Check available storage on your device and SD card (if used).
- Restart your device, which can often clear temporary conflicts.
If the problem persists, proceed with the steps below.
Step-by-Step Fixes for the Coursera App Crashing During Offline Downloads
1. Clear App Cache and Data (Android)
Corrupted cache or residual files can cause app instability.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Coursera.
- Tap Storage.
- Tap Clear Cache.
- If the problem persists, tap Clear Data (Note: This may log you out).
Why This Works: Clears temporary files and resets the app environment, which often resolves crashes.
2. Update the Coursera App
An outdated app version can conflict with newer OS versions or internal services.
Steps:
- Go to Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for Coursera.
- Tap Update, if available.
Also, check if your device has pending OS updates. Keeping both app and system up-to-date ensures optimal compatibility.
3. Check Storage Availability and File System
Insufficient or restricted storage can interrupt downloads mid-way, causing crashes.
| Check | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Internal storage below 1 GB | Delete unused apps or files to free space |
| SD card in use | Remove and test if problem goes away |
| SD card corruption | Reformat (after backing up data) or replace |
If you’re using an SD card as the default storage for Coursera downloads, try switching back to internal storage via the Coursera app settings.
4. Reinstall the App
If clearing cache and updating doesn’t help, a clean reinstall is the next logical step.
Steps:
- Uninstall the Coursera app.
- Restart your phone.
- Reinstall the app from the official app store.
- Log back in and try downloading a lecture again.
This resolves most issues caused by deeply embedded configuration or permission errors.
5. Change Download Settings in the App
Coursera allows you to choose the quality of video downloads. Higher resolution requires more storage and bandwidth, which increases the chance of crash on constrained devices.
Steps:
- Open the Coursera app.
- Go to Settings > Download options.
- Reduce video quality (e.g., from High to Medium or Low).
- Retry the download.
This is particularly effective on older or budget smartphones.
6. Use Wi-Fi Only and Disable Data Switching
Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data during a download can corrupt it, especially on Android devices with aggressive network management.
How to Manage This:
- Stay on Wi-Fi throughout the download process.
- Disable mobile data temporarily if your device switches networks automatically.
- Turn off battery savers or data savers that may interrupt background tasks.
7. Log Out and Back Into Your Coursera Account
Session mismatches or token expirations can sometimes cause backend errors that lead to crashing.
Steps:
- Open the Coursera app.
- Go to Account Settings > Log out.
- Restart the app and log in again.
This can reauthenticate your session and refresh your access rights to download content.
8. Check App Permissions (Especially on Android)
Sometimes, app crashes are caused by restricted permissions, particularly write access to storage.
How to Check:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Coursera > Permissions.
- Ensure Storage permission is enabled.
- On Android 11+, ensure All files access is granted if using SD card.
Troubleshooting Comparison Table
| Problem Detected | Likely Cause | Best Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Crash starts mid-download | Storage or connection issues | Free up space, stay on Wi-Fi |
| App crashes on opening download screen | Corrupted cache/data | Clear cache, then reinstall app |
| Downloads never start | Permission issues | Re-check app permissions and settings |
| Crash happens only on SD storage | SD card corruption | Reformat card or switch to internal |
| Only large courses crash during DL | RAM or CPU limitations | Lower download quality, close background apps |
When to Contact Support
If none of the above solutions work, the issue might be tied to your Coursera account or a bug in a specific course’s media files. In that case:
- Contact Coursera’s support via the app or website.
- Include details such as:
- Device model and OS version
- Coursera app version
- Name of the course and specific lecture causing the crash
- Screenshot or screen recording if possible
This helps the Coursera team isolate the problem faster.
Final Thoughts
The Coursera app crashing during offline downloads can usually be fixed with one or a combination of the steps above. Most issues stem from storage limitations, outdated software, or permission conflicts. By working through each possible cause methodically, you can usually get back to uninterrupted learning in minutes.
If you’re a regular offline learner, consider maintaining at least 1–2 GB of free space, using stable Wi-Fi, and keeping both your system and apps up to date. These small habits can go a long way in preventing future crashes and ensuring a smooth study experience.
