11 Ways to Troubleshoot if Your McDonald’s App Is Not Working

In our technology-driven world, many companies have developed mobile apps to enhance customer experience. One such brand is McDonald’s, which uses its app to offer convenience and exclusive deals to its customers. However, like any technology, the McDonald’s app can sometimes run into issues and stop functioning as expected. If you’ve encountered this problem, don’t worry – we’re here to guide you on how to fix the issue.

Causes of McDonald’s App Not Working

The reasons for the McDonald’s app not working can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances. Some common causes include:

• Software Glitches: Any app can occasionally glitch due to software errors, affecting functionality.
• Outdated App Version: If you haven’t updated your app in a while, it might not work correctly, as companies regularly release updates to fix bugs and improve performance.
• Phone Operating System Issues: Problems with your phone’s OS could also be the culprit, especially if it’s outdated.
• Internet Connection Problems: If your internet connection is slow or unstable, it might affect the app’s functionality.
• Server Issues: Sometimes, the problem might not be on your end. McDonald’s servers might be down, making the app inaccessible temporarily.

How to Fix the “McDonald’s App Not Working” Issue?

Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection

An unreliable internet connection is one of the most common reasons apps malfunction. The McDonald’s app requires a stable internet connection to work properly as it needs to communicate with McDonald’s servers to retrieve data like menu items and special offers. Whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data, always ensure you have a stable connection. 

Some signs of an unstable internet connection include slow load times, inability to stream videos smoothly, or problems with downloading and uploading files. In such cases, restart your modem/router or switch to a different network if available. If problems persist, you may need to contact your service provider.

Step 2: Restart the App

It’s simple but often very effective. Just like humans, technology sometimes needs a momentary break to function correctly. If your McDonald’s app becomes unresponsive or is working slower than usual, it might be due to a temporary software glitch. This is when you need to close the app and restart it fully. Doing this can clear temporary data that could be causing the problem.

Step 3: Update the App

App developers continuously work on their software, ironing out bugs, improving performance, and adding new features. If your McDonald’s app is not updated, you might be missing important fixes that prevent the app from working correctly. It’s a good idea to set your device to auto-update apps or regularly check for app updates manually to ensure the smooth functioning of all your applications.

Step 4: Update Your Device’s Operating System

Your phone’s operating system (OS) is the backbone of all your applications. If it’s outdated, you might face issues with your apps. Updating your OS ensures you have the latest security updates and performance improvements. It can also introduce new features that can make your device more efficient and enjoyable to use. Always backup your data before an OS update as a precautionary measure.

Step 5: Clear the App’s Cache 

In the course of using any app, temporary data—commonly referred to as cache—gets stored on your device. These data help speed up certain processes, making the app run smoother and faster. They include elements like images and files downloaded to display pages you’ve visited within the app. Over time, however, these files can accumulate and take up considerable storage space, which might cause the app to slow down or malfunction. Furthermore, these files can become corrupted, leading to unpredictable app behavior.

For Android

1. Go to your device’s Settings menu.
2. Scroll down and tap on Apps or Application Manager (this may differ depending on your device).
3. Scroll down to find the app you want to clear the cache of and tap on its listing.
4. Tap on Storage.
5. Tap on the Clear Cache button.

For iOS

To free up the storage that an app is occupying on your iPhone while preserving its documents and data, you’ll need to offload the app. When you re-add the app, your stored data will be retrieved.

1. Start by launching the Settings application, move on to tap on General, and then choose iPhone Storage.
2. Patiently wait for your app roster to appear. Once it does, locate the app whose cache you wish to clear, and swipe it left.
3. Hit the Offload App option. Alternatively, you can remove the app entirely, which will result in a complete data loss from your iPhone related to this specific app.

Step 6: Uninstall and Reinstall the App

This is a more drastic step, essentially giving you a clean slate with the app. Uninstalling the app removes all its data from your device while reinstalling it ensures you have the latest, error-free version of the app. However, keep in mind that uninstalling the app might result in loss of stored data, such as order history or saved favorites.

Step 7: Check McDonald’s Server Status

If none of the above steps work, the issue may lie not with your device but with McDonald’s servers. Websites like DownDetector track server statuses for popular online services and can let you know if other users are experiencing similar problems. If McDonald’s servers are down, you can only wait for them to be restored.

Step 8: Contact McDonald’s Support

If you cannot resolve the issue yourself, it’s time to bring in the experts. The McDonald’s customer support team can help identify and resolve app issues. When contacting them, be sure to provide as much detail as possible about the issue and the steps you’ve taken to fix it. This will help them diagnose the problem more efficiently.

Step 9: Visit a McDonald’s Store

While it may not be as convenient as using the app, visiting a physical McDonald’s store is always an option. In-store staff can assist you with placing orders or provide information about current promotions. Remember, technology is there to make our lives easier, but it’s not the only way to get things done!

With these steps, you should be well-equipped to tackle any issues you face with the McDonald’s app. Technology may not always be flawless, but with a bit of patience and know-how, you can easily overcome any obstacles in your path.

Step 10: Disable VPN

If you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), it may be the cause of your McDonald’s app issue. A VPN changes your IP address, occasionally leading to problems as some apps restrict access based on geographic location. If the McDonald’s app detects an inconsistency in your location due to a VPN, it might stop working. \

To disable your VPN, go to your device’s settings, find the VPN settings, and turn it off. On iOS, you can find this under Settings > General > VPN. On Android, it’s under Settings > Network & Internet > Advanced > VPN. Remember to restart the app after disabling the VPN to check if it works.

Step 11: Give Access to Your Phone’s Location Data

The McDonald’s app uses location data to provide a personalized user experience, including finding nearby McDonald’s outlets and offering location-specific deals. If your device’s location settings aren’t enabled, the app may not function properly. Here’s how you can enable location settings:

For iOS

1. Open ‘Settings.’
2. Scroll down and select ‘Privacy.’
3. Tap on ‘Location Services.’
4. Make sure ‘Location Services’ are turned on at the top.
5. Scroll down and tap on ‘McDonald’s.’
6. Select ‘While Using the App’ or ‘Always.’

For Android

1. Open ‘Settings.’
2. Tap on ‘Location.’
3. Make sure ‘Use location’ is turned on at the top.
4. Go back to ‘Settings’ and select ‘Apps & Notifications.’
5. Find and tap on ‘McDonald’s.’
6. Tap on ‘Permissions.’
7. Tap on ‘Location’ and make sure it’s set to ‘Allow all the time’ or ‘Allow only while using the app.’

Remember that location settings can vary depending on your device and its operating system version. After altering these settings, restart your McDonald’s app to see if the issue has been resolved.

Final Thoughts

Through these steps, you can troubleshoot the most common issues that could prevent the McDonald’s app from functioning properly. But, it’s important to note that issues could also be due to more complex problems on the backend of the application. In such cases, reaching out to McDonald’s customer support may be the most effective solution. Always keep your applications updated, as updates often contain patches for known issues. And remember, while technology can be temperamental, a little patience goes a long way in finding a solution. Happy ordering!