Identity Documents

DigiLocker App Not Working? Fix Developer Options & Rooted Phone Issues

Fix DigiLocker app not working due to developer options, rooted phone detection, or app crashes. Step-by-step troubleshooting guide.

CitizenNest Editorial Team6 min read
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Disclaimer: This is an independent informational guide. We are NOT affiliated with any government body. Always verify on official websites.

DigiLocker App Not Working? Fix Developer Options & Rooted Phone Issues

DigiLocker is an official government platform by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) for storing and accessing digital documents. However, many users face issues where the app crashes, refuses to open, or shows security errors โ€” especially on phones with developer options enabled or rooted devices. This guide covers all the fixes.

Why DigiLocker Stops Working on Some Phones

DigiLocker uses security checks to ensure your documents are safe. The app may detect:

  • Developer options turned ON โ€” some debug settings conflict with the app's security layer
  • USB debugging enabled โ€” triggers additional security flags
  • Rooted device โ€” DigiLocker may refuse to run on rooted phones as a security measure
  • Corrupted app cache or data โ€” causes crashes and loading failures

Fix 1: Disable Developer Options

This is the most common fix. Many users accidentally enable developer options and forget about it.

  1. Open Settings on your Android phone
  2. Go to System โ†’ Developer options
  3. Toggle Developer options to OFF
  4. Also ensure USB debugging is turned OFF
  5. Restart your phone
  6. Open DigiLocker again

Note: On some phones, developer options is under Settings โ†’ Additional Settings โ†’ Developer options or Settings โ†’ About Phone โ†’ Developer options.

Fix 2: Clear DigiLocker App Data and Cache

If disabling developer options doesn't help, clearing app data often resolves crashes.

  1. Go to Settings โ†’ Apps โ†’ DigiLocker
  2. Tap Storage & Cache
  3. Tap Clear Cache first
  4. If the issue persists, tap Clear Data (this will log you out)
  5. Open DigiLocker and log in again with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number

Important: Clearing data does NOT delete your documents. All your documents are stored securely on DigiLocker's servers and will reappear after you log in.

Fix 3: Fix for Rooted Phones

DigiLocker may not work on rooted Android phones due to security policies. Here are your options:

Option A: Unroot Your Device

The most reliable fix is to unroot your phone using the same tool you used to root it (e.g., Magisk, SuperSU).

Option B: Use Magisk Hide / DenyList

If you need root access for other apps:

  1. Open Magisk Manager
  2. Go to Settings โ†’ Enable MagiskHide or DenyList
  3. Add DigiLocker to the hide list
  4. Restart your phone
  5. Open DigiLocker

Note: This workaround may not work with all DigiLocker versions as the app regularly updates its security checks.

Option C: Use DigiLocker Website

If the app refuses to work on your rooted phone, use the website instead:

  1. Visit digilocker.gov.in in any browser
  2. Sign in with your Aadhaar-linked mobile number
  3. Access all your documents from the web version

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall DigiLocker

An outdated app version can cause crashes and compatibility issues.

  1. Open Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhone)
  2. Search for DigiLocker
  3. If an Update button appears, tap it
  4. If the app is already updated but still crashing:
    • Uninstall DigiLocker
    • Restart your phone
    • Reinstall from the Play Store / App Store
  5. Open the app and log in

Fix 5: Check Phone Compatibility

DigiLocker requires:

  • Android: Version 7.0 (Nougat) or higher
  • iOS: Version 13.0 or higher
  • Stable internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)

If your phone runs an older OS version, consider using the DigiLocker website instead.

Fix 6: General Troubleshooting

If none of the above fixes work:

  1. Check internet connection โ€” Switch between WiFi and mobile data
  2. Disable VPN โ€” DigiLocker may not work with VPN enabled
  3. Check DigiLocker server status โ€” The app may be down for maintenance. Try after some time
  4. Free up storage โ€” Ensure your phone has at least 500MB free storage
  5. Contact DigiLocker support โ€” Email support at help@digilocker.gov.in or call the helpline

Important Tips

  • Always keep DigiLocker updated to the latest version for best compatibility
  • Developer options should be disabled unless you are actively developing apps
  • Your documents are never lost even if the app crashes โ€” they are stored on government servers
  • Use the DigiLocker web version as a reliable alternative to the app

Frequently Asked Questions

Will clearing DigiLocker data delete my documents?

No. Your documents are stored on DigiLocker's cloud servers, not on your phone. Clearing data only removes the local cache and logs you out. All documents will be available once you log in again.

Does DigiLocker work on rooted phones?

DigiLocker may not work on rooted phones due to security restrictions. You can try using Magisk Hide/DenyList to bypass this, or use the DigiLocker website instead.

Why does DigiLocker crash when I open it?

Common reasons include enabled developer options, USB debugging, corrupted cache, or an outdated app version. Follow the fixes above in order to resolve the issue.

Can I use DigiLocker without the app?

Yes. Visit digilocker.gov.in in any web browser and sign in with your mobile number to access all your documents.

Is DigiLocker safe to use?

Yes. DigiLocker is an official platform by the Government of India (MeitY) and uses secure encryption. Documents stored on DigiLocker are legally valid under the IT Act, 2000.

How do I contact DigiLocker support?

You can email help@digilocker.gov.in or visit the DigiLocker help page for support options.


Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of India or DigiLocker. Information is based on publicly available official sources and may change. Always verify details on digilocker.gov.in.