Why can't my settings open?

[Ed-Emmanuel]

I use a sony xperia m4 aqua and for some time now my settings app has refused to open, I've tried doing a factory reset but the problem still continues. it flashes open for a split second but that's about it. How can I solve this issue?

 

[B. Diddy]

Welcome to Android Central! Moved from the Android Apps forum to the M4 Aqua forum.

Does this happen in Safe Mode as well? https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/FAQ/How-to-boot-your-phone-into-safe-mode/td-p/348008

 

[ad astrae]

Welcome to Android Central! Moved from the Android Apps forum to the M4 Aqua forum.

Does this happen in Safe Mode as well? https://talk.sonymobile.com/t5/FAQ/How-to-boot-your-phone-into-safe-mode/td-p/348008

Hi I have the same problem with my Xperia M4 Aqua, I also can't open messaging apps eg. Messaging, Contacts, Phone and Whatsapp most of the time. This didn't go away after a system reboot. I booted into Safe Mode and the "Settings" app was replaced with a weird name (like an actual file name) and a blue circuit board-style icon. It was completely unopenable, but I could operate the Messaging apps.
I've had this phone for two years and four months, I think. I used to have the same problem with external media-heavy apps like Youtube, Instagram and Discord, but it all stopped after I rebooted the system - this hasn't.

 

[B. Diddy]

I was looking to see if there's a way to wipe the cache partition on that phone, but it looks like there isn't. With the weird things going on in Safe Mode, you may have to consider a factory reset. If the firmware is corrupt, though, a factory reset might not help, in which case you could try reinstalling the firmware: SONY Xperia M4 Aqua E2303 - Frequently Asked Questions about resetting your device - HardReset.info