You pull up to the gas station, tap “Claim,” and realize the upside app is not working at all. Or worse, it throws a generic connection error right when you’re trying to check in. It’s super frustrating, especially when you’re sitting at the pump watching gas prices climb.
If your Upside app is not working today, don’t throw in the towel just yet. In my experience, most glitches come down to background location permissions, server updates, or corrupted local cache files.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to get Upside back online so you don’t leave free cash back at the pump.
Why the Upside App Is Not Working Today
Upside relies heavily on real-time data to verify where you are and track your transactions. When one piece of that digital chain breaks, the whole app grinds to a halt.
Here are the primary culprits behind most app failures:
- Location Tracking Failures: Your phone’s GPS is set to “While Using” instead of precise location, preventing Upside from confirming your station.
- Server Maintenance or Outages: Upside’s backend servers might be temporarily down for updates or handling high traffic.
- Corrupted App Cache: Temporary app files stored on your phone have become buggy.
- Outdated App Version: You’re running an older build that no longer communicates with current bank API connections.
- Card Unlinking Issues: Your saved credit or debit card link expired or failed security re-verification.
Fixes When the Upside App Is Not Working Step-by-Step
If the screen is frozen or won’t load deals, run through these quick fixes in order.
Step 1: Fix Your Location Permissions (The #1 Fix)
Upside will outright block you from claiming deals if it can’t pinpoint your exact location.
On iPhone, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > Upside. Make sure it’s set to Always or While Using the App, and ensure the Precise Location toggle is switched ON.
On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Upside > Permissions > Location and select Allow only while using the app, then enable Use precise location.
Step 2: Clear App Cache and Force Stop
Over time, cached data can build up and cause the app to crash on launch.
- Android users: Open Settings > Apps > Upside > Storage and tap Clear Cache. Avoid tapping “Clear Data” unless you want to log back in from scratch!
- iPhone users: iOS doesn’t have a direct “Clear Cache” button, so force-closing the app or offloading it via Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Upside > Offload App usually does the trick.
Step 3: Verify Your Saved Payment Cards
Did you recently get a new credit card or change your billing zip code? Upside doesn’t read full card numbers, but it matches the first 6 and last 4 digits. If your card dis-connected—sorry, disconnected—you won’t receive credit for your purchases.
Go to your Profile > Wallet inside the app and re-verify your payment cards.
If you’re hitting limits on how much fuel you can claim per visit once the app starts working again, check out our deep dive on the Upside app gas limit per transaction to make sure you’re maximizing your payout.
Station & Store Issues: What If Offers Aren’t Showing Up?
Sometimes the app opens fine, but no local stations or restaurants appear on your map.
Well, maybe Upside is just experiencing a temporary blackout in your regional grid. But more often than not, it means the merchant recently ended their promotion or changed their cash-back caps.
If you want to verify which merchants are actively participating near you before driving out, take a look at our complete directory of Upside participating gas stations and stores.
Missing Points When Upside App is Not Working
If you paid for gas while the app was broken and couldn’t hit “Claim,” you can still request manual credit:
- Keep your physical itemized receipt from the pump or store.
- Open Upside, go to Profile, and tap Help / Contact Support.
- Choose Issue with an Offer and upload a clear picture of your paper receipt showing the date, timestamp, gallons pumped, and total cost.
In my experience, support usually reviews paper receipts and credits your account balance within 48 to 72 hours.
Check the official Upside Help Center for current server status updates.