The Tesco app went haywire on May 16, 2025, leaving shoppers across the UK frustrated and unable to access their Clubcards or complete online orders. Reports flooded in from London to Manchester, with customers venting on social media about error messages and payment issues. Tesco’s IT team scrambled to fix what they called “intermittent system issues,” but for many, the outage was a major inconvenience. Imagine standing at the checkout, Clubcard QR code ready, only to be told the system’s down. That’s the reality thousands faced today.
This isn’t just a glitch—it’s a wake-up call for how much we rely on digital tools for everyday shopping. The Tesco app is more than a convenience; it’s a lifeline for busy folks juggling groceries and loyalty points. With over 20 million Clubcard members, Tesco’s digital platform is a cornerstone of its dominance in the UK grocery market. So, what happened, and what’s next? Let’s dive into the chaos and explore why this outage matters.
Tesco App Outage: What Went Wrong?
Around midday on May 16, the Tesco app and website crashed, with DownDetector logging over 1,500 complaints. Shoppers reported issues like failed logins, inaccessible Clubcards, and halted online checkouts. One customer in Liverpool was turned away from a store accepting only cash or chip-and-pin payments due to the app’s failure. Another in Norwich couldn’t redeem gift cards, while Apple Pay glitches added to the mess. Tesco’s X account confirmed a “software problem” and promised a fix, but no clear timeline emerged.
By late afternoon, reports of issues dropped, suggesting Tesco’s IT crew made headway. Still, the outage exposed vulnerabilities in Tesco’s digital infrastructure. This isn’t the first hiccup—similar crashes hit in April 2025 and February 2025, raising eyebrows about reliability. With 28% of the UK grocery market, Tesco can’t afford to keep stumbling.
| Issue | Impact | Reported Areas |
|---|---|---|
| App login failures | Clubcard access blocked | London, Manchester, Norwich |
| Online checkout errors | Orders couldn’t be completed | Nationwide |
| Payment glitches | Cash/chip-and-pin only in some stores | Liverpool, others |
Tesco App Updates: A Pattern of Problems?
The Tesco app has been under scrutiny lately, not just for outages but for major changes. In March 2025, Tesco urged users to update their app by March 31 to avoid losing Clubcard benefits. Older versions stopped working, a move Tesco said boosted security. Then, they axed the popular Tesco Pay+ feature, which let shoppers pay and collect points in one swipe. Customers grumbled, but Tesco pointed to the rise of Apple Pay and Google Wallet as justification.
These shifts show Tesco’s trying to stay ahead in a digital-first world, but repeated outages suggest growing pains. Shoppers now expect seamless tech—any glitch feels like a betrayal. Tesco’s trial of personalized Clubcard deals, launched in February 2025, aims to win back trust, offering tailored discounts based on buying habits. Will it be enough to smooth over today’s chaos?
Why This Matters for Shoppers
Today’s outage isn’t just about a broken app—it’s about trust. When the Tesco app fails, it disrupts meal plans, budgets, and loyalty perks. For some, it’s a minor annoyance; for others, it’s a dealbreaker. Tesco’s apologized, but with rivals like Sainsbury’s and Aldi nipping at their heels, they need to act fast. A reliable app isn’t a luxury—it’s a must.
The silver lining? Tesco’s quick to acknowledge issues and has a track record of bouncing back. If you’re a Clubcard holder, double-check your app’s updated and keep a physical card handy. This glitch will pass, but it’s a reminder: even giants stumble. Stay tuned for updates, and let’s hope Tesco’s IT team pulls an all-nighter.
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