How to fix apps crashing due to WebView bug on Android

If Android apps keep crashing, it's due to a WebView bug, which Google already fixed, but you need to do this to resolve the issue on your phone.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak
@Pureinfotech
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Android phone
Android phone

If you use an Android phone, you probably notice that apps like Gmail and Outlook are crashing for no apparent reason. If this is the case, you are not alone since many users have been reporting the problem.

Google has confirmed that a recent update to the Android WebView is the component to blame. WebView is the component that allows displaying web pages inside apps, and buggy update is causing apps to keep closing when you try to open them.

The good news is that Google has already fixed the bug, but the problem will continue if you do not update the components in question manually.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to resolve the WebView bug that is causing apps to crash on Android devices.

How to fix apps crashing on Android

To fix apps crashing due to Android’s WebView problem, use these steps:

  1. Open Google Play.

  2. Search for Android System WebView and select the app.

  3. Tap the Update button.

    WebView and Chrome fixes install
    WebView and Chrome fixes install

  4. Search for Google Chrome and select the app.

  5. Tap the Update button.

Once you complete the steps, the app crashing problem should be resolved on your Android phone.

If the apps are still not working, restart the device, and if that didn’t fix the problem, then resetting the apps that are not working may resolve the issue.

How to reset apps on Android

To reset an app like Gmail, Outlook, and others, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Tap on Storage.

  3. Tap on Other apps.

    Android Storage settings
    Android Storage settings

  4. Tap on Outlook, Gmail, or the app that is not working.

  5. Tap the Clear Data and Clear Cache button to reset the app.

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After you complete the steps, the app will reset to its default settings, and you will need to sign-in to your email accounts again.

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].