Fix: Google Chrome crashing on Android

Google Chrome is one of those trademark apps that most people will use by default. When it works, it works well, with no viable alternatives to take its throne. But when issues show their ugly heads, we see that even a giant company like Google can overlook something. Recently, there are reports about Google Chrome crashing on Android.

For some, this happens suddenly while in the app, while others can’t use Chrome at all. Luckily, we have a few solutions to recommend in hope that you’ll fix the problem ASAP. Check them out below.

Table of contents:

1. Force close the app and restart your device
2. Clear cache and data from Google Chrome
3. Check Chrome permissions
4. Update Chrome and Android System WebView
5. Uninstall Chrome and WebView updates
6. Reinstall Google Chrome
7. Use an APK to rollback Google Chrome

How do I fix Google Chrome crashing?

1. Force close the app and restart your device

Let’s start by force-closing Chrome and restarting your device. If this is a matter of a temporary glitch instead of a full-fledged issue, force closing the app should address it. The next time you run the app, it should work without issues.

Of course, it’s also advised to reset your device from time to time, just for the sake of refreshing related system processes that might’ve caused the issue at hand.

If these didn’t help, continue to the next step and clear local data from Google Chrome.

2. Clear cache and data from Google Chrome

The next thing to do is clear the cache and data from Google Chrome. To speed up loading times and reduce network usage, Chrome will pile up a lot of data and save it to your device. In the worst-case scenario, this leads to corruption which, consequently, causes issues with the app.

Therefore, clearing local data will, in a sense, reset the app. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Apps.
3. Expand All apps.
4. Select Chrome from the list of installed apps.
5. Tap Storage.
6. Tap Clear Cache.
7. If the issue persists, get back to Chrome > Storage and tap Clear Data and then Manage space.
8. Tap Clear All Data.
9. Confirm and then restart your handset.

3. Check Chrome permissions

There’s also a question of permissions. Although a system app, on some non-stock Android skins, Chrome is not the first option when it comes to browsers. Thus, chances are that not all permissions are granted by default which, under some circumstances, can lead to problems.

Now, of course, usually, you don’t have to grant all permissions, but for the sake of troubleshooting, try doing so. Here’s how to check permissions for Google Chrome on your Android phone:

1. Again, navigate to Settings > Apps > All apps > Chrome.
2. Tap Permissions.
3. Allow Chrome all permissions and look for improvements.

4. Update Chrome and Android System WebView

In recent times, this pair goes hand in hand when it comes to problems. Whenever a major problem with Chrome occurs, there’s a good chance that it has something to do with Android System WebView. Users report that those two won’t update or that WebView crashes, as well.

Firstly, try updating them. If that doesn’t help, make sure to uninstall all updates and update both apps again. Here’s how to update apps on Google Play Store:

1. Open Play Store.
2. Tap on your Account pic in the top right.
3. Select Manage apps & device.
4. Under the Updates available section, tap Update all. Alternatively, you can open the list of available updates and update only Chrome and Android WebView, if you don’t want to update other apps.

5. Uninstall Chrome and WebView updates

The next thing to do, as mentioned in the previous step is to uninstall updates from Chrome and Android System WebView and update both apps again. As we noted, these apps sometimes won’t update, especially if you are just setting up your device for the first time. Uninstalling updates seems to help. Of course, you can reinstall them if your OEM allows it, although that’s rarely the case for Android WebView.

Here’s how to uninstall Chrome and Android System WebView updates on your Android handset:

1. Once again, navigate to Settings > Apps > All apps.
2. Open Chrome and tap on the 3-dot menu.
3. Tap Uninstall updates.
4. Do the same for Android System WebView. If you don’t see it on the list of all apps, tap on the 3-dot menu and choose Show system.
5. Restart your device and navigate to Play Store.
6. Update both apps and look for improvements.

6. Reinstall Google Chrome

Now, if your device allows uninstalling Google Chrome, you should give it a try. Not all that different when compared to uninstalling updates but it’s still an additional option that users with stock Android don’t have.

Here’s how to reinstall Google Chrome in a few simple steps:

1. Tap & hold on to the Chrome icon from Home Screen or in the app drawer.
2. Now, from the contextual menu, select Uninstall.
3. Restart your device and then navigate to Play Store.
4. Install Chrome again and look for improvements.

If Google Chrome keeps crashing after all these steps, we have one more thing to suggest.

7. Use an APK to rollback Google Chrome

Finally, if none of the previous steps worked for you, you can always use an APK to roll back Google Chrome to an older version. Preferably, not a too-old version while avoiding the latest update. We wrote a detailed article about using APKs to roll back apps and save yourself a headache.

Other than that, you can try the Canary version of Chrome (get it from Play Store) or temporarily switch to a different browser. At least until Google fixes the problem that’s probably bothering a lot of users.

And, on that note, we can conclude this article. Thank you for reading and do share your questions or suggestions in the comments section. It’s just below.