Some apps were crashing for Android users, but Google has fixed it. The issue was due to a system component called Android System WebView that lets Android apps display web content. Google now has a fix that requires users to update Android System WebView to version 89.0.4389.105 and Google Chrome to the latest version. Both are available on Google Play.
The issues began on Monday afternoon and lasted about seven hours, according to the Google Workspace dashboard for Gmail. The company recommended using the desktop interface until issues were resolved.
“We are aware of an issue with WebView causing some apps on Android to crash for some users,” Google said in a statement to The Verge. “We are currently working to fully validate the scope and a fix is in progress.”
Some users said that removing the latest update to WebView fixed the issue — and in fact, Samsung’s official US support Twitter account recommended taking that exact step.
Hi! Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Please remove the Webview Update and then restart the phone. Here are the steps: Go settings > apps > tap the three dots in the top right corner > show system apps > search for Android System WebView > select Uninstall updates. ^Nina
— Samsung Support US (@SamsungSupport) March 22, 2021
The dashboard currently shows all services operating without problems.
Update March 22nd, 10:45PM ET: Added statement from Google.
Update March 23rd, 4:16AM ET: Added links to updated WebView and Chrome browser that solve the issue.
