Android has established itself as one of the most widely used operating systems worldwide., thanks to its open-source nature and ability to adapt to a multitude of devices such as smartphones, tablets, watches, TVs, and other smart gadgets. Android's success lies in its flexibility and the support Google offers, both in terms of development and integrated services and applications.
Most Android devices have pre-installed Google apps and servicesFrom essential tools like Gmail, Chrome, and Maps, to the indispensable Google app, which serves as a gateway to searches, widgets, and voice queries. However, given its importance, when the Google app goes down, the impact on the user can be significant.
In this article, you will find out in depth why the “Google has stopped working” error occurs on Android, its causes, and how to solve it step by step., including methods for different user levels, advanced tips for dealing with persistent crashes, and precautions to prevent it from happening again.
Why is Google stopping working on Android?
Before getting into the solutions, it's a good idea to understand the most common reasons why the Google app, or any of its services, may stop working on your Android device:
- Cache buildup or corrupted data: The Google app stores temporary data to improve performance, but if it becomes corrupted or excessive, it can prevent the app from functioning properly.
- Update conflicts: It's common for some updates to the app, Android System WebView, or even the operating system itself to conflict and cause Google to crash or not launch.
- Problems with Android WebView: WebView is a vital component that allows apps to display web content; if it's outdated or corrupted, it can block Google and other apps from working.
- Permissions or configuration failure: Accidental changes to app permissions, battery restrictions, or background settings can cause errors or crashes.
- Lack of memory or resources: If the device has low RAM or storage, the app may crash due to an inability to load processes.
- Internet connection problems: Google relies on a stable connection. If there's a problem, the app may go blank or become unresponsive.
- Presence of malware or incompatible apps: Recent applications or malicious software may interfere with the operation of Google.
Complete Solutions if Google Has Stopped Working on Android
Whatever the cause, here you will find a neat guide to practical and effective solutions To restore normal operation of the Google app on Android:
1. Check your Internet connection
It may seem basic, but an unstable or dropped connection This is one of the most common reasons for Google, or many of its associated applications, to fail. To do this, check your connection in How to transfer photos from iCloud to Google Photos and make sure there are no network issues. It's also important to change networks if your current one is experiencing issues.
- Check WiFi or mobile data: Try accessing other websites or using another app that requires internet to check your connection.
- Change network If possible, to rule out a one-off failure by your supplier.
- If the connection works well with other apps, continue with the steps below.
2. Clear the cache of the Google app and WebView
Cache accumulation leads to data corruption and prevents the app from launching properly. It's recommended to clear the Google and Android System WebView cache: solution for errors in Google Play. To do this, follow these steps:
- Accede to Settings > Applications.
- Search and select Google.
- Sign in Storage and press Clear cache.
- Do the same for Android system WebView (if it appears on your list).
This step can resolve most errors associated with corrupted data. You won't lose your personal data or settings when you do this; only temporary files will be deleted.
3. Clear Google app data
- In the same menu Storage, you can choose Delete data.
- Please note that this will return the app to its initial state: you will need to reconfigure preferences and may lose your saved search history.
- When to do it? If Google still fails after clearing the cache, try clearing the data for a deeper clean.
4. Stop and restart the Google app
- Accede to Applications > Google > Force stop.
- Reopen the Google app and check if the error is gone.
- This process restarts all internal processes and sometimes resolves background crashes.
5. Reboot your Android device
- Restart the mobile kills blocked background processes and frees up memory.
- Many errors disappear with a simple restart. Turn off the device, let it rest for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
6. Update the Google app, Android System WebView and the system itself
- Enter the Play Store and search for “Google.” If there’s an update pending, install it.
- Do the same with Android system WebView.
- Check for pending system updates at Settings > System > Updates.
- Updating resolves most issues caused by incompatible versions or recent bugs.
7. Uninstall Google and WebView updates
If the error occurred after a recent update, there may be a version conflict. To find out, visit Common errors on Google Play and follow these steps:
- Sign in Settings > Applications > Google.
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner and choose Uninstall updates.
- Do the same for Android system WebView.
- This reinstalls the factory version, which is usually more stable. If the error disappears, you can opt out of the automatic update until Google releases a fixed version.
8. Enable and disable the Google app (and WebView)
- Sometimes, temporarily disabling the app will reset it completely.
- Go to Settings > Applications > Google.
- Press on Disable and then reactivate it.
- Do the same with Android system WebView if the blockade continues.
9. Free up RAM and storage
Lack of resources is another common cause:
- Close all applications running in the background.
- Delete unused files or apps to free up space on your internal memory.
- Avoid having dozens of tabs open in your browser.
10. Check battery permissions and restrictions
- From Settings > Applications > Google > Permissions, make sure the app has access to the Internet, microphone, storage, etc.
- En Settings > Battery, check that Google is not limited to running in the background.
11. Reset network settings if there are connectivity issues
- Accede to Settings > System > Reset options.
- Choose “Reset network settings.”
This can resolve connection issues without deleting your data.
12. Find and remove any incompatible apps or malware
If the error occurred after installing a new app, temporarily uninstall it to see if the error disappears. You can also check Common errors on Google TV and make sure there is no interference with other applications.
13. Consider factory reset (only as a last resort)
- If none of the above works and Google keeps crashing, you can reset your phone to factory settings. Make a backup first: this process erases all your data.
- Sign in Settings > System > Reset options > Clear all data.
Frequently Asked Questions about the “Google has stopped working” error
- Can clearing cache or data cause loss of personal information? Clearing the cache doesn't affect your main documents or settings. It only deletes temporary files. Clearing data does remove specific preferences and settings for the Google app, but you can reset them from scratch.
- Why is Google crashing again after fixing it? If you don't clear your cache regularly, or if your phone runs out of space, the crashes may recur. It's recommended to keep your storage free and follow preventive steps.
- What does WebView have to do with Google's bugs? Android System WebView is essential for displaying web content within apps like Google. If it's outdated or corrupted, it can block the loading of Google and other associated apps. Updating or reinstalling it often resolves many crashes.
- What to do if no method works? If you can't get Google to work after trying all of the above, there's likely a bigger issue related to incompatibility, system corruption, or malware. Consider backing up your data and performing a factory reset, or contact official technical support for further review.
Common Mistakes: Different Messages and Their Meanings
- “Google has stopped working”: Unexpected shutdown, usually caused by version conflicts or corrupted data.
- “The Google app has stopped”: It is usually due to problems with the cache, WebView, or lack of memory.
- “Error signing in to Google”: Indicates connectivity issues, account settings, or limited permissions.
- “This server cannot be reached”: Network failures or device firewall blocks.
Recommendations for Optimal Use of Google on Android
To ensure a smooth Google experience on your Android device, follow these additional tips:
- Keep only necessary apps in the background, delete the ones you don't use to maximize resources.
- Set up automatic cache deletions using cleaning apps or from Android's own settings.
- Consider using Beta versions from Google and WebView if the errors are constant and the stable version does not solve your problem (always with caution).
- Make regular backups in case you need to restore data.
The Google app is an essential tool on your Android phone, not only for searches, but also as an access point to most services in the Google ecosystem. Therefore, when "Google has stopped working" occurs, it's not just an inconvenience: it can be a critical issue for your daily life. Fortunately, most errors can be resolved with a combination of these steps: clearing cache and data, updating or rolling back to a stable version, managing memory and permissions, and, ultimately, restarting or resetting your device. Keeping your Android up-to-date, free of unnecessary apps, and protected against malware significantly reduces the risk of further failures. This way, you can fully enjoy all of Google's features on your device, browsing and searching uninterruptedly and efficiently.
