Android has been victim of a serious bug in the last few days. After a failure of the Android Webview system, many applications have completely crashed. This is particularly the case for several Google applications, such as Gmail, Google Maps or Google Pay. To correct the situation, the Mountain View company has just deployed a patch. We explain how to install it.

During the night of Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 March 2021, several Android applications simply stopped working. According to testimonials that appeared on the web, this is particularly the case of Google apps, such as Gmail, Google Maps and Google Pay, but also third-party apps such as Deezer, Amazon and TikTok.

A spokesperson for Google was quick to confirm the existence of a failure related to the System WebView component. Google explains that it deployed a faulty update. "We are aware of an issue with WebView that causes some applications on Android to crash," Google announced before promising a fix as soon as possible. While waiting for this update, several smartphone manufacturers, including Samsung, have advised users to simply uninstall Android System WebView.

HOW TO INSTALL THE PATCH FOR ANDROID SYSTEM WEBVIEW AND CHROME?

As promised, Google promptly pushed the System Webview patch on Android smartphones. "The issue should now be resolved. If you're still affected, the manual update should fix it" explains the official Gmail Twitter account. Google also encourages installing the latest Chrome update on Android to avoid malfunctions. The Webview component is indeed linked to Chrome. It allows you to display a web page in an application without having to open the Chrome application.

Here is how to install the patches deployed by Google:

- Go to the Google Play Store

- Search for Android System WebView with the search bar

- Press Update

- Do the same for the Chrome application

According to Google, this duo of patches should be enough to fix the issues faced by Android users. If no update is offered, or if the installation crashes, the search giant advises users to clear the cache of the Play Store application. To do this, simply go to Settings, then to Applications and Notifications. Select the Play Store, go to the storage section and click on Empty Cache. 

Source : phonandroid.com

Have you encountered any bugs with your apps in the last few days? Has the patch fixed it? We're waiting for your feedback in the comments on our Facebook page.