Android tablets from Samsung, Xiaomi (小米) and others report widespread issues opening Google Chrome

Users say Chrome won’t load; cause still unclear

Multiple owners of Android tablets from Samsung and Xiaomi (小米), as well as devices from other makers, have reported that Google Chrome refuses to open or crashes immediately after launch. It has been reported that complaints are appearing across social platforms and device forums, with affected users describing a blank screen, instant app closure, or Chrome freezing on startup. Reports are currently anecdotal and regional coverage varies, so the full scope is unknown.

What might be behind the problem?

Is it a bad Chrome update or an Android component failure? That remains uncertain. Many Android browsers depend on shared components such as Android System WebView; a faulty update to Chrome itself or to WebView can break multiple apps at once. It has been reported that some users saw the issue after recent app or system updates, but conclusive attribution to a specific update has not been confirmed. Google (谷歌) has not yet issued a formal statement, and it has been reported that OEMs have not released coordinated guidance.

Impact and short-term fixes

For Western readers less familiar with China’s ecosystem: Chrome usage on devices sold inside mainland China is limited due to Google service restrictions, so affected threads there often reference sideloaded or international ROMs; outside China, Chrome remains the default browser for many Android tablets. What can users do? Workarounds reported by users include rebooting the device, clearing Chrome app data, uninstalling recent updates, or switching temporarily to alternative browsers such as Firefox, Microsoft Edge or locally popular options. If the problem stems from a pushed update, a more durable fix will likely require an updated build from Google or a patch from the device maker.

It has been reported that users seeking help should back up important browser data (bookmarks, passwords) before attempting fixes that clear app data. Given the fragmented nature of Android and the geopolitical split in services between China and the West, resolution times may vary by region and by whether devices receive fast vendor updates.