Google Chrome users on multiple platforms are experiencing sudden crashes, with the browser closing immediately upon launch. The problem has affected users on macOS, Android, and Windows, with reports indicating it began in recent days. Many users say Chrome fails to fully open or closes just seconds after appearing on screen.
Android users have noted that both the Chrome app and the search widget crash instantly, making the browser completely unusable. On macOS, especially version 10.15 Catalina, users report a total inability to launch Chrome, potentially linked to a recent update. In some cases, the issue seems to occur only when users are logged into their Google accounts.
Some users suspect browser extensions, particularly ad-blockers, might be involved. One workaround shared involves quickly closing the main Chrome window and then launching an incognito session, which reportedly prevents the crash from happening. This workaround, however, doesn’t appear to work for everyone.
On the Windows side, fewer users have reported issues, but the crashes are still present for some. Google has yet to release an official statement or fix. In the meantime, support forum responses suggest typical troubleshooting steps like using guest mode, disabling hardware acceleration, updating graphics drivers, or resetting Chrome settings.
A potential cause for Android crashes could be related to the Android System WebView component. At least one user reported success after updating the Google Play Store and then reinstalling Chrome. This workaround has worked for some but isn’t guaranteed.
Testing on the latest versions of macOS beta, Android 15 on the Pixel 7a, and iOS 18.5 beta on the iPhone 16 has not reproduced the issue, suggesting that the crashes might be tied to specific device configurations or account setups rather than a universal bug.
Currently, affected users are left with a few options: switch to an alternative browser like Firefox or Edge, try running Chrome in guest mode, or, for Android users, attempt to resolve the issue by updating Play Store components before reinstalling the app.
Although the timing and spread of these crash reports suggest a recent Chrome update may be at fault, the precise cause remains unknown. Google has not yet issued an official response or timeline for a fix.
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