Android WebView is a system app that comes pre-installed on Android phones. It helps third-party apps to display content in the in-app browser. So, it’s necessary to keep it updated. But when you try to do so, the update gets stuck. Even if it is updated, it immediately appears again in the Updates list of the Google Play Store. For some users, especially Pixel owners, the Play Store also gets stuck on the Checking for updates screen due to the WebView glitch. But don’t worry. Let’s see various ways to fix the Android System WebView refuses to update issue.
1. Restart Your Phone
If the Android System WebView app is not updating, you should try restarting your phone. At times, a simple reboot would fix the issue, and you would be able to update the WebView app without any hiccups. This should fix the Android System Webview update problem for most people. If it didn’t do the job for you, it’s time to move on to the next solution.
2. Give It Time
If the WebView app is stuck on updating for a minute, give it some more time. Let it continue updating and installing for 10-15 minutes. Some users have observed that leaving it overnight completed the Android WebView update. Additionally, ensure that your internet connection is stable and fast.
3. Turn Off Bluetooth
As weird as it may sound, try updating the WebView app by turning off Bluetooth on your phone. It has been observed that Bluetooth interferes with the update process. Might sound absurd, but no harm in trying, right?
4. Uninstall Android WebView
You cannot fully uninstall WebView from your phone. But, you can remove its updates to go back to the factory version. Once that happens, you can update it. Sometimes, doing that fixes the Android System Webview not updating issue. To do so, open the Play Store on your phone and search for Android System WebView. Open it. Tap on Uninstall. Wait for it to uninstall. Then, tap on Update. Tip: If you’re on the beta program of the app, that might be causing the problem. So, in the app page on Play Store, scroll down and tap the option to leave the beta program. Now, pray to the Google overlords that the Android System WebView update problem is resolved.
5. Clear Cache and Data for Play Store
One of the best solutions that work is to clear cache and data for Google Play Store. Typically, we suggest only clearing the cache for other apps as it’s different from clearing data. That’s because clearing storage would remove the data associated with the app. But in this case, things are different as no such data is linked with the Play Store. If you are wondering what happens when you clear data or storage for Play Store, well, nothing much. Your installed apps will not be uninstalled, and you will not lose data linked with those apps. Similarly, you won’t lose any other personal data, such as contacts or files. That only happens when you remove the Google account from your phone. Clearing data for Play Store will only reset the settings in the Play Store, such as notification settings, auto-update of apps, parental controls, and more. To clear cache and data for Google Play Store, follow these steps: Step 1: Open Settings on your phone. Navigate to the Apps or Installed apps section. Step 2: Tap on Google Play Store under All apps. Step 3: Select Storage. Then, tap on Clear cache followed by Clear storage or Clear data depending on your Android device. Step 4: Restart your phone. Then, try updating Android System WebView.
6. Clear Cache and Data for WebView
Similar to Play Store, you should clear cache and data for the Android System WebView app too. For that, repeat the above steps i.e. go to Settings > Apps & notifications > Android System WebView > Storage > Clear data and storage. Pro Tip: Try clearing the cache for Google Chrome and Google Play Services too if doing the above didn’t help.
7. Uninstall Updates for Google Play Store
Another thing that you can try if WebView doesn’t update properly is to remove updates for Play Store. Since it is a system app, you cannot uninstall it. So, removing the updates is an option. To uninstall updates for Play Store, follow these steps: Step 1: Open Settings on your phone. Go to Apps & notifications or Installed apps. Step 2: Tap on Google Play Store. Step 3: Tap on the three-dot icon at the top and select Uninstall updates from the menu. Step 4: Restart your phone. Then, wait for 5 minutes to let the Play Store update automatically. Then, try updating WebView. Pro Tip: You can also try updating Play Store manually using an APK if it’s stuck.
8. Update Other Apps
If the issue persists and you are unable to update other apps or use Play Store normally, cancel all the pending updates. For that, either tap on Stop at the top or tap on the X icon next to the apps. When all updates stop, tap the Update button next to each app individually, except for the WebView app. Then, when the apps have updated, restart your phone. Then, update WebView.
9. Update Android System WebView Manually
If nothing works, you should try updating the Android System WebView manually. For that, download its APK file using the link below. Download Android System Webview APK Then, install it. You might have to grant security permission to install the app this way. Hopefully, future updates of WebView will not pose any issues post this.
Update Your Apps Seamlessly
It’s never a good sight to see app updates fail on your phone. More than anything, it would trigger your OCD if you’re like me and constantly see that there’s an app pending for update. So, if you’re facing the infamous Android System WebView not updating issue, the above steps should help you fix the problem and thus, allow you to update all apps without a hitch. The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
