Top 8 Ways to Fix Android System WebView Won't Update Issue

A few days ago, I tried to update the apps on my phone, but I couldn’t. All applications were blocked from downloading. When I canceled the updates and started to download them one by one, I noticed that it was the Android WebView application that was blocked and did not update itself. In addition, it did not allow other applications to update. If you’re also having the same issue, you’ll learn how to fix the Android WebView download issue here.

Android WebView is a system application preinstalled on Android phones. It helps third-party applications to display content in the browser built into the application. It is therefore necessary to keep it up to date. But when you try to do it, the update is blocked. Even if it is updated, it immediately reappears in the Play Store update list. For some users, especially pixel owners, the Play Store is also blocked on the Check for Updates screen due to the WebView issue.

But do not worry. Let’s see different ways to fix the Android system WebView refuses to update the problem.

1. Restart the phone

If WebView has not been updated once, you should try to restart your phone. Sometimes a simple restart would solve the problem and you would be able to update WebView without any hiccups.

2. Give it time

If WebView is blocked from updating for one minute, give it a little more time. Let it continue the update and installation for 10 to 15 minutes.

3. Disable Bluetooth

As strange as it may sound, try updating the WebView app by turning off Bluetooth on your phone.

4. Uninstall Android WebView

You cannot completely uninstall WebView from your phone. But, you can delete its updates to return to the factory version. Once this happens, you can update it. Sometimes this also solves the problem.

To do this, open the Play Store on your phone and search for Android System WebView. Open it. Tap Uninstall. Wait for it to uninstall. Then tap Update.

5. Clear cache and data for Play Store

One of the best solutions that works is to clear the cache and data for Google Play Store. In general, we suggest that you only clear the cache for other applications, as it differs from deleting the data. Erasing the storage would delete the data associated with the application. But in this case, things are different because none of this data is linked to Play Store.

If you’re wondering what happens when you erase data or storage for Play Store, well, nothing good. Your installed applications will not be uninstalled and you will not lose data related to these applications. Likewise, you will not lose any other personal data, such as contacts or files. This only happens when you delete the Google account from your phone.

Deleting data for the Play Store only resets the settings in the Play Store, such as notification settings, automatic app updates, parental controls, etc.

To clear the Google Play Store cache and data, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings on your phone and go to Apps & notifications / Installed apps.

2nd step: Tap Google Play Store under All apps.

Stage 3: Press Storage. Then tap Clear cache, then tap Clear storage or Clear data depending on the option available on your phone.

Step 4: Restart your phone. Then try to update WebView.

6. Clear cache and data for WebView

Similar to Play Store, you also need to clear the cache and data from the Android System WebView app. To do this, repeat the above steps, i.e. go to Settings> Applications & notifications> Android WebView system> Storage> Clear data and storage.

Pro tip: Also try to clear the cache of Google Chrome and Google Play services.

7. Uninstall updates for Google Play Store

Another thing you can try if WebView does not update properly is to remove the updates for Play Store. Since it is a system application, you cannot uninstall it. Removing updates is therefore an option.

To uninstall updates for Play Store, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings on your phone. Go to Apps and notifications or Installed apps.

2nd step: Tap Google Play Store.

Stage 3: Tap the three-dot icon at the top and select Uninstall updates from the menu.

Step 4: Restart your phone. Then wait 5 minutes to let the Play Store update automatically. Then try to update WebView.

Pro tip: You can also try to update the Play Store manually using the APK if it is blocked.

8. Update other applications

If the problem persists and you are unable to update other apps or use the Play Store normally, you should cancel any pending updates. To do this, tap Stop at the top or tap the X icon next to the apps.

When all updates stop, press the Update button next to each application individually, except the WebView application. Then, once the apps are updated, restart your phone. Then update WebView.

Update WebView manually

If nothing works, you should try to manually update Android System WebView. To do this, download its APK file from a reliable site such as APKMirror.com. Then install it. You may need to grant security clearance to install the app this way. Hopefully future updates to WebView will be no problem.