Google Chrome is one of the most widely used web browsers due to its speed, simplicity and seamless integration with Google services. However, sometimes, even the most reliable tools can face issues, causing disruptions in your productivity. 

Are you also searching for the answer to “why my Chrome browser is not working?” Well, you are not alone. Numerous users have reported this problem. In this guide, we will share the reasons why you might be facing this problem and how to fix it.

Common Reasons Your Chrome Browser is Not Working

Your Chrome browser may not be working to its optimum performance due to numerous reasons:

• Outdated Chrome Browser

Over time, Google releases various updates to improve its performance, enhance security and fix bugs. One of the reasons why Chrome browser is not working on my phone or desktop is because you are using its outdated version that is not compatible with the latest web technologies.

• Extensions and Add-Ons

If the installed add-ons and extensions are outdated or incompatible with your browser, you may encounter issues.

• Corrupted Browser Cache

A cache is a collection of temporary internet files stored on your computer. It aids in speeding up your web browser. However, if it becomes corrupted, it can lead to numerous issues, such as unresponsive web pages and slow loading time.

• Conflicting Applications

Sometimes, third-party applications such as Antivirus software and firewalls may conflict with your browser. This is why your Chrome browser is not working. 

• Outdated Operating System

An outdated OS, especially if it is not compatible with the Chrome version you’re using, can result in the Chrome browser not working properly.

• Network Connection Issue

Sometimes, the reason the Chrome browser is not working on your phone is due to poor internet connections or misconfigured network settings.

• Hardware Acceleration Issue

Often, chrome leverages hardware acceleration. It offloads specific tasks to the computer’s GPU, improving performance. However, sometimes, it can also lead to compatibility issues with your driver or graphics card.

• Virus & Malware Attacks

Virus and malware attacks can also render varied issues with your Chrome browser. Some of the common symptoms include browser redirects and changes in settings.

• Conflicting Browser Settings

Sometimes, changes in browser settings or flags in Chrome’s experimental features can lead to unexpected issues in your Chrome browser.

• Excessive Cookies or Full Caches

Excessive cookies or full cache space can lead to performance issues in your Chrome browser. 

How Do I Fix Chrome Browser is Not Working?  

Now that we have a clear understanding of why your Chrome browser is not working let’s learn how to fix these issues:

• Outdated Chrome Browser

To update your Chrome browser:

• Tap on the 3 dots at the top right corner.
• Select Help
• Click on About Google Chrome
• It will prompt Chrome to check for updates and install it if there is one.

• Extensions and Add-Ons

If there is an issue due to extensions, try disabling them to check if it resolves the issues

• Go to chrome://extensions/ 
• Turn them off one by one to pinpoint the culprit.

• Corrupted Browser Cache

If your browser cache is corrupted, you must clean it by:

• Tap on the 3 dots at the top right corner.
• Select “More tools.”
• Click on “Clear Browing Data”
• A pop-up window will appear; select the time range
• Check the subsequent box for cached images and files
• Click Clear Data

• Conflicting Applications

Check if any third-party software (like antivirus or firewall) is blocking Chrome. Temporarily turn off these apps to see if they resolve the issue. 

• Outdated Operating System

If an outdated OS is the reason the Chrome browser is not working properly, ensure that your OS is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.

• Network Connection Issue

Check if you’re connected to the correct network and if it is stable. If the problem persists, restart your modem or router.

• Hardware Acceleration Issue

To fix your hardware acceleration issue, disable it by:

• Navigate to settings.
• Click “Advanced.”
• Toggle off “Use hardware acceleration when available.”

• Virus & Malware Attacks

Employ a reliable antivirus to scan the entire system. Remove any virus and malware that is affecting your system.

• Conflicting Browser Settings

If your Chrome browser is not working due to settings issues, reset it to default by:

• Go to Settings
• Click on Advanced.
• Navigate to the Reset and Clean Up 
• Click on restore settings

• Excessive Cookies or Full Caches

To clear your browsing data and cookies:

• Go to settings
• Click on “Privacy and Settings”
• Select “Clear browsing data.”
• Click on the item you want to clear, such as cookies
• Click on “clear data.”

Why Does Google Chrome Keep Freezing and Not Responding?

Google Chrome may keep freezing and becoming unresponsive due to several issues. One significant factor is the presence of conflicting extensions, which can consume excessive resources or contain bugs, leading to instability. Additionally, hardware acceleration settings can sometimes cause performance problems; disabling this feature may help improve responsiveness.

Another potential cause is a corrupted user profile or accumulated cache and cookies, which can interfere with the browser’s functionality. In some cases, malware or viruses can also impact Chrome’s performance, necessitating a thorough scan of your system. Regularly updating Chrome and managing extensions are crucial to mitigate these freezing issues.

Is it Good to Reset Chrome Settings?

Resetting Chrome settings can be a beneficial step for users experiencing performance issues, crashes, or unwanted changes to their browsers. This process restores Chrome to its default factory settings, effectively removing any problematic extensions, corrupt data, or malware that may be affecting the browsing experience. While it clears temporary data like cookies and cache, it does not delete bookmarks, history, or saved passwords, which is a significant advantage for many users. However, it’s important to note that resetting will disable all extensions and revert custom settings, such as the homepage and startup pages. Users should back up any important information before proceeding with the Reset to avoid losing access to essential data and configurations. 

To Sum it Up!

Google Chrome is a powerful and reliable browser, but like any technology, it can encounter occasional hiccups. By understanding the potential causes, you can take the necessary steps to resolve these issues effectively. With the troubleshooting tips shared in this guide, you’ll be able to restore Chrome’s optimal performance and enjoy a seamless browsing experience once again. We hope this guide will help you fix your “Chrome browser is not working on my phone and desktop” issue.