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A bizarre Chrome bug is locking some Android tablet users out of their browser

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Why This Matters

A recent Chrome update has introduced a critical bug causing some Android tablets, especially Samsung models, to crash immediately upon opening the browser. This issue highlights the importance of rigorous testing and prompt support responses from Google, as it disrupts user access and productivity. The bug underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining software stability across diverse devices in the Android ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

TL;DR Chrome’s recent Android update is crashing on some tablets before the browser can even open.

Affected users see a “You can have up to 5 windows” message, even when only one Chrome window is active.

The bug appears tied to Chrome version 148.0.7778.178 and is heavily impacting Samsung tablets like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S6 Lite.

Google’s recent Chrome update appears to be turning into a headache for some Android tablet owners, and the bug is bad enough that it can completely lock users out of the browser.

Over the past few days, reports have flooded Reddit from people who suddenly can’t open Chrome on their tablets (via PiunikaWeb). According to multiple reports, the browser doesn’t open normally and instead flashes a message saying, “You can have up to 5 windows,” then crashes back to the home screen immediately. The strange part? Many affected users say they don’t even have more than one Chrome window open.

It seems to be related to Chrome version 148.0.7778.178, with Samsung tablets being especially affected. Some of the affected devices include the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and Tab A11+, though we’ve also seen Lenovo and Xiaomi tablet users report the same behavior.

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Users on Reddit expressed their frustration, saying they had already tried the usual fixes, such as clearing app cache, deleting data, and restarting their devices. For many, none of it was effective.

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