Users of various devices, including Samsung models, are encountering significant screen flickering issues while using the Gmail app. Some individuals have reported instances where text disappears entirely, while others see only blank white boxes instead of their messages.
Frustrated Gmail enthusiasts have turned to social media platforms to express their grievances. One user named Jeremiah voiced his discontent on X, stating, “@gmail, when will Android function correctly on folding phones like my Samsung Fold? It’s been four days of this flickering problem on the inner screen — completely unacceptable.”
Similar complaints have surfaced on Google’s support forums. A user described their experience, mentioning that every time they open an email, the screen flickers, rendering it impossible to read. Despite attempting various troubleshooting steps like force-stopping the app, clearing the cache, restarting the tablet, and updating everything, the issue persists.
According to Google product expert Kimiya Kitani, the problem seems to be connected to Android System WebView, a fundamental Android element that enables apps to exhibit web content within the application itself.
Kitani stated that certain devices, particularly Samsung tablets, are encountering intermittent challenges with Android System WebView. Google has been made aware of the issue and is addressing it.
While the exact number of affected users remains uncertain, reports indicate that Samsung foldable devices such as the Galaxy Z Fold series and specific Galaxy tablets are among the most impacted.
In the interim, a temporary workaround has been suggested. Kitani recommends rotating the device as a potential solution to halt the flickering.
The recommended procedure is straightforward: open the email in portrait mode, rotate the device to landscape mode until the screen displays correctly, then switch it back to portrait.
Currently, this method appears to be the easiest interim solution as users await a permanent fix from Google.