A fix for Google TV "Loading error" gradually rolling out

Chromecast with Google TV and other Google TV devices have been hit with a recurring issue that leaves users staring at a frustrating “Loading error” screen when trying to access key sections like the For You page, Movies, and even their Library. Despite Google’s recent efforts to roll out a fix, the problem persists for many, leading users to explore various workarounds. This article details the problem, Google’s response, and a comprehensive list of potential fixes that users have found helpful.

The loading error on Google TV devices seems to appear out of the blue, with users reporting that they are unable to access specific sections such as For You, Live Guide, Movies, TV Shows, and their Library. Instead of their content, they are met with a “Loading error” message with no clear indication of what caused the problem. While apps like Netflix, YouTube, and others seem to function normally, the core Google TV interface remains inaccessible for many.

This issue has been reported across a range of devices, including Chromecast with Google TV, Sony TVs running Google TV, and even the Google TV mobile app, suggesting that the problem is widespread and not confined to specific hardware.

After an outpouring of complaints from affected users, Google acknowledged the issue and announced that a fix would begin rolling out on August 16, 2024. However, this fix is being distributed gradually, and not all users have received it yet.

While waiting for Google’s fix to reach all devices, users have shared a variety of workarounds that have helped them temporarily restore functionality to their Google TV devices whenever they bump into the loading error. Here’s a detailed look at these solutions:

1. Access your Library via voice command:

To do it, hold down the Assistant button on your remote and say, “Google Play Movies and TV.” This command bypasses the problematic “For You” section and directly opens your library. This method seems to circumvent the affected sections of the interface, allowing direct access to content without relying on the standard UI, which is prone to the loading error.

2. Disable and re-enable Web & App Activity:

To do it, go to your Google account settings from a web browser or the Google Home app. Navigate to Data & Privacy. Turn off “Web & App Activity” and delete your activity history. Restart your Google TV device. Once the device is up and running, you can choose to turn “Web & App Activity” back on.

Turning off Web & App Activity clears cached data and forces the device to reload content from scratch, which sometimes resolves the loading issue. Deleting history ensures no corrupted data is reloaded when Web & App Activity is turned back on.

3. Toggle Wi-Fi off and on:

To do it, go to Settings on your Google TV device. Navigate to Network & Internet and turn off Wi-Fi. Wait a few seconds, ideally until you see a pop-up saying that Wi-Fi is off. Turn Wi-Fi back on and wait until it reconnects. Return to the Home screen and try accessing the “For You” section again.

This method resets your device’s network connection, which can resolve connectivity issues that might be causing the loading error.

4. Clear cache of the Google TV app:

To do this, go to Settings on your Google TV device. Navigate to Apps > See All Apps > Show System Apps. Find the Google TV app and select it. Choose “Clear Cache” and then “Force Stop” the app. Return to the Home screen and try accessing the affected sections again. Clearing the cache removes temporary files that might be corrupted or causing conflicts. Force stopping the app ensures that it starts fresh the next time it’s opened.

5. Uninstall recent Google TV app updates:

To do it, go to Settings on your Google TV device. Navigate to Apps > See All Apps > Show System Apps. Find the Google TV app and select it. Choose “Uninstall Updates” to revert the app to its factory version. Restart your device and check if the issue is resolved. Sometimes, recent updates might introduce bugs or conflicts. Reverting to a previous version can restore functionality until a new, stable update is released.

6. Factory reset (as a last resort):

To do this, go to Settings on your Google TV device. Navigate to System > About > Reset. Choose “Factory Reset” and confirm your selection. Note that a factory reset restores your device to its original state, eliminating any software glitches or corrupted data that could be causing the issue. However, it also means starting from scratch, so it’s not the first recommendation.

While Google’s fix is slowly rolling out, it’s clear that this loading error is a persistent issue that has affected many Google TV users. The workarounds provided by the community offer temporary relief, but they also highlight the need for a more robust and permanent solution from Google. Until then, users can try these methods to keep their Google TV experience as seamless as possible. Keep an eye on further updates as the fix continues to roll out and the community shares more insights on resolving this issue.