Users of various devices, including Samsung models, have been encountering screen flickering issues while using the Gmail app to read and send emails. Some individuals have reported instances where text disappears completely, while others see only blank white boxes instead of their messages.
Expressing frustration, Gmail enthusiasts have turned to social media platforms to voice their grievances. One user named Jeremiah took to X to address the problem, stating, “@gmail, when will Android function properly on folding phones like my Samsung Fold? It has been four days of persistent flickering on the inner screen, which is completely unacceptable.”
Similar complaints have surfaced on Google’s support forums, with one user detailing their experience: “Whenever I open an email, the screen flickers, making it impossible to read. I have tried force-stopping the app, clearing the cache, restarting my tablet, and updating all software, but nothing has resolved the issue.”
Google’s product expert, Kimiya Kitani, has indicated that the problem seems to be associated with Android System WebView, a fundamental Android component enabling apps to display web content within the app interface. Kitani mentioned that certain devices, particularly Samsung tablets, are experiencing intermittent issues with Android System WebView, which has already been reported to Google for further investigation.
Although the exact number of affected users remains uncertain, reports suggest that Samsung foldable devices like the Galaxy Z Fold series and specific Galaxy tablets are among the most impacted devices.
In the interim, a temporary workaround has been suggested to address the problem. Kitani recommends rotating the device as a potential solution to halt the flickering.
The proposed fix is straightforward: open the email in portrait mode, rotate the device to landscape mode until the screen stabilizes, and then revert it to portrait mode.
While awaiting a permanent solution from Google, this workaround appears to be the most straightforward option for affected users.