In Russia, an increasing number of Android Google Chrome users are experiencing problems installing the newest version for the web browser.
The number of complaints is growing by the day, yet the root of the problem is still unknown and unaddressed.
The problems began on May 9th, 2022, when Google launched Chrome version 101 for Android, according to Russian news sites and several user complaints on the Play Store.
Those who attempted to install the most recent version received an error message that read, “Fail to install Google Chrome.” If that doesn’t work, the notification tells the user to try again and follow the troubleshooting tips.
Users who assumed deleting and reinstalling Chrome would fix the problem refused to add the browser on their device.
Beginning May 5, 2022, Google announced that Russian users and developers would be unable to download or update premium apps from the Play Store. Chrome, on the other hand, is free, therefore it should be exempt from the new regulation.
Furthermore, the error notice does not specify whether the unsuccessful update was caused by sanctions or a technical issue. At the same time, Google’s Play Store support agent encourages that Russian users seek help in the Support Community forums.
Google has been contacted by BleepingComputer for a statement or clarification on the problem, requesting an explanation of the update issue for Russian users. We have yet to receive a response, but whenever we do, we will update the story.
What Russians are capable of
Because of the circumstance, Russian Chrome for Android users have a few solutions that might work:
Stay with the current version and download an APK to install. Google Chrome uses a VPN to deceive the Play Store into allowing them to switch to a different browser.
Keeping an older version poses a security risk, since Google just patched 13 vulnerabilities, with the list expected to rise in the future.
Manually downloading and installing the Chrome APK may work, but users should obtain the package from a reputable source. Obviously, the scenario provides ideal conditions for con artists to set up frauds and malware-distributing websites pretending to offer Russians the most recent version of Chrome.
Although using a VPN to update your smartphone with the latest version of Chrome may be the safest way to acquire the app, it does violate the Play Store’s guidelines, and your account may be suspended. Furthermore, even after deleting the cache of the Play Store app, the few VPN products still available legally in Russia may not work.
Given the foregoing, if switching to a different browser isn’t an option, continuing with the older version of Chrome is likely the safest way to continue using Chrome in Russia.
