Gmail crash: Google reveals how to fix app problem on Android devices

Frustrated customers vented their annoyance after a bug last night started causing Gmail to crash the moment they tried to load it on their smartphones.

Hours after the problem was first reported, thousands of people were still complaining that it had not been addressed.

This morning, however, the tech giant has confirmed it is fixed - and said there are a few things users have to do to get it running as normal.

The bug is understood to have been caused by a problem with WebView - a component which is pre-installed on Android phones.

The Chrome-based feature allows apps to display web content.

Google has revealed how to get around the frustrating problem (Getty Images)

To get your Gmail working again you simply need to download the latest version from the Google Play Store.

Here are full instructions to get things fixed:

• To update Android System WebView and Google Chrome via Google Play:

• Navigate to Play Store app

• Search for Android System WebView (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.webview&hl=en_AU&gl=US)

In a statement, a Google spokesperson said: "We have resolved the issue with WebView that caused some apps on Android to crash for some users. Updating Android System WebView and Google Chrome via Google Play should now resolve the issue.”

Along with Gmail, this glitch also hit users of Google, Amazon and Yahoo! apps.

Once you have installed the latest update from the Play Store things should return to normal.