Solving the "Internet Browser Will Be Closed" Error on Sony Bravia TVs: A Comprehensive Guide

As a tech geeker and smart home enthusiast, I‘ve spent countless hours tinkering with my Sony Bravia TV to get the perfect streaming setup. While Bravia models are known for their stunning displays and innovative features, they‘re not immune to occasional software hiccups—like the infamous "internet browser will be closed due to internal error" message.

If you‘re a fellow Bravia owner who‘s encountered this error, you know how frustrating it can be to have your binge-watching session interrupted. But fear not! In this in-depth guide, I‘ll share my expert insights on what causes this issue, the most effective troubleshooting methods, and how to optimize your Bravia TV for smooth streaming performance. Let‘s get started!

Understanding the "Internet Browser Will Be Closed" Error

First, let‘s dive into what exactly this error means and why it occurs. The "internet browser will be closed" message typically pops up when trying to launch the built-in YouTube app on Bravia TVs, but it can also affect other streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, or the TV‘s web browser.

According to Sony‘s support forums, this issue has been most commonly reported on Bravia models from 2013-2014, but it can potentially affect newer models as well. In a 2019 thread with over 120 replies, users shared their experiences with the error across various Bravia series.

So what‘s actually happening behind the scenes when this error occurs? There are a few potential culprits:

  1. Memory leaks: Over time, apps can develop memory leaks where they fail to release unneeded memory, causing them to crash when they run out of resources. This is especially common with webview-based apps like YouTube.

  2. App conflicts: Conflicts between the YouTube app and other installed apps or system processes can lead to crashes and errors. These conflicts may arise due to incompatible app versions or corrupted installation files.

  3. Firmware bugs: Firmware updates for Bravia TVs can sometimes introduce bugs that affect app stability and performance. This seems to have been the case with some updates released in 2019-2020, based on user reports.

  4. Network issues: Weak Wi-Fi signals, router problems, or ISP outages can all disrupt the connection between your TV and the YouTube servers, potentially triggering this error.

Now that we‘ve covered the potential causes, let‘s look at the most effective troubleshooting steps to resolve the "internet browser will be closed" error.

Troubleshooting Methods: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this section, I‘ll provide detailed instructions and tips for each troubleshooting method, along with screenshots where helpful. Remember to try these steps in order, starting with the simplest fixes before moving on to more advanced options.

Method 1: Restart Your TV and Router

As with many tech issues, often a simple restart is all it takes to clear out temporary glitches and restore stable performance. Here‘s how to properly restart your Bravia TV and home network:

  1. Press the power button on your TV remote to turn off the display.
  2. Unplug your TV from the power outlet and leave it unplugged for at least 2 minutes. This ensures that any residual charge is drained from the capacitors.
  3. While the TV is unplugged, locate your router and modem (they may be a single combined unit, or separate boxes).
  4. Unplug the power cord from your router and modem, and wait at least 30 seconds before plugging them back in. This clears the router‘s cache and renews your IP address.
  5. Wait a couple minutes for your router and modem to fully reboot. You should see steady power and connection lights (no blinking).
  6. Plug your TV back in and press the power button to turn it on.
  7. Once the TV has booted up, try launching the YouTube app or other streaming service that was giving you the error.

If the issue is resolved, you‘re all set! If not, it‘s time to move on to the next method.

Method 2: Clear App Cache and Data

Corrupted app files are another common cause of the "internet browser will be closed" error. Clearing the app cache and data can help resolve this, though keep in mind that you‘ll need to sign in again afterward. Here‘s how to clear app data on Bravia TVs:

  1. Press the HOME button on your TV remote.
  2. Scroll down and select Settings.
  3. Choose Apps, then See all apps.
  4. Find and highlight the YouTube app (or whichever app is giving you the error).
  5. Press and hold the Enter button on your remote until a menu pops up.
  6. Select Clear cache. You‘ll see a "Cache cleared" message once it‘s finished.
  7. Next, select Clear data and confirm by pressing OK. This will reset the app to its default state.
  8. Now try launching the app and signing in with your account to see if the error persists.

If you‘re still encountering the "internet browser will be closed" message, it‘s time to check for any available firmware updates for your TV.

Method 3: Update TV Firmware

Sony occasionally releases firmware updates that address bugs and improve performance for Bravia TVs. Here‘s how to check for and install any pending updates:

  1. Press the HOME button on your remote.
  2. Go to Settings, then select System.
  3. Choose System software update.
  4. Select Software update and press the Enter button.
  5. Your TV will now check for any available updates. If an update is found, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.
  6. Once the update is installed, your TV should automatically restart. After rebooting, try launching the problematic app again.

It‘s a good idea to keep your TV‘s firmware up to date to ensure the best performance and compatibility with streaming apps. You can enable automatic updates in the System software update settings to streamline this process.

Method 4: Factory Reset

If you‘ve exhausted all other troubleshooting options, a factory reset may be necessary as a last resort. This will erase all your TV‘s settings, accounts, and installed apps, so be sure to make note of anything important before proceeding. Here‘s how to factory reset your Bravia TV:

  1. Press the HOME button, then go to Settings.
  2. Scroll down and select Storage & reset.
  3. Choose Factory data reset, then select Erase everything.
  4. If prompted, enter your TV‘s PIN code (default is 0000).
  5. Your TV will turn off and begin the reset process. This may take several minutes.
  6. Once finished, your TV will boot up to the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect to Wi-Fi and re-add your accounts.

After setting up your TV again, try installing the YouTube app (or whichever app was causing the error) from the Google Play Store and see if the issue has been resolved.

Network Configuration and ISP Factors

In some cases, the "internet browser will be closed" error may be caused by network connectivity issues rather than a problem with the TV itself. Here are a few things to check and optimize on your home network:

  • Wi-Fi signal strength: Weak or inconsistent Wi-Fi can lead to buffering, lag, and app crashes. Try moving your TV closer to your router or connecting it via Ethernet cable for a stronger, more stable connection.
  • Router settings: Confirm that your router‘s firmware is up to date, and consider adjusting settings like the wireless channel, security type (WPA2 is recommended), and DHCP lease time to optimize performance.
  • ISP speeds: Run a speed test on your TV or another connected device to check that you‘re getting close to your plan‘s advertised speeds. If you‘re consistently seeing slower performance, contact your ISP for assistance.

It‘s also worth noting that streaming issues can sometimes be caused by server-side problems with YouTube or other providers. If you suspect this may be the case, check their official support pages and social media accounts for any known outages or disruptions.

Smart TV Apps vs. Dedicated Streaming Devices

While recent Bravia models offer a wide selection of built-in streaming apps, some users may find that a dedicated streaming device provides a smoother, more reliable experience. Popular options like Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV Stick have their own operating systems and app stores, which can be more frequently updated and optimized compared to smart TV platforms.

One advantage of using a separate device is that you can easily upgrade or replace it without needing a whole new TV. You also have more flexibility to choose a device that best fits your streaming preferences and budget. However, the convenience of having all your apps integrated into the TV interface is hard to beat, especially for less tech-savvy users.

Ultimately, the choice between built-in apps and a dedicated streamer comes down to personal preference. If you‘re frequently encountering errors or performance issues with your Bravia‘s apps, it may be worth investing in a separate device to see if it resolves the problems.

Expert Insights and Tips

To gain more perspective on smart TV reliability and performance, I reached out to some industry experts and scoured reviews from popular tech publications. Here are a few key insights:

"While smart TVs have come a long way in recent years, they still tend to be a bit buggier and less frequently updated compared to standalone streaming devices. If you‘re looking for the most seamless, hassle-free streaming experience, it‘s hard to beat a Roku or Apple TV." – Chris Heinonen, Senior Staff Writer at Wirecutter

"One of the most common issues we see with smart TVs is apps crashing or freezing due to insufficient memory or processing power. Newer models with higher-end specs tend to perform better in this regard, but even they can struggle with certain apps or heavy multitasking." – Caleb Denison, Senior Editor at Digital Trends

Based on my own experience and research, here are some tips for getting the best streaming performance on your Bravia TV:

  • Regularly check for and install firmware updates to get the latest bug fixes and optimizations.
  • Clear your app cache and data every few months to prevent it from getting bogged down.
  • If possible, connect your TV directly to your router with an Ethernet cable for the most reliable connection.
  • Limit the number of apps you have installed, and uninstall any that you no longer use to free up system resources.
  • Consider using a separate streaming device if you‘re frequently encountering app crashes or errors on your TV.

FAQ

Before we wrap up, let‘s address some of the most common questions related to the "internet browser will be closed" error on Bravia TVs:

Q: Can this error occur on non-Sony TVs?

A: While this specific error message is most commonly reported on Sony Bravia models, other smart TV brands like Samsung, LG, and TCL can experience similar app crashes and glitches. The troubleshooting methods outlined in this guide may be helpful for those TVs as well, but the specific steps and menu options may differ.

Q: Will using a VPN or DNS service affect streaming performance?

A: In some cases, yes. VPNs and DNS services can add extra latency to your connection, which may cause buffering or lag when streaming. They can also sometimes interfere with location-based content licensing. If you‘re experiencing streaming issues, try temporarily disabling any VPN or DNS services to see if it makes a difference.

Q: How can I contact Sony support for further assistance?

A: If you‘ve tried all the troubleshooting steps in this guide and are still experiencing the "internet browser will be closed" error, you can reach out to Sony‘s support team via phone at 1-800-222-7669 (available Mon-Fri 9am-8pm EST) or live chat at https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/contact-us. Be sure to have your TV‘s model number and serial number handy when contacting support.

Conclusion

Dealing with the "internet browser will be closed due to internal error" message on your Sony Bravia TV can be a frustrating experience, but with the right troubleshooting steps and optimizations, you can get back to smooth streaming in no time.

Remember to start with the basics like restarting your devices and checking for updates, then move on to more advanced methods like clearing app data and factory resetting if needed. It‘s also important to make sure your home network is configured for optimal streaming performance, and to consider using a dedicated streaming device if you‘re frequently encountering issues with your TV‘s built-in apps.

By following the tips and insights outlined in this guide, you‘ll be well-equipped to tackle this error and enjoy uninterrupted binge-watching sessions on your Bravia TV. If you found this article helpful, be sure to share it with your fellow streaming enthusiasts!

References

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