Android

Android users having problems signing into Google Now (all fixed)

posted by Michael H. / Sep 19, 2012, 11:20 PM

Android users having problems signing into Google Now (all fixed)

It seems that there is something wrong in the Google universe. Google has a reputation for being extremely reliable, and its services don't go down very often at all. That's why it can be a news item when Gmail is down for a few thousand users for a couple hours. We noticed a couple hours ago that our Android devices had error messages popping up saying that they couldn't sign in or connect to Google servers, and it looks like we aren't alone.

At first, we assumed it was an error specific to one device, but it then popped up on another device, so we checked Twitter and it looks like there are others experiencing the same problem (including the late Kim Jong Il, apparently.) We don't know right now how widespread the problem is, or really what the problem is.

The strange thing is that there will be a constant notification in the Android tray saying that there is a sign-in error, and tapping the notification will lead to a message saying there was an error in connecting to Google servers. But, Google apps still work fine, with no errors in the Play Store, Gmail, Talk, Reader, etc.

Anyone else noticing this error?

*Update* We're learning a bit more, and it seems that this is an issue specifically affecting Jelly Bean devices, and is related to Google Now servers being shut down, which would correlate with what we're seeing on various Nexus devices.

*Update 2*After about 3 hours of downtime with the Google Now servers, everything looks to be back up and working!

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51 Comments

1. GeekMovement unregistered

"...and it looks like there are others experiencing the same problem (including Kim Jong Il, apparently)." LoL. I did not and am not going through this issue. My GS3 is perfectly fine and running great, but interesting article.

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:22 PM 5

7. tiara6918

Posts: 2263; Member since: Apr 26, 2012

"...and it looks like there are others experiencing the same problem (including Kim Jong Il, apparently)." LOL hahaha! me too, looks like Kim Jong Il is haunting google since he can't log-in from wherever he is now...

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:28 PM 0

2. KingKurogiii

Posts: 5713; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

lol, this would happen right after i flash the AOKP JB Build on my Razr. i was thinking the log in problems was from my wonky data connection. xD

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:25 PM 1

3. Captain_Doug

Posts: 1037; Member since: Feb 10, 2012

I've been having problems with it.

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:26 PM 1

14. MichaelHeller

Posts: 2734; Member since: May 26, 2011

Is it just the notification, or is it affecting Google services for you too?

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:35 PM 3

19. KingKurogiii

i've been getting my Gmails but the Notification is persistent and Google Now won't work.

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:37 PM 0

50. Captain_Doug

just the notification. a really annoying notification. Fixed now though.

posted on Sep 20, 2012, 7:53 AM 0

17. sam_tek

Posts: 105; Member since: Feb 18, 2011

same here! started about an hour ago. initially started with one google account sign-in error. so, i figured I'd just remove the account and add it again, the moment I did that, I was able to sign-in, but then instantly I wasn't able to sign-in to my second google account. so, then i figured removing and re-adding accounts does the trick - so I removed all four google accounts and re-added them only to realize that by the end of the cycle, the my first account (which I already removed and re-added) is giving me sign-in error !! WTF! anyways, removing and re-adding accounts does squat! googlie, c'mon man, I've backed you up far too many times. don't let me down now! :)

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:35 PM 0

21. MichaelHeller

What device are you using?

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:38 PM 2

28. sam_tek

galaxy nexus JB 4.1.1 JRO03C Buiild

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:43 PM 0

30. MichaelHeller

Yep, it's a JB issue with Google Now servers

posted on Sep 19, 2012, 11:46 PM 2

37. sam_tek

yeah figured michael. this is so unlike google; haven't had issues like this in the past. I bet it's still a really temp snag; haven't lost faith just yet! ;)