I get the “Something went wrong” error when trying to use Google Gemini

Title: Troubleshooting the “Something Went Wrong” Error When Trying to Access Google Gemini

Introduction

Google Gemini represents an advanced conversational AI platform by Google, promising innovative features for users eager to explore cutting-edge AI technology. However, users may sometimes encounter obstacles when attempting to access or interact with Gemini. A common issue reported involves the persistent “Something went wrong” error when clicking the “Chat with Gemini” button. In this article, we delve into this problem, analyze potential causes, and suggest practical troubleshooting steps.

Observations and User Experience

The issue appears consistent across multiple browsers, suggesting that the problem is less likely browser-specific. Notably, attempts made over a period exceeding ten days have yielded the same error message, indicating that this is not a transient glitch.

Additionally, visitors attempting to access Gemini through alternative links, such as https://aistudio.google.com/prompts/new_chat, receive a brief display of the intended page before being redirected to https://ai.google.dev/gemini-api/docs/available-regions. This redirection occurs despite the user’s region being approved, which suggests regional or access restrictions might be influencing user experience.

Possible Causes

1. Regional Restrictions or Access Limitations: Google may restrict access to Gemini based on geographic location, even if regions are supposedly approved. The redirection to available regions documentation hints at potential regional gating.
2. Account or Authentication Issues: If the user is not properly signed in or has incomplete account setup, access issues may arise.
3. Service Availability: The platform might be undergoing maintenance or experiencing outages, which can trigger generic error messages.
4. Browser Compatibility or Cache Problems: Although multiple browsers were tested, cache or cookie issues can sometimes interfere with platform login and interaction.

Recommended Troubleshooting Steps

1. Verify Regional Eligibility: Confirm that your geographic location is fully supported for Google Gemini. Check official documentation or regional availability notices from Google.
2. Ensure Proper Authentication: Sign into your Google account and ensure that it has the necessary permissions and account type required for access.
3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Remove cached data and cookies from your browser to eliminate potential conflicts.
4. Try Incognito or Private Browsing Modes: This can help determine if extensions or cached data are causing interference.
5. Test on Different Devices and Networks: Attempt access