
WebGPU Not Working? Quick Troubleshooting & Solutions for Chrome
Experiencing issues with WebGPU in Chrome? This guide offers practical tips and fixes to get your WebGPU applications running smoothly. We'll cover common problems, from undefined navigator.gpu
errors to performance bottlenecks, providing step-by-step solutions.
Why is navigator.gpu
Undefined?
Encountering a TypeError
when accessing navigator.gpu
? This usually means WebGPU isn't properly initialized in your browser.
Results in:
Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'requestAdapter')
Here's a breakdown of potential causes:
- Outdated Chrome Version: WebGPU requires Chrome 113 or higher (ChromeOS, macOS, Windows) or Chrome 121 or higher on Android. Update your browser by navigating to
chrome://version
. - Insecure Context: WebGPU functions only within secure contexts (
https://
).- Local Development Fixes: Use
npx http-server
orpython3 -m http.server
for localhttp://localhost
testing. Alternatively, usenpx servez --ssl
for https with a self-signed certificate. chrome://flags
Hack: Use "Insecure origins treated as secure" inchrome://flags/#unsafely-treat-insecure-origin-as-secure
(not recommended for production).- Ngrok: Expose your localhost to the internet via ngrok, to use https.
- Local Development Fixes: Use
requestAdapter()
Returns Null? Here's Why
A null GPU adapter from requestAdapter()
indicates a problem with adapter initialization or compatibility.
Results in:
Uncaught TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading requestDevice)
Let's troubleshoot:
-
Graphics Acceleration Disabled: Ensure "Use graphics acceleration when available" is enabled in
chrome://settings/system
. -
Platform Incompatibility: WebGPU may not be fully supported on your platform. Try enabling
chrome://flags/#enable-unsafe-webgpu
. On Linux, enable both#enable-unsafe-webgpu
and#enable-vulkan
. Headless Chrome users, see WebGPU support in Headless Chrome. -
GPU Blocklist: Check
chrome://gpu
for "WebGPU has been disabled via blocklist". Override withchrome://flags/#enable-unsafe-webgpu
. -
Adapter Options: Incorrect
requestAdapter()
options could lead to a null result. Test with different options as described here. -
Missing GPU: Ensure Chrome detects a GPU at
chrome://gpu
. WebGPU requires a GPU, either physical or emulated. -
GPU Process Crashes: Reload the page or restart Chrome. See WebGPU Device Loss Best Practices for more.
WebGPU Performance Issues: Why is it Slower Than WebGL?
WebGPU underperforming compared to WebGL? Several factors can cause this problem:
-
Driver Issues & Hardware Acceleration: Open
chrome://gpu
and verify "WebGPU: Hardware accelerated." If it displays "Software only," update your GPU drivers. -
Direct Translation Inefficiency: Avoid directly translating WebGL paradigms into WebGPU. Optimize for WebGPU's unique architecture as discussed in From WebGL to WebGPU. WebGPU offers finer control over memory management and parallel execution but requires understanding its specific strengths.
Windows WebGPU Limitations
Keep these Windows-specific caveats in mind:
-
Single GPU Adapter: Chrome doesn't support using multiple GPU adapters simultaneously (issue chromium:329211593).
-
Power Preference: Chrome prioritizes power saving on laptops, so the
powerPreference
option inrequestAdapter()
might not function as expected, defaulting to the integrated GPU.
If you've followed these tips, you should be well on your way to resolving common WebGPU issues in Chrome and optimizing your applications for peak performance!