Fixing the "Internet Browser Will Be Closed Due to Internal Error" Message on Sony Bravia TVs

Have you tried watching YouTube videos on your 2013-2014 model Sony Bravia TV only to be confronted by the dreaded "Internet browser will be closed due to internal error" message? If so, I totally understand how frustrating this can be. But don‘t give up hope! In this comprehensive troubleshooting guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through several effective methods to resolve this YouTube error on your Bravia TV.

What Causes the YouTube "Internal Error" Message on Sony Bravia TVs?

First, what exactly is behind this common YouTube playback error on certain Sony Bravia models?

After digging into various Sony support forums and speaking with other Bravia owners, the consensus seems to be there is some type of software bug affecting the built-in YouTube app on 2013 and 2014 Bravia TVs specifically.

Sony has acknowledged they are looking into the problem. But so far, no permanent fix has been pushed out. Until then, you may continue seeing the "internal error" message when trying to use YouTube.

The good news is there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try yourself to get YouTube working again. I‘ll outline these solutions next.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving the YouTube Error

Getting frustrated with the "internal error" popup ruining your YouTube experience? Here are the best troubleshooting methods to try on your own before contacting Sony support.

1. Restart Your Sony Bravia TV and Wireless Router

The first thing I recommend is restarting your Bravia TV and wireless router:

On the TV:

Use your Sony TV remote to turn off the television.
Unplug the power cable from the back of the TV for 60 seconds. This gives time for any temporary glitches to clear.
Plug the TV power cable back in and turn your Bravia back on.

At the router:

Locate your wireless router, usually near your modem.
Switch off the router and unplug the power cable for 60 seconds.
After a minute, plug the router power back in and turn it on. The lights will blink as it reconnects.

Once your Bravia has fully reloaded and reconnected to WiFi, open the YouTube app again to see if the error message has been resolved. Power cycling both devices essentially serves as a "hard reset" which can clear up app issues like this.

2. Factory Reset Your Sony Bravia as a Last Resort

If the simple restart did not fix things, the nuclear option is performing a factory reset on your Sony TV.

How to Factory Reset a Sony Bravia TV:

From the Bravia‘s Home screen, select the Settings icon.
Go to System Settings > General Set-up > Factory settings.
When prompted "Do you want to perform factory reset?" select Yes.
On the next warning, confirm Yes again to initiate the reset.
Your TV will take several minutes to erase all data and settings, returning to its original out-of-the-box state.

Once the factory reset completes, you‘ll have to re-install any apps and re-enter your WiFi password, Sony account details, and other custom settings. This process is a bit tedious, so I only recommend a factory reset if other troubleshooting fails.

After everything is set back up, attempt to use the YouTube app again. There‘s a decent chance the "internal error" message will no longer appear following the reset.

3. Contact Sony Support or YouTube Team for Additional Help

If you still see the error after a factory reset, it‘s probably time to bring in the experts. I‘d suggest reaching out to Sony technical support or YouTube‘s help team:

Sony Support

Twitter: @SonySupportUSA
Website: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support

YouTube Support

Twitter: @TeamYouTube
Help Forum: https://support.google.com/youtube

Provide details on the exact error message you‘re getting along with your Sony TV model. Their technical staff may be able to diagnose the root cause and provide customized troubleshooting steps.

I know it‘s frustrating dealing with app errors like this. But try to stay patient, as Sony and YouTube likely will roll out an eventual software update to permanently address the problem.

Workarounds: Access YouTube from Another Device

While you wait for a fix, I recommend using a temporary workaround to view YouTube on your Bravia TV:

Option 1: Stream YouTube from Another Device

You can access YouTube from a phone, tablet, or laptop and "cast" the video to your Bravia TV. For example:

On your phone, play a YouTube video
Tap the cast icon and select your Sony TV from the list
The video will now stream directly on your Bravia display

Option 2: Connect a Laptop to Your Sony TV

Simply connect your Windows or Mac laptop to your Bravia‘s HDMI port using an HDMI cable. Now your computer desktop screen will be mirrored on the TV. Pull up YouTube in your browser to watch videos on the big screen.

Streaming from a separate device or laptop allows you to avoid the buggy built-in Sony YouTube app. And don‘t worry – this workaround will not harm or damage your Bravia TV.

What Sony Bravia Models Are Affected by the YouTube Error?

Based on user reports, the "internal error" YouTube problem appears isolated to 2013 and 2014 model year Sony Bravia TVs.

Some examples of affected models include:

XBR-55X850A (55" 2013 model)
KDL-32W600B (32" 2014 model)
XBR-65X950B (65" 2014 model)

Newer 2015 and later Bravia TVs do not seem impacted, nor do smart TVs from other manufacturers.

So unless you own a 2013-2014 Bravia, you likely won‘t encounter this exact YouTube error message.

Sony Bravia TVs: A History of Innovation

While the YouTube bug is an annoyance, overall Sony Bravia TVs are known for pushing the envelope with innovative features and display technology. Let‘s take a quick look back at some of the key milestones over the years:

2005 – The first Bravia TVs launch using cutting-edge LCD panel technology for stunning image quality.

2008 – Sony introduces its first OLED TV, the XEL-1, under the Bravia brand. The advanced organic light-emitting diode display sets a new standard in picture quality.

2010 – The first internet-connected Sony Bravia TVs are released, allowing access to apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more.

2012 – 4K resolution and Triluminos color display debut on high-end Bravia models for ultra-sharp, vibrant visuals.

2016 – HDR and an advanced X1 image processor further enhance picture quality on Bravia 4K TVs.

2018 – Sony‘s Acoustic Surface Audio uses the screen itself as speakers for immersive sound.

2020 – 8K resolution and cognitive intelligence features provide the ultimate viewing experience.

2022 – The Bravia Cam enables intuitive gestures and video chat functions on latest models.

As you can see, Sony has a long history of pioneering new TV technology under its flagship Bravia brand. That tradition of innovation continues today.

Bravia TV Sales and Popularity Remain Strong

Despite fierce competition from brands like Samsung, LG, and Vizio, Sony Bravia TVs remain top sellers worldwide:

Over 160 million Sony Bravia TVs have been sold globally since the line debuted in 2005.
Sony holds over 15% market share in global TV sales, behind only Samsung.
Bravia TVs are especially popular in Europe, capturing nearly 25% of the European TV market.
In Sony‘s home country of Japan, Bravia holds over 40% market share.
Sony Bravia ranked #3 in North American TV sales in 2021, trailing only Samsung and Vizio.

The numbers speak for themselves – Sony Bravia remains one of the most successful and sought-after smart TV brands worldwide. The picture quality, features, and reliability help explain Bravia‘s enduring popularity.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully this troubleshooting guide has given you some steps to resolve the annoying "internal error" message affecting YouTube playback on 2013-2014 Sony Bravia TVs. While waiting for Sony to release an official fix, try restarting your TV, factory reset, or use an alternate device as a temporary workaround. And don‘t hesitate to reach out to Sony or YouTube support for further assistance.

Despite a few software bugs like this, I think you‘ll find Sony Bravia TVs deliver an amazing overall viewing experience thanks to cutting-edge display technology, sleek design, and intuitive smart TV features. Let me know if you have any other questions about troubleshooting or enjoying your Bravia TV!