TypeError: undefined is not an object (evaluating ‘window.google.accounts’) – Solving this Common Error in a React App
Understanding and solving errors in your code can be a daunting task, especially when the error messages are not as helpful as they can be. One such error that might seem cryptic at first is "TypeError: undefined is not an object (evaluating ‘window.google.accounts’)". In this blog post, we will examine the root cause of this error, and demonstrate methods to fix it in a React application. Additionally, we will discuss how a platform like Flowpoint.ai can help you identify and pinpoint technical errors, ultimately boosting conversions on your website.
Understanding the Error
Let’s first break down the error message to understand what it is saying:
TypeError: undefined is not an object (evaluating 'window.google.accounts')
This error message indicates that there is a TypeError, which means that you are attempting to use or access an object that is not defined or its value is null
or undefined
. In this particular case, the error is occurring when trying to evaluate the window.google.accounts
object.
The error can occur due to various reasons but is usually the result of one of the following issues:
- The
window.google.accounts
object is being accessed before it is initialized.
- There is a misconfiguration in your application code, or a missing external library that provides the
window.google.accounts
object.
- A third-party script or extension modifies the global
window
object, causing conflicts with your application code.
The following sections will provide you with solutions to each of these potential causes.
Fix 1: Delay Accessing window.google.accounts
In some cases, when working with external scripts, the resources they provide are not immediately available, which can cause errors when you attempt to access them early on.
For example, when using the Google API client library, you may have code similar to this:
import React from "react";
class App extends React.Component {
componentDidMount() {
window.google.accounts.signIn();
}
render() {
return <div>My App</div>;
}
}
export default App;
The problem here is that the componentDidMount
lifecycle method is called as soon as the component is mounted, which may occur before the Google API client library is fully loaded. To resolve this, you can delay the access of window.google.accounts
by using a window
event listener or setTimeout
, ensuring the Google API is fully loaded before attempting to access it.
Here’s an example of using a window
event listener for handling the Google API load event:
import React from "react";
class App extends React.Component {
componentDidMount() {
window.addEventListener("google-api-loaded", () => {
window.google.accounts.signIn();
});
}
render() {
return <div>My App</div>;
}
}
export default App;
In this example, we added an event listener for the custom event google-api-loaded
. You should trigger this event in your Google API callback method, as shown in the following script tag:
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/api.js?onload=onApiLoad" async defer></script>
<script>
function onApiLoad() {
// Trigger the custom event when the Google API is loaded
window.dispatchEvent(new Event("google-api-loaded"));
}
</script>
Fix 2: Ensure Proper Configuration and Library Inclusion
Another possibility for the error is a missing or improperly configured script that defines the window.google.accounts
object. Make sure the required library is included in your application and correctly configured.
Here’s an example of a script tag for the Google API client library you should have in your index.html
file:
<script src="https://apis.google.com/js/api.js" async defer></script>
Ensure that your application import statements are correct and all necessary configurations are in place. You can find detailed setup instructions in the official documentation of the library you are using.
Fix 3: Identify and Resolve Conflicts with Third-Party Scripts or Extensions
Sometimes third-party scripts or browser extensions can modify the global window
object, causing conflicts or issues with your application. To identify such conflicts, try running your application in an incognito/private browsing window. This eliminates the potential influence of third-party browser extensions.
Additionally, you can check if the error persists when disabling specific third-party scripts that may influence the global window
object.
Flowpoint.ai – Identifying Technical Errors that Impact Conversion Rates
Fixing errors like the "TypeError: undefined is not an object (evaluating ‘window.google.accounts ‘ )" is crucial for ensuring a smooth user experience on your website or application. When you focus on ensuring all technical aspects of your website are functioning optimally, it boosts conversions and enhances platform utility. Flowpoint.ai can help you identify such errors, providing technical, UX/UI, and content recommendations to resolve them and improve your website’s conversion rates.
In conclusion, to fix this "TypeError: undefined is not an object (evaluating ‘window.google.accounts ‘ )" error, we have discussed three possible solutions targeting the causes of this error. Make sure your code is properly configured, libraries are correctly imported, and potential conflicts with third-party scripts are resolved to provide a seamless user experience in your React application.
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