Hi! I understand you're trying to read Wales Online but the app keeps going blank on your Windows device using a WebKit browser. Let’s see if we can get that sorted out.

To start, could you tell me if you’re using the Wales Online website through a browser or an actual app? Also, have you noticed if the page goes blank right after opening it or after clicking certain links? Any other details you can share will help me narrow down the issue.

Meanwhile, here’s a general step-by-step to try and fix the blank screen issue for Wales Online on your setup:

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies
Sometimes stored data can cause display issues. In your WebKit browser settings, find the option to clear browsing data, especially cached images/files and cookies, then restart the browser.

2. Disable Browser Extensions
Try disabling any ad-blockers or privacy extensions temporarily, as they might interfere with page loading or scripts on Wales Online.

3. Check for Browser Updates
Make sure your WebKit browser is up to date, as newer versions have better compatibility with websites.

4. Try a Different Browser
Since you’re on Windows, testing Wales Online on another common browser like Microsoft Edge or Chrome might help identify if the issue is browser-specific.

5. Check Your Internet Connection
A slow or unstable connection might cause the site to fail loading properly. Try refreshing the page after ensuring a stable connection.

6. Check for Regional Restrictions
Occasionally, users outside the UK have reported issues with Wales Online displaying blank pages. If you’re abroad, this might be a factor.

If none of these resolve the problem, please let me know what you tried and any error messages or behaviors you noticed. We can then dig deeper, perhaps in settings or account-related checks.

Are you able to try these and update me?

I am on a laptop, I press walesonline to read It comes up, re

Thanks for the extra info! So you’re on a laptop, you click to open Wales Online, it briefly comes up, but then the screen goes blank, right? Just to confirm, are you using the WalesOnline website through a browser or a dedicated app for Windows?

Since you mentioned "press Wales Online," it sounds like the app or maybe a shortcut. There is a desktop app for WalesOnline for Windows which sometimes has its own quirks7.

Here’s what I suggest based on that:

1. If you’re using the WalesOnline desktop app:
- Try closing and reopening the app completely.
- Check if there’s an update available for the app and install it.
- If it still goes blank, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app – sometimes app files can get corrupted.

2. If you’re using a browser shortcut or the website directly:
- Clear your browser cache and cookies (this refreshes any stored data that might cause the blank screen).
- Try opening WalesOnline in another browser like Chrome or Edge on your laptop to see if the issue persists.
- Disable any ad blockers or extensions that might be interfering.

3. Check your internet connection just to make sure your connection is stable.

4. Try using private/incognito mode in your browser, which loads the page without extensions or cached data.

If after trying these the problem remains, let me know exactly how you access Wales Online (app or browser) plus any other symptoms like error messages or if it freezes at some point.

Does that make sense? Want to try these next and tell me what happens?

when walesonlne comes up I go to read it and it goes to adverts, so I cant read it

Thanks for clarifying! It sounds like when you try to read articles on Wales Online, instead of seeing the content, you get redirected to adverts, which makes it impossible to actually read the news. That’s definitely not how it should work.

This behavior often comes from aggressive advertising scripts on the site or the app, which try to push ads or pop-ups. Some users have experienced similar issues, especially with the Wales Online app, where full-screen adverts appear or redirects happen unexpectedly2 1.

Here’s what I recommend trying to get a smoother experience:

1. Use a Browser with an Ad Blocker or Privacy Mode:
If you’re accessing Wales Online through a browser on your laptop, try installing a reputable ad blocker extension (like uBlock Origin) that blocks intrusive ads and redirects. Alternatively, a privacy-focused browser like DuckDuckGo blocks many trackers and ads by default7.

2. Try Incognito/Private Browsing:
Open Wales Online in a private/incognito window, which prevents extensions or cached data from interfering and sometimes blocks unwanted redirects.

3. Avoid the Wales Online App If Possible:
The app version has been reported to have aggressive full-screen ads and redirects. If you’re using the app, consider reading Wales Online through a browser instead.

4. Disable Any Suspicious Browser Extensions:
Sometimes adware or malicious extensions inadvertently cause redirect behavior. Check your browser extensions and disable anything unfamiliar.

5. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:
This ensures old cookies or scripts aren’t causing redirect loops.

If you’d like, I can guide you on setting up an ad blocker or switching browsers to minimize these interruptions. Let me know which browser you’re using, and I’ll help with installing the right tools.

Does this sound doable? Would you prefer to try reading Wales Online via a browser with ad blocking, or do you want help troubleshooting the app itself?

Why does Wales Online app redirect to adverts?

Great question! The Wales Online app redirecting to adverts happens mainly because the app, like many free news apps, relies heavily on advertising revenue. To maximize this, the app integrates third-party ad networks that serve ads within the content. Sometimes, these ad networks run aggressive or auto-redirecting ads, which redirect users automatically to advertiser pages or app stores without user initiation1.

Here’s a bit more detail behind this behavior:

- Third-party Ad Networks: Wales Online uses external ad providers to fill spaces in the app with ads. These networks sometimes serve ads that trigger automatic redirects to promote downloads or other products7.

- Auto-Redirecting Ads: Some ads are designed to open app stores or websites automatically to increase installs or clicks. This can feel intrusive and disruptive5.

- Region-Based Ad Behavior: Users outside the UK sometimes get stuck in loops of ads or redirects due to how ad targeting or delivery is configured1.

- Possible Adware or Malware: Although less common, if you see redirects everywhere on your device, it’s worth checking for unwanted software or browser extensions that interfere with ads and redirects8.

If this redirection interrupts your reading, I recommend these practical steps:

1. Use a browser with a strong ad blocker to read Wales Online in the browser rather than the app, which often helps prevent these automatic redirects.

2. If you prefer the app, check for an update or reinstall it; sometimes newer versions reduce aggressive ad behavior.

3. Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or banners inside the app.

4. Check your device for any adware or browser extensions that might exacerbate the redirects.

Would you like help setting up an ad blocker for smoother browsing or more tips on using the app?