Resolving the 'gvjs_cq.call is not a function' Google Chart Error in Site Kit

Many users of the Site Kit by Google plugin have encountered a specific JavaScript error that prevents analytics and search console charts from loading correctly in their WordPress dashboard. The error message typically reads: gvjs_cq.call is not a function and is accompanied by a long React component stack trace. This guide will explain why this happens and walk you through the most effective solutions.

What Causes This Error?

The root cause of this error is almost always a JavaScript conflict. The 'Site Kit by Google' plugin uses a specific version of Google's visualization library (Google Charts) to render its graphs. This error occurs when another plugin, theme, or custom code on your site loads a different, incompatible version of the same Google Charts library. The two versions conflict, causing one of them to fail—often the one used by Site Kit.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix the Google Chart Error

Follow these steps to identify and resolve the conflict.

Step 1: Identify the Conflicting Script

The first step is to find out what is causing the conflict. The most common culprits are other plugins that also use Google Charts or similar visualization tools.

1. Deactivate all plugins except for 'Site Kit by Google'.
2. Check your WordPress dashboard to see if the Site Kit charts now load correctly.
3. If the error is gone, reactivate your plugins one by one, checking the dashboard after activating each one. The plugin that causes the error to reappear is the source of the conflict.

Step 2: Resolve the Conflict

Once you've identified the conflicting plugin, you have a few options for resolution:

• Contact the Other Plugin's Support: Inform the other plugin's support team about the JavaScript conflict with Site Kit. They may be aware of the issue and have a solution or an update planned.
• Propose an Iframe Solution: If the conflicting plugin is your own custom code or an MU-plugin (as seen in the sample threads), a potential workaround is to load your chart in an isolated iframe. This prevents its JavaScript from interfering with the scripts on the main WordPress admin page.
• Check for Updates: Ensure both 'Site Kit by Google' and the conflicting plugin are updated to their latest versions. A conflict resolution may have already been implemented.

Step 3: Check Your Browser Console

For more technical users, opening your browser's developer console (F12) can provide additional clues. Look for any red error messages that occur when the page loads, as they might point to the specific file causing the conflict.

Conclusion

The gvjs_cq.call is not a function error is a classic symptom of a JavaScript version conflict. The troubleshooting process primarily involves detective work to find the other script that is causing the problem. By systematically disabling plugins and testing, you can identify the culprit and work towards a solution, such as reaching out to the other developer for support or isolating your own code.

If you continue to experience issues after trying these steps, sharing your findings on independent community forums can be helpful. Be sure to include the exact error message and the name of the conflicting plugin you identified.