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Android Studio Layout or Compose Preview Not Showing

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Workaround available Windows, macOS, Linux Updated November 13, 2026Based on 3 user reportsHow we research

Quick answer

A blank or failing preview usually means the project has not built, the preview's rendering target is too new for your setup, or caches are stale. Build first, then refresh or invalidate caches.

Most likely fix: Build the project

How to fix it

Try these in order — the most common fix is first.

  1. 1. Build the project

    1. Build > Make Project
    2. Fix any red errors; previews rely on a successful build
    3. Click the Build & Refresh bar above the preview
    Did this fix it?

  2. 2. Refresh or restart the preview

    1. Close and reopen the Split or Design view
    2. Use the refresh button in the preview toolbar
    Did this fix it?

  3. 3. Check theme and API level

    1. Pick a different device or API level in the preview toolbar
    2. Make sure the app theme in the manifest exists and the compileSdk platform is installed in SDK Manager
    Did this fix it?

  4. 4. Clear caches and give memory

    1. File > Invalidate Caches > Invalidate and Restart
    2. Increase IDE heap in Settings > Appearance & Behavior > System Settings > Memory Settings
    Did this fix it?

  5. 5. Update tools

    1. Update Android Studio and your Compose or AppCompat libraries to current stable versions
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

The Design or Split view is blank, shows 'Render problem' or 'Failed to load', or Compose @Preview never appears.

Why it happens

  • Project has not built successfully (previews need a build)
  • Compile errors elsewhere in the module
  • Stale IDE caches or a preview that needs a refresh
  • Mismatched compileSdk, theme or library versions
  • Too little IDE memory

This guide also covers

  • android studio layout preview not showing
  • compose preview not working android studio
  • android studio render problem
  • android studio design view blank

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