Bug Report from 26.09.2029 : ReferenceError: URLSearchParams Breaks Ad Loading on Consoles and Smart TVs
Witalij Parszenko
One-Line Summary: A ReferenceError for URLSearchParams occurs inside the IMA SDK's bridge iframe, causing widespread ad failures on key living room platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, Tizen, and WebOS.
Description
When an ad is requested using the latest version of the IMA SDK, the SDK's bridge iframe (bridge{version}_pl.html) executes code that calls URLSearchParams. This API is not natively supported on many modern console and smart TV web environments. As a result, a fatal ReferenceError: Can't find variable: URLSearchParams is thrown.
This suggests that the isolated iframe environment for the ad creative does not include the necessary polyfill for URLSearchParams, breaking the ad rendering process for a significant portion of CTV (Connected TV) traffic.
Environment
SDK: Google IMA SDK for HTML5
Version: Latest (as of September 2025)
Platforms Affected: This is not limited to older desktop browsers. We have confirmed this error occurs on:
Xbox (all models)
PlayStation (PS4, PS5)
Tizen 3.0
WebOS 3.0
Other similar WebView-based environments.
Steps to Reproduce
Integrate the latest version of the Google IMA SDK on a webpage.
Load the page and request a VAST ad on any of the listed console or smart TV platforms.
Observe the developer console (via remote debugging).
Expected Result
The ad should load and play correctly. The IMA SDK's internal iframe should be self-contained and provide any necessary polyfills to ensure compatibility across all its supported devices, including major consoles and smart TVs.
Actual Result
A ReferenceError is thrown from within the SDK's bridge iframe, preventing the ad from loading. This critical bug blocks monetization on key living room devices.
Suggested Fix: Please include a polyfill for URLSearchParams within the bridge iframe's context to ensure backward compatibility and restore functionality on affected platforms.
IMA SDK
Hi,
Thank you for contacting the IMA SDK Support team.
As per the documentation, the IMA SDK supports specific platforms and compatibility requirements. For further investigation, could you please provide the VAST tag and a screen recording capturing the issue?
Additionally, we recommend use the latest version of the SDK to ensure full compatibility and access to the latest fixes.
Please continue using this thread instead of creating multiple threads, so we can focus on the investigation more effectively.
Kindly provide the requested details via Reply privately to the author option.
If the file(s) you are looking to share are less than 25mb in total you can attach them to this case on your next reply. If you are having trouble attaching your file to this case or if your file(s) are larger than 25mb, you can share your files with me by performing the following steps:
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Thanks,
 |
IMA SDK Team |
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[2025-10-01 12:29:19Z GMT] This message is in relation to case "ref:!00D1U01174p.!500Ht01u7yPT:ref" (ADR-00334325)
Witalij Parszenko
We are reporting a critical, ad-blocking bug introduced in IMA SDK version v3.722.1, released around September 25, 2025.
The Issue: Since updating to this version, we are seeing a fatal JavaScript error: ReferenceError: Can't find variable: URLSearchParams. This error originates from the SDK's internal bridge iframe and completely prevents any ads from loading.
Root Cause: The error is caused by the absence of a required polyfill for the URLSearchParams API within the SDK's isolated iframe environment.
Affected Platforms - High Severity: This is not an edge case. The bug is breaking ad delivery on 100% of our traffic from major living room and console platforms, including:
Xbox (all models)
PlayStation (PS4, PS5)
Tizen 3.0
WebOS 3.0
This is a release-blocking issue for us and likely many other publishers targeting these critical platforms.
Witalij Parszenko
uncaught ReferenceError: URLSearchParams is not defined and ima sdk is not defined. It require a polyfills for old browsers.
SDK: Google IMA SDK for HTML5
Version: 7.23.0 (as of 02.10.2025)
Platforms Affected: This is not limited to older desktop browsers. We have confirmed this error occurs on:
Xbox (all models)
PlayStation (PS4, PS5)
Tizen 3.0
WebOS 3.0
Other similar WebView-based environments.
Witalij Parszenko
Thanks,
IMA SDK
Hi,
Thank you for getting back to us.
Yes, I can confirm that the issue ReferenceError: Can't find variable: URLSearchParams is being thrown. I will raise this issue to the wider team for further investigation and will update you as soon as I have any new information.
In the meantime, we appreciate your patience and understanding.
Thanks,
|
IMA SDK Team |
Feedback
How was our support today?
[2025-10-07 13:50:09Z GMT] This message is in relation to case "ref:!00D1U01174p.!500Ht01u7yPT:ref" (ADR-00334325)
IMA SDK
Hi,
Thank you for your patience.
We have identified the issue, and it will be released to production next week.
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IMA SDK Team |
Feedback
How was our support today?
[2025-10-09 19:23:07Z GMT] This message is in relation to case "ref:!00D1U01174p.!500Ht01u7yPT:ref" (ADR-00334325)
