YouTube is the world’s most popular online video platform, with over 2 billion monthly active users. However, sometimes YouTube may stop working properly on your mobile device.There can be several reasons why you are facing issues with YouTube on your phone:
Contents
Outdated App Version
One of the most common reasons is that you may have an outdated version of the YouTube app installed. YouTube is constantly updating their apps with new features and bug fixes. If your YouTube app is outdated, it can cause compatibility issues leading to errors like videos not playing.
Solution:
- Open the Play Store/App Store on your phone
- Search for YouTube app
- Check if there are any updates available and install them
- Also update your phone’s OS if any system updates are pending
Internet Connectivity Issues
Since YouTube is an online platform, a fast and stable internet connection is required for it to work properly. Problems like slow loading times, buffering issues or videos not playing can occur if you have a spotty internet connection.
Solutions:
- Check the internet connectivity on your phone
- Connect to a different Wi-Fi network or cellular data
- Try watching YouTube over a VPN connection as it can route your traffic through a more stable network
Outdated Phone Software
If your phone’s software is outdated, it may trigger compatibility issues with the YouTube app leading to errors.
Solution:
- Go to Settings => System => System update
- Check if any updates are available for your phone’s software
- Install pending updates and restart your device
App Glitches/Bugs
Like any app, the YouTube app may sometimes face temporary glitches or bugs causing it to crash or videos to not load.
Solutions:
- Force close the YouTube app and clear cache
- Uninstall updates and reinstall the app
- Restart your phone
Restricted Access
In some cases, access to YouTube may be restricted by your network administrator or internet service provider. You can contact them to get YouTube unblocked.
YouTube Server Issues
There can also be temporary server-side issues at YouTube’s end causing global outages.
Solution:
- Check sites like DownDetector to see if others are also facing issues with YouTube
- Try accessing YouTube after some time when the outage is resolved
How to Fix YouTube Not Working on Phones
If you still face issues with YouTube on your phone even after trying the above solutions, follow these troubleshooting steps:
Update Phone and App Software
As discussed before, outdated software often leads to incompatibility issues. Ensuring everything is updated can resolve problems.
- Update your phone’s operating system
- Update YouTube app from the app store
Check Background App Refresh
The YouTube app needs background app refresh enabled to function smoothly.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings => General => Background App Refresh
- Check if Background App Refresh is turned on
- Also verify it is enabled for YouTube
On Android:
- Go to Settings => Apps
- Select YouTube => Advanced
- Enable Background data usage
Clear App Data and Cache
Clearing the app data and cache can wipe out any corrupt temporary files causing errors.
On Android:
- Go to Settings => Apps
- Select YouTube app
- Tap on Storage => Clear Data and Clear Cache
On iPhone:
- Delete and reinstall the YouTube app
Check Accessibility Settings
Sometimes accessibility settings like vision filters can interfere with YouTube and cause playback issues.
- Go to Settings => Accessibility
- Turn off any enabled accessibility services
Toggle Airplane Mode
Toggling airplane mode reconnects your phone to the network which can fix temporary glitches.
- Turn on Airplane mode for 30 seconds
- Turn it off to reconnect to the network
Contact YouTube Support
If none of the above help resolve your problem, you can contact the YouTube support team for further assistance on troubleshooting and fixing issues with YouTube on your specific device.
Conclusion
Nowyou understand the various reasons why YouTube may not work properly on mobile devices. The solutions provided should help you get YouTube working again on your phone. Do check for any app or software updates regularly. Reach out to YouTube support if problems persist in your case.
