YouTube, the most prominent video platform in the globe, is used by over 2.7 billion individuals every month. The problem is that when YouTube does not work it is a big deal. However, do not fret, most problems are mostly fixed. If you have been asking yourself why YouTube is not working? then here is a complete guide on how you can troubleshoot and fix it on Android, iPhone, and Windows.
Is YouTube Down?
The first thing to do is check if YouTube itself is down. Do server issues happen while rare? Outages are often reported promptly by the official YouTube Twitter. You can also use Down Detector, a site that tracks and reports on app outages and is available around the globe, including YouTube. The site will show an active outage, so you have to wait for YouTube to fix the problem.
Restart the YouTube App or Browser
Small glitches can sometimes be fixed by just restarting the app or web browser. On Android, this means force-stopping YouTube in your device’s settings and then reopening it. Now the app switcher is applicable for closing YouTube on iPhone. Try it again, if you are using a computer, just close the browser tab or the whole browser.
Update YouTube and Other Software
Compatibility problems can sometimes occur with incorrect software. To ensure YouTube runs smoothly for everyone, it’s best to be on the latest version of the app or browser. Android users can check for YouTube updates in the Google Play Store by going to ‘Manage apps & device’ and iPhone users under ‘Upcoming Automatic Updates’ in the App Store.
Also, make sure that your device gets updated. For Android, this goes under ‘Settings’ ‘System Update’. On iPhone, go to General and check “Software Update.” If you are using Chrome or any other browser, it is worth checking for updates on Windows as well.
Restart Your Device
It is probably obvious, but starting up YouTube as a fix sometimes works. Although minor errors will be restarted and System processes refreshed, any glitch-causing issues are also to be taken into account.
Check Your Internet Connection
Other people have mentioned that if YouTube does not load, it is a problem with your Internet connection. If it does not work, try loading another website. However, if not, make sure you have your Wi-Fi or mobile data on. If you are on Wi-Fi, check your router or plug it back in for a minute and reseat it. You can do the same on Android under ‘Network & internet’->‘Mobile data’. If you are on an iPhone, go into settings then click on “Cellular” and enable ‘Cellular Data.’
Clear Cache and Data for YouTube
Sometimes YouTube’s cache or cached data gets corrupted and the app is not working properly. To clear both on Android, go to YouTube settings and hit “Storage & cache.” Unfortunately, for iPhone users given that YouTube’s data has to be uninstalled and reinstalled.
Synchronize Date and Time Settings
It may seem strange, but incorrect date and time settings can affect the operation of YouTube. In case your date and time settings are out of sync, Google servers might not sync properly. If you are on Android, turn on ‘Set time automatically’ under Date & Time in settings, or if you are on iPhone, turn on the ‘Set Automatically’ in Date & Time. Under Time and Language in settings, Windows users can do this.
Network Restrictions Could Be Blocking YouTube
You may have some networks that, for example, do not allow access to YouTube. Ask the network administrator if this could be the case if this is the case. Your other option would be to use mobile data or a hotspot on your phone. On Android, it shows up under Network & Internet as “Hotspot & tethering”. Under Personal Hotspot, navigate to the “Allow Others to Join” option for iPhone.
Update GPU Drivers for YouTube on Windows
If you are running this on a Windows computer and it is not working there might be a compatibility issue with your GPU. If that does not work, then you should update your drivers by accessing the Device Manager, right-clicking your GPU under Display adapters, and selecting Update driver.
Turn Off Hardware Acceleration on Windows
Hardware acceleration could also be an issue if YouTube videos are black or green. To do this in Chrome, go to Settings > System, toggle off “Use hardware acceleration when available.” Simple adjustments usually correct visual problems. If everything above did not work and YouTube still would not work, you will have no choice but to contact YouTube’s Help Center.