Why is YouTube not working on my phone? Common fixes for iPhone and Android
💡 Fast fix
- Check your Wi-Fi. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data or restart your router.
- Force quit YouTube. Restart the app or your device to clear minor bugs.
- Update or reinstall. Fix crashes and freezing by installing the latest app version.
You open the YouTube® app, ready to binge your favorite channel, but it just won’t load—or worse, it crashes every time. What gives?
At Asurion, we help millions of people get the most out of their tech. From fixing frozen apps to upgrading your phone settings, our experts know what works. Here’s what to do when YouTube isn’t working on your Android™ or iPhone®.
Check your internet connection
If YouTube won’t load or the video quality is terrible, the first thing to check is your internet. Try these quick fixes:
- Turn Airplane mode on and off
- Restart your router or modem
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Move closer to your Wi-Fi signal
Restart the YouTube app or your device
Sometimes YouTube doesn’t work because of a temporary glitch. Try restarting the app first. If that doesn’t help, restart your phone to refresh background processes.
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Check for a YouTube app update
An outdated version of the app can lead to playback issues and crashes. Go to the App Store or Google Play and search for YouTube. Tap Update if one is available.
Reinstall the app
Still not working? Uninstalling and reinstalling YouTube can fix issues like freezing, lagging, or missing features.
- On iPhone: Tap and hold the YouTube app > Remove App > Delete App. Reinstall from the App Store.
- On Android: Tap and hold YouTube > Uninstall, or go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Uninstall. Then reinstall from Google Play.
Free up space on your device
YouTube needs enough storage to stream videos. If your phone is low on space, clear unused apps, photos, or downloads.
- iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Android: Go to Settings > Storage
Clear YouTube app cache and data (Android only)
Too much stored data can cause the app to slow down. Here’s how to clear it:
- Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube
- Tap Storage > Clear Cache
- If needed, select Clear Data to reset the app (this logs you out)
Sign out and back in to your Google Account
If YouTube videos won’t play or your account features aren’t syncing, sign out and back in:
- Tap your profile in the top right corner
- Select Manage Accounts > Google > Remove Account
- Restart your device, then sign back in through the YouTube app
FAQ
Why is YouTube buffering or lagging on my phone? It’s likely a connection issue. Try restarting your router, switching to mobile data, or moving closer to your Wi-Fi source.
Why won’t YouTube open at all on my phone? Try force quitting the app and restarting your device. If that doesn’t work, check for updates or reinstall the app.
What should I do if YouTube crashes every time I open it? Clear the cache (on Android), make sure your storage isn’t full, and reinstall the latest version of the app.
Tried these steps and still need help? We got you. Get your tech problem solved when you call or chat with an expert now.
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