YouTube App Not Working? 17 Fixes for iPhone, Android, TV & Desktop

In this guide

• Quick fixes
• Common causes & exact fixes
• Android steps
• iPhone & iPad steps
• Smart TV & streaming devices
• FAQs
• Sources

TL;DR: Restart the app & device → check your internet (try Wi-Fi↔︎mobile data) → update the YouTube app and your OS → on Android, clear cache → turn off VPN/ad-blockers while testing → sign out/in → reinstall if needed.

Quick fixes (try these first)

• Force close & relaunch YouTube; then restart your phone/TV/router.
• Update the YouTube app and your device OS/firmware.
• Check connection quality: switch Wi-Fi↔︎mobile data; move closer to router.
• Disable VPN/ad-blocker/DNS apps while testing.
• See if there’s a known outage (YouTube Help “Current site issues” or @TeamYouTube).

Why the YouTube app isn’t working (and the exact fix)

1) Temporary service issue

Sometimes it’s on YouTube’s side. Check YouTube Help “current issues” and @TeamYouTube for status.

2) Weak/unstable internet

Slow or jittery networks trigger endless loading and “Something went wrong.”

Fix: Try another network, toggle Airplane Mode, or lower quality; aim for ~5 Mbps (1080p) / ~20 Mbps (4K).

3) Outdated app or OS

Old builds break sign-in, playback, or DRM.

Fix: Update the YouTube app and your device software (Android/iOS/TV firmware), then reboot.

4) Corrupted cache/data (Android)

Fix: Settings → Apps → YouTube → Storage → Clear cache. Avoid “Clear storage” unless necessary.

5) Google Play Services (Android)

YouTube relies on Play Services for sign-in/notifications.

Fix: Update Google Play Services from the Play Store.

6) VPN, custom DNS, or extensions interfere

Fix: Disable VPN/ad-blockers/DNS apps and browser extensions; test in incognito or another network.

7) TV app/firmware glitches

Fix: Sign out/in, force-quit and relaunch the app, power-cycle the TV (unplug 10–30 s), and install TV/app updates.

Step-by-step: Android

1. Open Google Play → update YouTube and Google Play Services.
2. Settings → Apps → YouTube → Storage → Clear cache.
3. Restart the phone; if issues persist, uninstall/reinstall YouTube.
4. Test on another network; temporarily turn off VPN/ad-blockers.

Step-by-step: iPhone & iPad

1. Force close YouTube (app switcher) and relaunch; restart the device.
2. Update iOS/iPadOS and the YouTube app (App Store).
3. Delete & reinstall the app if problems continue.
4. Test without VPN/Private Relay; try another network.

Step-by-step: Smart TVs & streaming devices

1. Check Wi-Fi where the TV sits; keep quality on Auto if bandwidth is tight.
2. Press Home, relaunch YouTube; sign out/in if needed.
3. Power-cycle the TV (unplug 10–30 s); install firmware/app updates.

FAQs