Fix Videos Are Not Playing on YouTube: 16 Tested Solutions

You are excited to watch a funny clip or your favorite show on YouTube, but videos on YouTube are not playing. This can be frustrating, especially if the internet connection and speed are good. Here, issues with your computer browser, smartphone, or smart TV may be why your videos are not playing on YouTube.

This guide explains why are YouTube videos not playing and provides methods to fix the problem on your desktop browsers, smartphones, and smart TVs. You’ll also find the best way to save your favorite YouTube videos for offline viewing.

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Part 1. Why Are YouTube Videos Not Playing?

If videos are not playing on YouTube, the problem may be with your browser, computer, internet connection, or even the YouTube app.

• Unstable or Slow Internet Connection: You need a stable internet connection to ensure a seamless YouTube video streaming. However, high latency, ISP throttling, and resulting slow speeds can cause buffering and errors.
• Corrupted Browser Cache or Cookies: Corrupted browser cache or cookies can cause data loading issues on YouTube and prevent videos from playing.
• Outdated Browser, App, or Device OS: Your browser or YouTube app may lack support for modern web standards, security protocols, and advanced video codecs (such as AV1 or VP9), which YouTube’s streaming technology requires to play videos. The result is a black screen, videos keep spinning, or an error message on YouTube.
• Conflicting Browser Extensions: Browser extensions (especially ad blockers, security extensions, and YouTube-specific enhancement tools) interfere with data packets, scripts, and ad-rendering processes that the YouTube player needs to function optimally. The result is laggy YouTube video playback or errors.
• YouTube Issues: Server overload, maintenance, or outages can disrupt data delivery, causing YouTube videos to stop playing. Also, regional restrictions on copyright, licensing, or local laws might prevent some videos from playing in certain countries.

Part 2. Quick Diagnosis: What You See When YouTube Not Playing?

When videos on YouTube are not playing, you typically encounter error messages like “Playback error. Tap to retry,” “Something went wrong,” or “An error has occurred.” Meanwhile, you may sometimes see a black screen with audio still playing and an infinite loading spinner while playing a video.

Each of these symptoms is rooted in a specific error below; identify the symptom and jump to the relevant fix.

YouTube Shows a Black Screen (Audio Still Playing)

A YouTube black screen with working audio means the video stream has failed to load or render. The audio is processed separately from the video rendering, so it continues to play. This typically results from hardware acceleration glitches or GPU driver conflicts. So, try disabling the hardware acceleration in your desktop browser to fix the issue.

YouTube Videos Keep Spinning

A slow internet connection is typically the culprit behind your YouTube videos getting stuck on a loading screen with a spinning circle. Another reason for this symptom is a corrupted cache.

The RAM stores temporary data that speeds up the video loading process. But if these files are corrupted or outdated, they can interfere with the video playback, causing the video to fail to load. It would be a good idea to clear your cache to fix the infinite video loading issue.

YouTube Displays an Error Message

YouTube error messages like "An error has occurred," "Playback error, Tap to retry," "This video is unavailable," "Connection to server lost,” or others often point to server issues, account restrictions, or interference from browser extensions. Check whether your account/device has restricted mode enabled. Also, identify the extensions that are causing issues and remove them.

Part 3. How to Fix YouTube Not Playing on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge

When YouTube is not playing on Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, you can try fixes like clearing your browser cache, disabling browser extensions or hardware acceleration, and more. These fixes are detailed as follows:

Fix 1: Clear Your Browser Cache and Cookies

Over time, accumulated cache and cookies can interfere with the browser’s ability to fetch and play new content. It’s therefore advisable to clear your browser cache and cookies regularly to prevent the issue of YouTube not playing videos. Here are the steps to follow for the Chrome browser:

Step 1: Click the vertically synchronized dot on the top-right corner of your Chrome browser and choose “Delete Browsing Data” from the listed options.

Step 2: Check the boxes beside “Cached images and files” and “Cookies and other sites data” to clear the browser cache and cookies. Then, click on “Clear Data.”

Note: If you use Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge as your default browser to stream YouTube videos, open Settings, then select “Clear History” or “Clear Data” to remove unwanted cache or cookies.

Fix 2: Disable Browser Extensions (Especially Ad Blockers)

YouTube automatically detects ad blockers and other browser extensions and may intentionally degrade the performance or stop playing videos. Open YouTube in an incognito window with extensions disabled to verify whether browser extensions are the root cause of YouTube playback issues.

If extensions are causing the YouTube videos to not play properly, follow the steps to disable them:

Step 1: Click the three-dotted icon at the top right corner and select “Extensions” from the listed options. In the menu that opens, click “Manage Extensions.”

Step 2: Now, disable or turn off ad-blockers and video-related extensions.

Fix 3: Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration is a browser feature that offloads graphics-intensive rendering tasks, such as video decoding, from the CPU to the GPU to improve performance. However, outdated or incompatible GPU drivers can cause hardware acceleration to fail, resulting in a black screen.

Follow the steps to disable hardware acceleration and restore the optimal YouTube video playback:

Step 1: Click the three-dots at the top-right corner of your Chrome Browser and access “Settings” from the list.

Step 2: Find and click “System” from the left menu bar in the Settings window.

Step 3: Toggle off the “Use graphics acceleration when available” and try playing a YouTube video.

Note: You’ll find a similar option in the “Performance Settings” menu on your Firefox browser. Toggle it off to restore video playback performance.

Fix 4: Check and Enable JavaScript

JavaScript is a key component of YouTube, as it controls the video stream and the dynamic elements of the user interface, such as recommendations, comments, and subscriptions. Not only that, JavaScript protects YouTube against malicious activity, such as bots and spam.

A disabled JavaScript can lead to YouTube clips not playing, so follow the steps to verify that:

Step 1: Click the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner and select “Settings.”

Step 2: Click “Privacy and security” from the left menu bar, followed by “Site Settings.”

Step 3: Scroll down to the “Content” section and click the “JavaScript” option.

Step 4: Check whether the “Sites can use JavaScript” option is enabled; if not, click to enable it.

Fix 5: Update Your Browser

YouTube uses advanced, high-efficiency video codecs such as AV1 and VP9 to stream high-quality (HD or 4K) video content, and outdated browsers won’t decode it properly. So, update your browser by following the steps in order:

Step 1: Click the three-dot menu, and click “Help > About Google Chrome.”

Step 2: If there’s any update pending, you’ll find a “Relaunch” option. If not, your Chrome browser is up to date.

Note: Similar to Google Chrome, check for updates in Firefox and Edge from the menu, and update the browser to restore optimal functionality.

Fix 6: Check Your Internet Connection and Speed

According to Google, the following are the minimal internet speed requirements you need to play each video format:

Check your internet speeds from popular sites such as Ookla Speedtest, Fast.com, and Google Speed Test. If the speeds are below the minimum requirements, try switching to a lower resolution. Or, you can try restarting your router or modem to resolve any temporary glitches and get the speed back up.

Step 1: Disconnect the power cable from the back of the router or unplug it from the wall socket.

Step 2: Wait 30-60 seconds, then reconnect the power cable. It takes 1-2 minutes for the router lights to stabilize, and once they do, try playing a YouTube video.

Fix 7: Check YouTube's Server Status

Even after trying all the fixes, if you are still looking for an answer as to why YouTube videos are not playing, the issue might be with YouTube’s servers. It’s recommended to visit websites like DownDetector or outage.report to see if anyone has reported technical issues.

If YouTube is down globally, the issue is beyond your control, and you can wait until the server issue is resolved.

Note: If YouTube loads but won’t play videos even with a good internet connection, try changing your DNS to Google's public DNS (8.8.8.8/8.8.4.4) in your network settings. This can resolve any ISP-level routing issues, and you can play YouTube videos without any issues.

Part 4. How to Fix Videos on YouTube Not Playing on Mobile (Android & iPhone)

Force-stop and restart the YouTube app, reinstall, clear the cache, and switch between internet connections to fix the YT videos not playing issues.

Fix 1: Force Stop and Restart the YouTube App

Force-stopping and restarting the YouTube app terminates all active, buggy background processes and clears temporary RAM, forcing a fresh session with the YouTube servers.

Force Stop on Android:

Step 1: Head to the “Settings” on your Android device and access the “Apps” section.

Step 2: Scroll down and click the YouTube app.

Step 3: Tap the “Force Stop” button to immediately shut down the app, including the background services.

Force Stop on iOS:

Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom edge of the screen, pause in the middle to open the App Switcher, and swipe left or right to locate the YouTube app.

Step 2: Then, swipe up on its preview card to close it.

Fix 2: Clear the YouTube App Cache

Similar to the Chrome browser, clearing the YouTube app cache removes unwanted or corrupted cache that may interfere with video playback.

Clear Cache on Android:

Step 1: Access “Settings” on your Android device, followed by “Apps.”

Step 2: Scroll to find and click on “YouTube,” followed by “Storage.”

Step 3: Tap on “Clear cache” to remove unwanted cache and cookies stored in the YouTube app.

If you have an iOS device, keep in mind that it doesn’t allow direct cache clearing, so you must uninstall and reinstall the YouTube app to restore the playback issue.

Fix 3: Update the YouTube App

An outdated YouTube app is another reason why the YouTube video is not playing. The older YouTube app version becomes incompatible with the platform requirements after a smartphone OS update, so update it immediately.

If you’re on Android:

Step 1: Visit the Google Play Store and search for the YouTube app.

Step 2: Click the “Update” option if any updates are available. If not, your YouTube app is up to date.

If you’re on iOS:

Step 1: Head over to the App Store and select your profile picture on the top right.

Step 2: In the new window, select “Apps” from the list of options.

Step 3: Tap on “My Apps” to browse through the apps installed on your iPhone.

Step 4: Scroll down to find and click YouTube, then click “Update” if available. If the YouTube app is updated, the “Open” button appears.

Fix 4: Switch Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Data

As with the desktop, videos not playing on YouTube can also be associated with network issues. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if the issue is with your internet connection.

Fix 5: Reinstall the YouTube App

If none of the aforementioned troubleshooting methods work, you can try removing and reinstalling the YouTube app. This clears all the existing app data and can remove persistent error messages like “YouTube videos won’t play” or “Playback error. Tap to retry.”

Reinstall the YouTube App on Android:

Step 1: Open the Google Play Store on your Android device and search for the YouTube app.

Step 2: Access the YouTube app and click “Uninstall” to remove it from your device. Once done, click on “Install” to reinstall the YouTube app.

Reinstall the YouTube app on iPhone:

Step 1: Touch and hold the YouTube app icon for a few seconds until a menu pops up. Click “Remove app” from the menu to uninstall YouTube from the device.

Step 2: Head over to the Apple App Store and reinstall the YouTube app.

Part 5. YouTube Not Displaying Videos on Smart TV? Try These Steps

Similar to mobile, smart TVs come with their own set of challenges, such as network connectivity issues, outdated firmware, and limited processing power. The following specialized troubleshooting tips should get the video playback performance back on track.

Fix 1: Restart Your TV and Router

If YouTube is not displaying videos on smart TV, unplug the TV and router from the wall socket. Wait for around a minute, plug the devices back in, and turn them on. This should remove any temporary errors and restore the optimal performance.

Fix 2: Update the YouTube App on Your TV

An outdated YouTube app on a smart TV might not be compatible with the new YouTube video codes, leading to video playback issues. To update the YouTube app on your smart TV, follow the steps in order:

Step 1: Press the “Home” icon on your remote control and choose the “Settings” option followed by “Support.”

Step 2: On the menu that appears, click on “Support.”

Step 3: Select “Software Update” followed by “Update Now.” Wait a while for the YouTube app to update, then play videos once it's done.

Keep in mind that this is the most common fix for Samsung Tizen and LG webOS users, but you can try it out on other smart TVs as well.

Fix 3: Clear YouTube App Cache on TV

Even on smart TVs, caches tend to pile up over time and interfere with YouTube video playback. So, follow the steps to clear the YouTube app cache on Android or Google TV:

Step 1: Open the “Settings” menu on your Android TV, select “Storage,” then tap “Reset.” The Storage may also appear as a device on your Android TV model.

Step 2: Search for “Apps” or “Manage Apps” to view the list of installed programs.

Step 3: Find the “YouTube” app from the listed apps and click “Storage.”

Step 4: Now, select Clear cache and Clear data for the YouTube app to start fresh.

Note: The steps may differ slightly for Samsung TV. Consult the TV manual if needed and follow the path accordingly.

Fix 4: Update Your TV's Firmware

YouTube keeps updating its streaming protocols and security standards, and it introduces new features to improve the viewing experience. However, outdated firmware on your smart TV may not be compatible with the latest features and lead to video playback errors.

The following are the steps to update your TV’s firmware; however, depending on the model, the steps may vary slightly.

Step 1: Use the remote control to navigate to the menu on your smart TV and select the “Technical Support” section.

Step 2: Under Technical control, look for the “Software Update” section and select “Update Now.” The smart TV will install the necessary updates.

Part 6. YouTube Videos Still Won’t Play? Save Them for Offline Viewing

Although you can fix most issues with videos not playing on YouTube, ongoing server instability, regional restrictions, and ISP throttling are beyond your control. In these cases, downloading the video for offline playback is a practical option.

Wondershare UniConverter

Wondershare UniConverter is an all-in-one video processing tool that lets you download, convert, and edit videos. The interface is simple, and you can save your favorite YouTube videos and watch them without any playback interruptions. Aside from videos, you can also download audio for offline streaming.

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Top Video Downloader & Converter

Easily batch save videos in high quality up to 8K, supporting other 1000+ sites and platforms, as well as multiple AI features like video enhancement and more.

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Key Features

• Wondershare UniConverter can batch save YouTube videos in 4K and in multiple formats, including MP4, WAV, M4A, and MKV.
• You can convert videos with UniConverter to your desired format or extract only the audio.
• The AI Video Enhancer feature lets you increase video resolution or upscale to 4K and 8K without loss of quality.
• You can batch compress videos with a single click, while preserving their original quality.

How to Download YouTube Videos Using Wondershare UniConverter?

Step 1: Launch Wondershare UniConverter on your device, and select the “Downloader” option at the top.

Step 2: Paste the YouTube video links you want to save for offline viewing. Wondershare UniConverter supports batch downloads, so you can paste multiple YouTube links for download at once.

Step 3: Now, toggle the “Convert after download” option at the bottom, click the dropdown menu, and select the video formats. This ensures that you download the high-quality videos.

Step 4: Click “Download” and UniConverter redirects you to the “Finished” tab as the download is complete. Here, click the cut icon to convert, compress, cut, or merge the media file.

Disclaimer: Although Wondershare UniConverter provides a safe and reliable way to download YouTube videos, you must use it responsibly. We resolutely oppose all forms of copyright-infringing downloads. This tutorial is only for downloading videos/audio materials that are allowed to save for offline use.

Conclusion

In the future, if issues come up with videos not playing on YouTube, you know what to do. Most of the time, clearing the cache, disabling hardware acceleration or browser extensions, and verifying the server status should do the trick. Follow the steps outlined in the troubleshooting methods to fix YouTube video playback issues.

If the playback issues persist, you can use video processing tools like Wondershare UniConverter to save videos for offline viewing. The interface is simple, and UniConverter supports videos in multiple formats and resolutions.

Try Wondershare UniConverter today and watch your favorite videos without any errors or black screens.