Top 9 Ways to Fix YouTube Videos Not Playing on iOS and Android

Even though there are plenty of video streaming services claiming to overcome YouTube’s shortcomings, Google’s YouTube remains the first choice for users and creators to monetize the platform. Although YouTube works fine most of the time, YouTube videos may not play on iOS or Android. Let’s solve the problem.

The use of YouTube is definitely on the rise. However, users may witness some YouTube videos fail to play. Let’s fix the YouTube problem on your phone.

1. Check mobile data

Does a “No Sign In” banner appear at the bottom when you open the YouTube app? It indicates that the mobile is not connected to the Internet connection.

Android users can open the notification area and turn on mobile data. IPhone users can turn on mobile data from the Settings menu or from Control Center.

2. Connect to a faster Wi-Fi connection

It’s 2021 and most YouTube creators are uploading videos in 4K resolution. For a buffered YouTube experience, you need to connect to a faster Wi-Fi connection on your phone.

If your router supports dual band, you should opt for 5Ghz network frequency and not 2.4Ghz.

3. Check the YouTube servers

One of the biggest culprits behind not playing YouTube videos can be YouTube itself. If the YouTube servers have a day off, it won’t play any videos for you.

How to confirm the problem then? You can go to the Downdetector and search for YouTube. If you notice high outrage spikes for YouTube, that’s a problem on the YouTube side.

You have no choice but to wait for Google to solve the problem on its end. You can check the company’s live status on social media profiles.

4. Reset network settings

Are you still facing YouTube videos not working on iPhone or Android? You need to reset the network settings. Here’s how.

iPhone

Step 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

2nd step: Go to the General menu.

Step 3: Tap Transfer or Reset.

Step 4: Select Reset Network Settings from the next menu.

Android

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android phone.

2nd step: Search for Reset network settings using the search bar at the top.

Step 3: Go to the corresponding menu and reset the network settings on your Android phone.

Open YouTube and try to load YouTube videos.

5. Clear YouTube cache (Android)

This tip applies to those who aggressively use YouTube on their Android phones. YouTube collects cache data in the background to remember your search terms and load frequently watched videos faster.

Overloading this cache data can prevent YouTube videos from playing on mobile. You need to clear the cache of the YouTube info menu. Here’s how.

Step 1: Long press the YouTube icon and open the app info menu.

2nd step: Go to the Storage and cache menu. You will be surprised at the amount of cache data that YouTube collects in the background.

Step 3: Tap Clear cache on the next menu.

6. The YouTube video is deleted

For some reason the admin may have removed the YouTube video from the platform. Someone may have reported copyright infringement claims on the video and the company has the authority to remove those videos with a notice.

You can contact the admin of the YouTube channel and find out more about the reason for deleting the video.

7. Download YouTube videos

If you frequently come across YouTube videos not playing, you can download your favorite videos to iPhone or Android.

If you are subscribed to YouTube Premium, you can easily download relevant YouTube videos to your phone. Hit the download button under the YouTube video and you will be able to view them without internet from the Downloads menu.

8. Give YouTube unlimited data access (Android)

You need to give YouTube unlimited data access so that it can play videos even with data saving mode enabled on your Android phone.

Step 1: Long press the YouTube icon and open the app info menu.

2nd step: Go to the Mobile data and Wi-Fi menu.

Step 3: Activate the Unlimited data usage option in the next menu.

From now on, YouTube will continue to play videos even with the data saving mode enabled.

9. Update the YouTube app

YouTube videos that are not playing may be due to an outdated app on your phone. Google regularly releases updates to the YouTube app to improve the reliability of the app.

Open the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and update the YouTube app to the latest version available.

Start playing YouTube videos

If you are still having trouble with YouTube videos on mobile, you can also try playing them from the browser. Which troubleshooting tip worked for you? Share your findings in the comments section below.