Can’t Play YouTube Videos: Causes and How to Fix It

Quick answer: To fix YouTube videos not playing: (1) check your connection (open other sites, restart the modem); (2) reload with Ctrl+F5 and try another video; (3) clear browser cache/cookies or use Incognito to rule out extensions; (4) update the browser or YouTube app; (5) disable ad-blockers/VPNs; (6) toggle hardware acceleration in the browser; (7) on phones, clear the YouTube app cache; (8) change DNS (1.1.1.1/8.8.8.8); (9) update the GPU driver and check the system date/time.

Common causes

• Unstable or slow internet connection.
• Browser cache/cookies or a faulty extension/ad-blocker.
• An outdated browser or YouTube app.
• Hardware acceleration or GPU driver problems.
• Wrong date/time, or ISP/DNS blocking.

Fixes on a computer

1. Reload (Ctrl+F5) and test another video.
2. Clear cache and cookies (Ctrl+Shift+Del); try Incognito.
3. Disable extensions, especially ad-blockers and VPNs.
4. Update the browser; toggle hardware acceleration.
5. Change DNS to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8; check the system clock.
6. Update GPU drivers.

Fixes on a phone

1. Update the YouTube app.
2. Clear the app cache (Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage > Clear cache).
3. Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
4. Restart the phone; reinstall the app if needed.

Still not working?

Check YouTube’s status, try another browser/device, and lower the video quality on slow connections.