If you’re encountering the frustrating “Something went wrong” error on YouTube, preventing you from signing in or watching videos on your PC, Mac, Android, iPhone, or iPad, this guide will help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
This error can appear across various platforms, though iOS users have reported seeing it more frequently, it also affects Android and web users. Before proceeding, ensure you have your Wi-Fi passwords handy if you reset network settings, as you’ll need to reconnect.
To diagnose and fix the “Something went wrong” error on YouTube, follow these steps. First, reset network settings on your phone or tablet, as old network information can sometimes cause conflicts. For iPhone users, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. For Android users, navigate to Settings > General management > Reset > Reset network settings > Reset settings. After resetting, you will need to re-enter passwords for any Wi-Fi networks you previously connected to.
Next, update your phone or tablet, as out-of-date software can lead to various issues. Download and install any available updates by going to Settings > General (iPhone only) > Software Updates > Install/Download & Install (iPhone) / Check for updates (Android).
It’s also essential to update the YouTube mobile app, as an outdated app might have bugs or glitches. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) and update the YouTube app.
Toggling airplane mode on your phone or tablet can clear temporary glitches by quickly interrupting and restarting your internet connection. For iPhone X or newer, swipe down from the top-right corner to open Control Center, while for iPhone 8 or older, swipe up from the bottom center of your screen. For Android devices, swipe down twice from the top of your screen to open the Quick Settings panel. Tap the airplane icon to enable airplane mode, then tap it again to disable it.
Allowing “Cellular Data” and “Background App Refresh” for YouTube on your iPhone or iPad is crucial for the app’s proper functioning. Open Settings > Cellular/Mobile Data > YouTube > Cellular Data, ensuring it’s enabled. Then return to General in Settings and navigate to Background App Refresh > YouTube > Background App Refresh, ensuring it’s also enabled.
Clearing your cache is another vital step, as corrupted temporary files can cause errors on any platform. For iPhone users, uninstall and then reinstall the YouTube app. For Android users, open Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage > Clear Cache. For web browser users, go to your browser’s Settings, then Privacy and security > Clear browsing data.
Using a different login method or browser on all devices can also help resolve the issue. If you’re using the mobile app, try accessing YouTube through your mobile web browser. If you’re using Chrome, try Edge or Firefox instead.
Allowing cookies in your web browser is necessary, as YouTube needs to use cookies to communicate with your browser. Navigate to your browser’s Site Settings, then Cookies and data, and select Allow all cookies. If there’s a Customized Behaviors section, add “www.youtube.com” to always allow cookies for the site.
Restarting your device can clear many temporary bugs and glitches. Turn off your iPhone, iPad, Android device, or computer, then turn it back on.
Checking YouTube’s status is also a good idea, as although rare, YouTube’s servers can be down, causing the error. Use third-party sites like downdetector.com to verify if YouTube’s services are experiencing outages.
Finally, stopping the use of VPN can help, as while VPNs enhance privacy, they can sometimes interfere with YouTube’s proper functioning. Turn off your VPN and try using YouTube again.
Regularly updating your device’s software and all your apps, including YouTube, is one of the best ways to prevent common errors and ensure optimal performance.
After successfully resolving the “Something went wrong” error, take a moment to ensure your YouTube experience remains smooth. You might want to consider reviewing your app and browser settings to optimize performance and privacy for future use. For ongoing smooth streaming, ensure your internet connection is stable and consider regularly clearing your browser’s cache. If you frequently use a VPN, you might explore VPN services that offer dedicated streaming servers, which are less likely to cause issues with platforms like YouTube.
