How to fix YouTube not playing

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting for YouTube playback issues.

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To fix YouTube not playing, users can try refreshing the page, clearing the browser cache, or checking their internet connection. If these steps do not resolve the issue, further troubleshooting may be required.

Beginner/Intermediate⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before attempting to fix YouTube playback issues, ensure the following requirements are met:
  • •A stable internet connection (minimum 1 Mbps recommended).
  • •Updated web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
  • •Access to device settings for troubleshooting.
  • •Administrator access may be required for certain settings changes.

Method 1: Refreshing the Page

This method is useful for resolving temporary glitches that may prevent YouTube from playing.
  • •Step 1: Click the refresh button in your browser or press F5 on your keyboard.
  • •Step 2: Wait for the page to reload completely.
  • •Step 3: Check if the video plays after the refresh.
  • •Step 4: If the issue persists, proceed to clear the browser cache.

For Windows 11

Windows 11 users can follow these steps:
  • •Open Microsoft Edge or your preferred browser.
  • •Press Ctrl + Shift + R to perform a hard refresh.

For Windows 10

Windows 10 users can follow these steps:
  • •Open Google Chrome or your preferred browser.
  • •Press Ctrl + R to refresh the page.

Method 2: Clearing Browser Cache

Clearing the browser cache can resolve issues caused by corrupted or outdated files.
  • •Step 1: Open your browser settings (e.g., Chrome: Click on the three dots in the top right corner).
  • •Step 2: Navigate to 'More tools' > 'Clear browsing data'.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Cached images and files' and set the time range to 'All time'.
  • •Step 4: Click 'Clear data' and wait for the process to complete.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If YouTube still does not play after following the above methods, consider these common issues:
  • •Error: 'Playback Error' - Solution: Check your internet connection and restart your router if necessary.
  • •Issue: 'Video not available' - Fix: Ensure the video is not region-restricted or removed.
  • •Problem: 'Buffering issues' - Workaround: Lower the video quality by clicking on the gear icon and selecting a lower resolution.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

For power users, here are some advanced techniques:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + J (Windows) or Cmd + Option + J (Mac) - Opens Developer Tools for debugging.
  • •Command line: ipconfig /flushdns - Clears the DNS cache which can resolve connectivity issues.
  • •Hidden feature: Picture-in-Picture mode - Right-click twice on the video to enable this feature for multitasking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

Regular maintenance of your browser and internet connection can significantly enhance your YouTube experience.