7 Quick Tips to Fix YouTube Playback Error iPhone/Android

Who’s not yet watching YouTube? Nowadays, if you want to get the latest trends in songs, movies, your favorite celebrities, and more, YouTube has you covered.

It has everything you need, even tutorials for anything under the sun! However, there are times when you were watching a video and then it stopped and you got a playback error. It is frustrating especially when you have done nothing to cause it.

In today's article, we will guide you on how to fix YouTube playback error with five different methods.

Part #1: Causes of YouTube Playback ErrorsPart #2: 7 Quick Tips to Fix YouTube Playback ErrorPart #4: Summary

Part #1: Causes of YouTube Playback Errors

There are plenty of reasons why you can see a playback error on YouTube. Let’s get to know the most common causes:

• Poor internet connection
• Restricted Mode is On
• Unsupported Location
• Streaming Limitations on devices
• Ad blocker
• Video Quality

Referring to these grounds, you can actually break down and initiate troubleshooting to fix YouTube playback error in no time!

Part #2: 7 Quick Tips to Fix YouTube Playback Error

YouTube playback error is actually a common issue just to keep your fears away. In fact, it’s happening every once in a while.

How to fix YouTube playback error on iPhone and Android and then enbale yourself to know how to easily transfer videos from iPhone to PC is pretty much similar since we are dealing with an app; the settings are the same in most cases.

Check out these 7 quick tips to watch your YouTube videos in no time!

Tip #1: Check Your Internet Connection/Speed

The most common reason for a playback error is a poor connection. Each video quality has a recommended internet speed for a video to play at its optimum.

Make sure that you have an excellent internet connection either Wi-Fi or mobile data. If the signal is great, perform a speed test to check your current internet speed. You can browse online for the best speed test site for you.

Here’s a brief guide on how much internet speed you need for each video quality.

• 4K - 20mbps
• HD 1080p - 5mbps
• HD 720p - 2.5mbps
• SD 480p - 1.1mbps
• SD 360p - 0.7mbps

Tip #2: Change Video Quality to Match Internet Speed

After you have tested and determined your internet speed, you now know what video quality matches it to avoid getting a playback error.

In some cases, some devices especially Android do not support 4K video resolutions too. To change the video quality on YouTube, follow these:

iPhone & Android

1. Open the exact video that you are getting a playback error
2. Tap the gear icon or the Settings
3. Select Quality
4. Tap Auto. You can also use Data Saver if you are on a mobile data

Check to see if the playback error is gone.

Tip #3: Disable Restricted Mode

Restricted mode is a feature that filters mature content from getting into your video feed. You can temporarily disable it to fix YouTube playback error.

Here’s how to disable the restricted mode on YouTube:

1. From the YouTube app (iPhone and Android), tap Profile
2. Select Settings and tap General
3. Scroll down and toggle the Restricted Mode bar off

Tip #4: Free Up YouTube Storage

Another possible cause of a playback error is a lack of space. A cache is helpful in loading the app faster but over time, it can lead to playback errors and freezing.

You can simply remove the cache on your YouTube app to fix the issue. Here’s how to do it on your iPhone and Android:

iPhone

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Select iPhone Storage
4. Scroll to find YouTube
5. Tap Offload App
6. Confirm the request by tapping Offload App again

Android

1. Launch Settings
2. Go to Apps or App Management
3. Scroll and tap YouTube
4. Tap Clear Cache

Tip #5: Change Region

Some videos are only visible to certain regions. Geo-restricted videos can lead to playback errors too. You can switch and change the region from the YouTube app itself to check if the video that you want to watch will play.

1. On your Smartphone, open YouTube
2. Tap on your profile
3. Go to Settings
4. Find General
5. Tap Location
6. Choose your preferred Location
7. Restart YouTube

Tip #6: Update YouTube

An outdated app can also lead to certain problems like playback errors. From time to time, app developers release new updates to fix bugs and add more features.

You can update the YouTube app quickly on both iPhone and Android devices. Refer to these guides:

iPhone

1. Open the App Store
2. Go to your Profile
3. Swipe down
4. Check the Updates section

If there is an available YouTube update, tap and install it.

Android

1. Launch PlayStore
2. Go to Profile
3. Tap My apps and games
4. Tap Update
5. Find YouTube on the list and tap Update if it is available. To update all apps, tap Update All.

Tip #7: Remove Downloads

Do you love to watch offline videos? If you do, perhaps, there are plenty of videos that were downloaded for offline watching on your YouTube app.

Although these videos will be permanently deleted after 30 days, sometimes, they can cause playback errors, freezing, and more.

You can remove these downloads to free up and fix YouTube playback error.

iPhone

1. Open YouTube on your iPhone
2. Go to Profile
3. Tap Settings
4. Go to Background & downloads
5. Tap Delete downloads

Android

1. Open YouTube on your Android phone
2. Tap the Library located at the bottom right corner
3. Open the Downloads tab
4. Choose the video/s you want to delete from Downloads. Tap the three vertical dots and then tap Delete from Downloads

Bonus Tip:

If you also have a lot of videos saved on your device, you can transfer them to free up some space too. One of the most recommended ways to move videos quickly is to use FoneDog Phone Transfer.

Phone Transfer Transfer files among iOS, Android and Windows PC. Transfer and backup text messages, contacts, photos, video, music on computer easily. Fully compatible with the latest iOS and Android. Free Download

This software lets you transfer data among iOS, Android and Computer. It supports all types of content including contacts, messages, photos, videos, and music without data loss.

FoneDog Phone Transfer allows iOS to iOS transfer, iOS to Android and vice versa, Android to Android, and iOS to the computer. For example, this tool can easily transfer video files from Android to iPhone. There is also an included HEIC image converter for your iPhone pictures to make them compatible and visible to other platforms.

People Also ReadGuide on How to Transfer Videos from PC to iPadHow to Transfer Videos from PC to iPhone without iTunes

Part #4: Summary

You have just learned how to fix YouTube playback error using the seven different methods. There are common grounds why you are experiencing this problem, as we have mentioned before, it can be caused by your internet connection, speed, and video quality.

Fortunately, we have gathered all the best ways to fix your YouTube videos so you can get back to binge-watching!