YouTube errors and common problems

Videos won't load: Endless spinning wheel or a blank player

Means

The video page opens but playback never starts or keeps buffering. YouTube's fixes target a slow connection, an old app or browser, and browser extensions.

First step

Restart your internet connection and run a speed test. All steps

Ad blocker warning: YouTube detected an ad blocking extension

Means

YouTube shows this warning when it finds an ad blocker in your browser. Blocking ads breaks its Terms of Service, and if you keep using one YouTube may stop videos from playing.

First step

Click your ad blocker's icon in the browser toolbar. All steps

Green screen in player: Sound plays but the picture is green

Means

The video plays with sound, but the player shows a green box instead of the picture. YouTube points to the browser's hardware acceleration and the computer's graphics driver.

First step

Try the same video in a different browser. All steps

Playback error. Tap to retry.: The app could not play the video

Means

YouTube lists this among its most common playback errors. Its fixes cover the network connection, your sign-in, the app version and the device itself.

First step

Check that your internet works and that YouTube is allowed to use mobile data. All steps

This video is unavailable.: The video would not open for you

Means

YouTube names this as one of its common error messages. Its advice is to check the connection, your sign-in, the app or browser version and any extensions.

First step

Make sure you are signed in to YouTube. All steps

Something went wrong. Refresh or try again later.: A page or video did not load

Means

Part of YouTube failed to load. YouTube says an ad blocker, an old browser or app, stale cache and cookies, or changed DNS settings can all cause it.

First step

Refresh the page. All steps

Experiencing interruptions?: Playback keeps pausing or stalling

Means

YouTube lists this among its common playback messages. Its steps focus on whether your connection is fast enough for the chosen quality and on browser extensions that block ads.

First step

Run a speed test and compare it with the quality you picked (HD 1080p needs about 5 Mbps). All steps