Fixing “Something Went Wrong” Youtube Error In Iphone & Ipad 

To fix the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube for Mac users, start with a simple WiFi reset. Click the WiFi icon and turn it off, wait a moment, then turn it back on. If this doesn’t work, restart your computer from the Apple menu. Often, a fresh start can resolve hidden glitches. 

Next, ensure your web browser is up-to-date; outdated browsers can cause compatibility issues. If the problem persists, try **switching browsers**. Different browsers may handle YouTube’s interface differently, and switching could bypass the error. 

Additionally, logging in and out of your YouTube account can refresh your session and potentially fix the issue. Clearing your browser’s cache is another effective step, as accumulated data can sometimes lead to errors. If these steps don’t work, consider using a VPN to bypass any network-related restrictions. Lastly, changing your DNS settings to a more reliable server like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) can improve connectivity and potentially resolve the error.

In some cases, you might encounter specific issues like YOUTUBE TV ERROR CODE 3 or a message saying YOUTUBE YOU’RE OFFLINE CHECK YOUR CONNECTION. These errors typically indicate problems with your network connection or issues on YouTube’s end. For the error code 3, it’s often helpful to check your internet connection or try accessing YouTube on a different device to see if the problem persists. If you see a message about being offline, it’s a clear sign to check your internet connection, ensuring your device is properly connected to the internet.

Key Factors Behind The YouTube Error

To understand why you might be seeing the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube, it’s important to look at the common reasons behind it. Here they are, explained in simple terms:

  • Unstable Network Connections: If your mobile network or WiFi isn’t strong or stable, it can mess with how YouTube works. Just like a shaky internet connection makes it hard to load websites, it can also cause problems with streaming videos on YouTube.
  • Outdated Applications: Using an old version of the YouTube app or your internet browser can create issues. Think of it like trying to read a new book in an old, outdated language – things just don’t work well because they’re not speaking the same ‘language’.
  • Internal Glitches: Sometimes, the YouTube app itself might have small errors or glitches. It’s like when your phone acts weird and needs a restart – similar things can happen with apps.
  • Software Bugs: YouTube, just like any other app, can have bugs – little flaws in the software that cause problems. These bugs can pop up now and then, affecting how the app performs.
  • Beta Software Risks: If you’re using a beta version of YouTube or your device’s operating system, you’re more likely to run into errors. Beta versions are like test versions of software, and they’re not always as stable as the final release.
  • Server-Related Issues: Sometimes, the issue isn’t with your device or app, but with YouTube’s own servers. Servers are like the heart of YouTube, pumping videos to your device, and if they have problems, you might see errors.

Mobile Troubleshooting: iPhone And iPad

1. Toggle Airplane Mode

  • Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (iPhone X or later) or up from the bottom (older models).
  • Activate Airplane Mode: Tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode.
  • Wait: Leave Airplane Mode on for about 30 seconds to a minute.
  • Deactivate Airplane Mode: Tap the airplane icon again to turn it off.
  • Check YouTube: Open the YouTube app and see if the error persists.

2. Update The YouTube App

  • Open App Store: Go to the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Profile Icon: Tap on your account profile picture at the top-right corner.
  • Check for Updates: Scroll to the “Available Updates” section.
  • Update YouTube: If there’s an update for YouTube, tap the “Update” button beside it.
  • Relaunch YouTube: Once updated, open YouTube and check if the issue is resolved.

3. Restart Your Device

youtube something went wrong
  • Initiate Restart: Press and hold the power button (side or top) until the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears.
  • Slide to Power Off: Drag the slider to turn off your device.
  • Wait: Leave the device off for about a minute.
  • Turn On Device: Press and hold the power button until the Apple logo appears.
  • Check YouTube: Open the app to see if the error is fixed.

4. Check For Software Updates

youtube something went wrong
  • Open Settings: Go to the “Settings” app on your device.
  • Go to General: Tap on “General.”
  • Software Update: Select “Software Update.”
  • Download and Install: If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
  • Recheck YouTube: After the update, open YouTube to see if the issue is resolved.

5. Log In/Out Of YouTube

youtube something went wrong
  • Open YouTube App: Launch the YouTube app on your device.
  • Access Profile: Tap on your profile picture at the top-right.
  • Sign Out: Choose “Sign Out” or “Switch Account.”
  • Sign In Again: Tap “Sign In” and enter your credentials.
  • Verify Fix: Check if logging back in resolves the error.

6. Enable Necessary Permissions

youtube something went wrong
  • Open Settings: Go to your device’s “Settings” app.
  • Find YouTube: Scroll down and select “YouTube.”
  • Enable Cellular Data: Toggle on the switch for Cellular Data.
  • Background App Refresh: Ensure Background App Refresh is turned on.
  • Reopen YouTube: Check if the app functions correctly now.

7. Clear Cache

youtube something went wrong
  • Settings App: Open “Settings” on your device.
  • General: Tap on “General.”
  • iPhone/iPad Storage: Select “iPhone Storage” or “iPad Storage.”
  • Find YouTube: Scroll to find the YouTube app.
  • Offload or Delete App: Choose to either offload or delete the app, then reinstall it from the App Store.

8. Consider A VPN

youtube something went wrong
  • Choose a VPN: Select a reputable VPN service and download its app.
  • Install VPN App: Follow the installation instructions.
  • Set Up VPN: Open the app and configure it as per instructions.
  • Connect to a Server: Choose and connect to a suitable server.
  • Test YouTube: Open YouTube while connected to the VPN.

9. Change DNS Settings

youtube something went wrong
  • Settings App: Go to “Settings.”
  • WiFi Settings: Tap on “WiFi” and select your network.
  • Configure DNS: Tap on “Configure DNS” and select “Manual.”
  • Add DNS Server: Enter a new DNS server (like Google DNS: 8.8.8.8).
  • Save and Test: Save the settings and check if YouTube works correctly.

Desktop Solutions: Mac Users

1. WiFi Reset

  • Access WiFi Settings: Click on the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top-right corner of your screen.
  • Turn Off WiFi: Select “Turn WiFi Off” to disconnect from your current network.
  • Wait for a Moment: Pause for a few seconds to let the network settings reset.
  • Reconnect to WiFi: Click on the WiFi icon again and select “Turn WiFi On.”
  • Check YouTube: Open your browser and try accessing YouTube to see if the issue is resolved.

2. Restart Your Computer

  • Initiate Restart: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select Restart: Choose “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
  • Wait for Shutdown: Allow your Mac to shut down completely.
  • Power On: Your Mac will automatically restart; if not, manually turn it on.
  • Revisit YouTube: Once restarted, open YouTube in your browser to check if the error is fixed.

3. Update Your Browser

  • Open Browser: Launch the web browser you typically use (e.g., Safari, Chrome).
  • Access Browser Menu: Click on the browser’s menu (often three dots or lines).
  • Check for Updates: Select “About [Browser Name]” to open the update window.
  • Install Updates: If available, download and install any browser updates.
  • Reopen YouTube: After updating, visit YouTube to see if the problem persists.

4. Switch Browsers

  • Open a Different Browser: Launch an alternative web browser on your Mac.
  • Navigate to YouTube: Type in YouTube’s URL and press Enter.
  • Check Functionality: Try playing a video or browsing different YouTube sections.
  • Evaluate Performance: Notice if the error occurs in this browser as well.
  • Decide on Browser Use: If YouTube works fine, consider using this browser for YouTube.

5. Log In/Out of YouTube

  • Open YouTube: Go to YouTube in your web browser.
  • Access Your Account: Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner.
  • Log Out: Select the “Sign Out” option from the menu.
  • Log Back In: Click on the “Sign In” button and enter your credentials.
  • Test YouTube: Navigate around YouTube to see if logging back in resolves the issue.

6. Clear Browser Cache

  • Browser Settings: Open your browser and go to its settings or preferences.
  • Find Privacy or History: Look for options related to privacy, history, or cache.
  • Clear Cache: Select the option to clear browsing data or cache.
  • Confirm Action: Choose to clear cached images and files.
  • Revisit YouTube: After clearing the cache, check if YouTube is working properly.

7. Use a VPN

  • Select a VPN Service: Choose a reputable VPN provider and download its software.
  • Install VPN: Follow the installation instructions for the VPN.
  • Connect to a Server: Open the VPN app and connect to a preferred server.
  • Verify Connection: Ensure the VPN is active and connected.
  • Access YouTube: With the VPN active, try using YouTube to see if the error is resolved.

8. Change DNS Settings

  • System Preferences: Go to the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.”
  • Network Settings: Click on “Network” and select your active connection.
  • Advanced Options: Click on the “Advanced” button.
  • DNS Tab: Go to the DNS tab and add a new DNS server (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8).
  • Apply Changes: Click “OK,” then “Apply,” and test YouTube for any improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Why does YouTube keep buffering on my device?
Ans. Buffering issues on YouTube are often related to internet speed. Check your connection and try resetting your router. If the problem persists, lower the video quality in YouTube settings.

Q2. Can a YouTube error be caused by my device’s hardware?
Ans. Yes, outdated or malfunctioning hardware can affect YouTube’s performance. Ensure your device meets the minimum system requirements for running YouTube smoothly.

Q3. How do I fix the ‘YouTube not responding’ issue on my browser?
Ans. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies, update the browser, and restart it. If the issue continues, try disabling browser extensions that might interfere with YouTube.

Q4. Is there a quick way to check if YouTube is down for everyone?
Ans. You can visit websites like Downdetector to check if others are experiencing similar issues with YouTube, indicating a possible server-side problem.

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Shashank Jain

Shashank Jain, founder of good-name, a young and energetic entrepreneur has always been fond of technology. His liking for technology made him go for engineering in computers. During his studies, he learned & worked on different computer languages & OS including HBCD, Linux, etc. He also has a keen interest in ethical hacking.

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