Actionable Guide to YouTube Playback Error on PC & Phone

YouTube is undoubtedly the most popular streaming service in the world. Many users get used to streaming YouTube videos every day.

However, you may encounter YouTube playback errors occasionally, which will definitely put a damper on your enjoyment.

How to fix the YouTube playback error?

I would like to share the comprehensive guide to fix the playback error on YouTube with detailed steps in this thread. Besides that, you can also find the best way to download YouTube videos for offline viewing. That would be very helpful if you want to watch YouTube videos wherever you go.

Without further ado, let’s start!

Fix YouTube Playback Error on Chrome

When the YouTube playback error occurs on your Chrome, try the following tips to fix it.

1. Restart Browser  

Many users report that they have got the YouTube playback error fixed after they restart the Chrome browser.

2. Restart Your Router

The network may cause the YouTube playback issue. A connection speed of 700kbps+ is required to play YouTube videos smoothly. Therefore, you can switch to another internet connection or reset your router. We suggest that you wait for 10 seconds after turning off the router before restarting it.

3. Restart Your Computer

Glitches on your computer will cause the YouTube playback issue. Hence, please turn off all the programs on your computer and restart it. A reboot may fix the YouTube playback error.

4. Clear Cache and Cookies

Clear Cache and Cookies is another way to solve YouTube playback errors.

How to clear Cache and Cookies on Chrome?

Step 1. On Chrome, click the three-dot menu next to the avatar icon, and further click “Settings.”

Step 2. Scroll down, and you will find “Clear browsing data” under “Privacy and security.” Hit it.

Step 3. Please hit the blue “Clear data” icon to clear cache and cookies.

Now head to the YouTube website and see if the error has been removed.

5. Disable AdBlock Extensions

The AdBlock extensions on your Chrome can trigger the playback error on YouTube. Please check if any Chrome extensions that block ads affect the video playback.

How to disable AdBlock extensions on Chrome?

Step 1. Click the kebab menu at the upper right corner of Chrome, click “More tools” and further choose “Extensions”.

Step 2. On the Extension tab, find any suspicious AdBlock extension and toggle to disable it. Or you can remove the extension directly.

Now go back to the YouTube tab and check if it could play video properly.

6. Update Browser to the Latest Version

The YouTube Help Center suggests that you update Your browser to the latest version if the above solutions could not fix the YouTube error playback issue.

If you find the Chrome Update icon next to the vertical ellipsis icon, click it to update your Chrome instantly.

Of you can go to Help > About Google Chrome and update your Chrome version.

Usually, YouTube should function properly on browsers such as Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, etc. Yet, the chances are that Google makes changes in its sites and may break non-Chromium browsers. In such a case, please switch to Chrome and see if the YouTube playback issue has been resolved.

Fix YouTube App Playback Error on Android & iPhone

If the YouTube playback error occurs on your Android or iPhone, please follow the guides below to fix it.

1. Restart the YouTube App

The YouTube error – Playback error. Tap to retry – often get fixed by simply restarting the YouTube app. Hence, we recommend you restart the YouTube app if you encounter the YouTube playback error.

Go back to the mobile home screen, close the YouTube app from the multitasking menu, and reopen it. Restarting the app will bring your device back to normal. Now play any video to see if YouTube could work.

2. Restart Your Device

Sometimes the apps running in the background cause the YouTube playback error you are having. If you find YouTube not functioning properly, restarting the device is the easiest and quickest solution. Simply press and hold the power button, and tap the restart option that appears on the screen. When the smartphone turns on, open YouTube and check if the problem persists.

3. Reconnect to Mobile Network

Poor internet connection often causes the playback error on YouTube. All you need, in such circumstance, is to turn off your mobile data and then turn it back on.

4. Clear the YouTube App’s Cache (Android)

The YouTube error may be caused by the temporary and unwanted files on your Android phone. Therefore, deleting YouTube’s cache can be helpful. Besides, clearing the cache would free up more space and help your phone run smoothly.

Step 1. Go to Settings > Apps & notifications > SEE ALL APPS > YouTube.

Step 2. Tap “Storage & cache,” and further hit “CLEAR STORAGE.”

Now go to check if the error has been solved.

5. Uninstall & Reinstall the YouTube App

The corrupted YouTube app fails to provide a good video streaming service. If you could not fix the YouTube app playback error with the above solutions, you need to uninstall the YouTube app and reinstall the latest version.

YouTube updates its app and fixes some bugs frequently. Keeping updated ensures an excellent viewing experience.

6. Update to the Latest Available Version of Android or iOS

There is a chance that a dated Android or iOS version causes the playback error on YouTube.

For Android users, go to Settings > System > System updates and update your system.

For iPhone users, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap “Download,” and install.

Watch YouTube Videos without Glitches

With the solutions above, you should have fixed the YouTube playback error. Yet, there is an ultimate way to improve your viewing experience. That is downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing. In this way, you can get rid of the network restrictions and enjoy your favorite YouTube videos without ads.

DoremiZone Video Downloader Pro outshines when it comes to YouTube video downloads. It features a smart search engine. Therefore, you can search for your favorite YouTube videos via URL or video title. Moreover, you can even download them in batches.

DoremiZone Video Downloader Pro allows you to download YouTube videos in HD 720p, 1080p, 2K, or even 4K. Besides that, you can convert YouTube to MP3 with only 1 click.

How to download YouTube videos? Before I show you the steps, please install this powerful YouTube downloader on your PC, Mac, or Android first. It is safe and ad-free.

Step 1. Go to the YouTube site and find the video you wish to download. Then copy the link from the address bar.

Step 2. Head over to DoremiZone Video Downloader Pro and paste the video link.

Step 3. Click the MP4 button to save YouTube videos to your device. If you want to download YouTube to MP3, click the Download icon and pick an MP3 quality option.

All done. Enjoy YouTube videos without glitches now.

Conclusion

The solutions for YouTube playback error have been proved workable. Follow them to resolve the playback error and binge-view YouTube videos.

If you prefer to watch YouTube without glitches, it is better to download YouTube videos for offline viewing.

DoremiZone Video Downloader Pro offers the easiest way to download videos from YouTube and other sites. You can search for YouTube videos with URL or video title and batch download them with only a few clicks.

Give it a shot!

Frequently Asked Questions