YouTube Not Working on TV? Fixes for Smart TVs and Streaming Boxes

There's nothing more annoying than settling down to watch a video on the big screen and getting a spinning wheel, a blank app or a message that says something went wrong. I see this a lot with clients who watch competitor channels and tutorials on the TV in the evening, and with creators who check how their own videos look on a TV screen.

Everything below comes from YouTube's help centre and the help pages for the devices that run the app. I've put the quick checks first, because on a TV the boring fixes are usually the ones that work.

Start with the TV itself when YouTube won't work

YouTube's help centre says power cycling your TV or streaming device is often the most effective fix for playback problems on a TV. Here's the routine:

1. Switch the TV or streaming box off.
2. Unplug the power cable and wait at least 30 seconds.
3. Plug it back in and switch it on.
4. Open YouTube and play a video.

A standby button isn't the same thing. Pulling the plug gives the device a full restart, and that's what clears the stuck state. Another step in YouTube's help pages is to restart the device and replay the video, so if you only have a remote, use the restart option in the TV's own settings menu.

Checking the internet connection on your TV

YouTube's help says about 7 Mbps is the recommended minimum for HD streaming on a TV. Run a speed test on a phone or laptop sitting near the TV, and look out for the other things YouTube mentions: stay close to the router where you can, and reduce interference and the number of other devices using the same network, because a busy network can slow down what your TV gets.

If the TV shows a video but it keeps stopping, the problem may be speed rather than the app. In that case my page on a quick checklist for when YouTube isn't working covers the wider picture, and the next section covers what to change on the TV.

Lowering the streaming quality in the YouTube TV app

If your connection can't keep up with the resolution, the picture will stall. YouTube's help says to open Settings in the player, choose Quality, and set it manually if that option is available on your device. Drop it a step, play the video again, and see whether it runs smoothly.

Quitting and reopening the YouTube app on a TV

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Close or leave the YouTube app.
3. Open YouTube again from the home screen.
4. Play a video.

It sounds too simple, but an app that's been left open for days can get stuck, and this is the second step in YouTube's list for TV problems.

Signing out and back in on your TV

If the app opens but won't load your account, signing out and in again is the next fix on YouTube's list. Open the app, choose your profile picture, go to manage profile, and choose the option to sign out. Then sign back in. You may be asked to use a code from a phone or computer to do that.

If you share the TV with family, check you're signed in to the right account first. My guide on switching accounts on YouTube walks through that on other devices.

Resetting or updating the YouTube app on a smart TV

YouTube's sign-in help for smart TVs, streaming devices and consoles gives these steps, in this order:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of the YouTube app. Smart TVs usually update apps by themselves, but you can check in the TV's app store.
2. Make sure you're signing in with a Google Account.
3. Reset the YouTube app in the TV's Settings. If you're signed in, this signs you out.
4. If you're using a game console, make sure it's on YouTube's list of supported consoles.

The exact menu names differ from one TV brand to the next, and YouTube's help doesn't list them, so look for the apps or applications section in your TV settings and check the manufacturer's support site if you can't find it. The same help pages also mention that uninstalling and reinstalling the app is an option on devices that allow it.

Updating the TV system software to get YouTube going

YouTube's help also lists updating the device's system software. Look in your TV's settings for a system update or software update option and install anything waiting. If you get stuck, the manufacturer's support site is the place to go for your model.

What the YouTube no longer available message means on a TV

This is the one that catches people out. Some TVs, streaming devices and consoles show the message that YouTube is no longer available because the device doesn't meet the latest requirements. YouTube's help centre explains that it periodically raises its security standards to protect user information, and devices that can't keep up lose access to the app.

There are two things YouTube's help suggests. If the device has a web browser, you may still be able to watch by visiting youtube.com in it. And some devices can get the app back through a firmware upgrade, so contact the manufacturer if you're not sure how. If neither works, the manufacturer is the one to ask.

Other ways to watch YouTube on the TV while you fix it

• Cast the video from your phone or laptop to the TV with Chromecast, which YouTube's help names as an alternative.
• Connect a laptop to the TV with an HDMI cable and play the video in the browser.
• Try a different device, such as a games console or streaming box, to see whether the TV itself is the problem.

That last check is useful. If YouTube works on another device but not on your TV, the problem sits with the TV, and the manufacturer is the right place for help. If it fails everywhere, look at your internet connection and your account.

When YouTube on your TV still doesn't work

If you've been through all of the above, send feedback to YouTube from a phone or computer where the same problem shows up: tap your profile icon, choose Help and feedback, then Send feedback, straight after the problem. For problems that only happen on the TV, contact the TV or streaming device maker. If you run a business channel and want to check it on the big screen for a presentation, have a backup plan ready, such as a laptop and an HDMI cable.

Frequently asked questions

Why is YouTube not working on my TV but works on my phone?

The TV app may need restarting, updating or signing out and back in, or your TV may be on a weak connection. YouTube's help says power cycling the TV is often the most effective fix.

How long should I unplug my TV to reset YouTube?

YouTube's help says to unplug the power cable and wait at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in.

What does YouTube is no longer available on this device mean?

YouTube's help says the device doesn't meet the latest requirements, because YouTube raises its security standards from time to time. You may still be able to use youtube.com in a browser on the device, or get the app back with a firmware upgrade.

What internet speed does YouTube need on a TV?

YouTube's help recommends about 7 Mbps for HD streaming on a TV.

Will resetting the YouTube app delete my account?

No. YouTube's help says resetting the app in Settings signs you out if you're signed in, and you can sign back in with your Google Account.