Fixing the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error (iOS and Mac)

YouTube is the most widely used video-sharing platform on the internet today and is visited by tens of millions of people daily. Unfortunately, it isn’t immune to occasional issues. The “Something Went Wrong” error is one of the most common messages a user will see when things aren’t working as they should.

But, it can be frustrating to see such a vague message because it doesn’t give viewers much info on how to fix the ‘something’ that seems to have gone wrong.

So, what can you do when you see this all-too-common YouTube error message?

In this article, we will provide an in-depth and complete guide outlining how to fix the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube for mobile and desktop devices. We’ll also discuss the various causes of the error and provide tips on how to prevent it from occurring in the future. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why you’re seeing this error and know the precise steps you can take to fix it now.

What Is the “Something Went Wrong” Error On YouTube?

As a YouTube user, you have most likely experienced the “Something Went Wrong” error message more than once. This error can appear when you’re starting a video, in the middle of watching a video, or trying to take a specific action on the platform. The error signifies a technical glitch that prevents YouTube from loading and playing the video as expected.

Whether you’re using the YouTube website or the mobile app, you might see slightly different versions of messages. You could see “An error occurred. Please try again later” on your desktop or “Tap to retry” on your iPhone.

This error can disrupt your video playback and impede your access to certain features on YouTube. But that’s not all.

When the “Something Went Wrong” error is due to a broken link, it can have a detrimental impact on both the SEO of a website and the overall user experience.

When users encounter this error while accessing YouTube videos embedded on your website, it leads to frustration and disappointment. In addition, this negative experience can result in a higher bounce rate, reduced user engagement, and a negative perception of your website if, for example, the error is the result of a video embed that doesn’t follow the best practices for embedding videos in a WordPress site.

Whether you’re a user or a host, finding out what causes these errors is the first step in solving the problem.

What Causes a “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error?

The “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube can occur for various reasons. With over 1 billion hours of YouTube videos watched each day, there are going to be errors. Understanding these causes will help us troubleshoot and fix the error effectively. Here are the most likely factors that lead to this error:

• Weak cellular service: When you have a weak or unstable cellular network connection, it can hinder the proper functioning of YouTube and trigger this error.
• Slow WiFi: Similar to cellular service, a slow or unreliable WiFi connection can contribute to the occurrence of the error.
• Outdated YouTube version: Using an outdated YouTube app can lead to compatibility issues and cause errors.
• Outdated browser: If you encounter the error while accessing YouTube on a desktop browser, it could be due to an obsolete version.
• App-related glitches: Sometimes, a glitch or temporary issue within the YouTube app itself can trigger the error.
• Software bugs: like any software, YouTube can have occasional bugs that affect its functionality.
• Beta software: Using beta versions of the YouTube app or your device’s operating system increases the likelihood of encountering errors.
• Server issues: Sometimes, the error may be caused by temporary server issues on YouTube.

Understanding these common causes of the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube error will enable you to identify the specific issue and take appropriate steps to resolve it, ensuring a smoother YouTube experience.

Why Do Servers Go Down?

Servers can go down due to various reasons, including:

• Maintenance: Planned maintenance activities by YouTube or hosting providers can result in temporary server downtime.
• Hardware or software issues: Servers may experience failures or glitches in hardware components or software systems, which can cause unexpected downtime.
• Traffic spikes: An unexpected surge in user traffic, such as during major events or viral videos, can overload servers and lead to temporary outages.
• Cyberattacks: Malicious activities, such as Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, can overwhelm and disrupt servers.
• Natural disasters or power outages: Unforeseen events like natural disasters or power outages can physically damage servers or disrupt the infrastructure, resulting in downtime.

Where Can You Find Out If YouTube Servers Are Down?

To check if YouTube servers are down, visit the Kinsta resource guide on “How to Check If a Website Is Down.”This comprehensive resource provides a variety of methods and tools to determine if a website, including YouTube, is experiencing any current downtime.

9 Ways To Fix the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error on Mobile (iPhone and iPad)

Encountering the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to resolve it on your iOS mobile device. Here are nine ways to fix this error and get back to enjoying uninterrupted YouTube videos on your iPhone or iPad.

Turn Airplane Mode On/Off (Disconnect/Reconnect to WiFi or Cellular)

1. Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (iPhone X or newer) or up from the bottom of your screen (iPhone 8 or older) to access the Control Center.
2. Tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode. Wait a few seconds and then tap the airplane icon again to disable Airplane Mode.
3. After disabling Airplane Mode, reconnect to your WiFi network or cellular data by going to Settings > WiFi or Settings > Cellular and selecting your network.
4. Launch the YouTube app and check if the “Something Went Wrong” error persists. If it does, proceed to the next step.

Ensure YouTube App Is Up to Date (How to Update the YouTube App)

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your account profile picture at the top-right corner of the App Store screen.
3. Scroll down to find the “Available Updates” section. If an update for the YouTube app is available, you’ll see it listed here.

4. Tap the “Update” button next to the YouTube app to download and install the latest version.
5. Once the update is complete, relaunch the YouTube app and check if the error is resolved.

Restart Your Device

Performing a device restart can help resolve various software glitches, including the “Something Went Wrong” error. Before going any further, follow these steps to restart your iPhone or iPad:

1. Press and hold the power button (located either on the side or top of your device) until the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears.
2. Drag the slider from left to right to turn off your device.
3. Wait for five to ten seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
4. Release the power button and let your device complete the restart process. Once your device has restarted, open the YouTube app and check if the error persists.

Check if Your Device Software Is Up-to-Date

1. Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General.”
3. Tap on “Software Update.”
4. If a new software update is available, you’ll see the option to “Download and Install.” Tap on it to initiate the update process.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software update. Once your device is updated, reopen the YouTube app and see if the error persists.

Log Out/Log In to Your YouTube Account

1. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap on your profile picture or avatar icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap the “Sign Out” or “Switch Account” option.
4. Confirm the action by selecting “Sign Out” or the account you want to switch to.
5. Once you are signed out, tap “Sign In” or “Add Account” to log back in.
6. Enter your YouTube account credentials and follow the prompts to sign in. After signing in, check if the “Something Went Wrong” error has been resolved.

Allow Cellular Data/Background App Refresh for the YouTube App

To ensure a smooth YouTube experience, you can enable cellular data usage and background app refresh for the YouTube app:

1. Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data.”
3. Find the YouTube app from the list of installed apps.
4. Toggle the switch next to YouTube to enable cellular data usage for the app.
5. Additionally, return to the previous settings menu and tap “General.”
6. Scroll down and select “Background App Refresh.”
7. Find the YouTube app from the list and toggle the switch to enable the background app refresh. Exit the Settings app and relaunch the YouTube app to check if the error persists.

Clear Cache

Clearing the cache of the YouTube app can help resolve temporary data issues and potentially fix the “Something Went Wrong” error. Here’s how to remove the cache:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General.”
3. Select “iPhone Storage” or “iPad Storage.”
4. Locate and tap on the YouTube app from the list of installed apps.
5. On the YouTube storage screen, tap on “Offload App” (this removes the app but keeps its data) or “Delete App” (this removes the app and its data).
6. Confirm the action and wait for the app to be offloaded or deleted.
7. Go to the App Store, search for the YouTube app, and reinstall it. Open the YouTube app and check if the error is gone.

Use a VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help resolve YouTube’s “Something Went Wrong” error by bypassing potential network restrictions or resolving connectivity issues. Here’s how you can use a VPN on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Download and install a reliable VPN app from the App Store. Several reputable VPN providers are available, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost.
2. Open the VPN app once it’s installed on your device.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up and configure the VPN app. This typically involves creating an account and selecting a server location.
4. Once the VPN app is set up, connect to a server location of your choice. Choosing a server close to your physical location is recommended for better performance.
5. After establishing a VPN connection, open the YouTube app and check if the error no longer persists.

Change DNS Settings

Changing your device’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings can also help resolve network-related issues that might be causing the “Something Went Wrong” error. Here’s how you can change DNS settings on your iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the “Settings” app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “WiFi” or “Cellular” (depending on your current network connection).
3. Find the network you’re connected to and tap on the “i” or information icon next to it.
4. On the network details screen, scroll down and tap the “Configure DNS” option.
5. Choose the “Manual” option.
6. Tap on “Add Server” and enter the new DNS server address. You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).

7. Tap on “Save” to apply the new DNS settings.
8. Exit the Settings app and open the YouTube app to check if the error has been fixed.

By trying these nine fixes, including turning airplane mode on/off, ensuring the YouTube app is up to date, checking device software updates, logging out and logging back into your YouTube account, allowing cellular data and background app refresh for the YouTube app, clearing the cache, restarting the device, using a VPN, and changing DNS settings, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the “Something Went Wrong, Tap to Retry” error on mobile.

8 Ways To Fix the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error on Desktop (Mac)

When encountering “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube while using your desktop Mac computer, there are several solutions you can try to resolve the issue.

Disconnect/Reconnect to WiFi

1. Click on the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top-right corner of your Mac screen.
2. Select “Turn WiFi Off” to disconnect from the WiFi network.
3. Wait for a couple of seconds, then click the WiFi icon again and choose “Turn WiFi On” to reconnect to the network. Once reconnected, open your web browser and access YouTube to check if the error persists.

Restart Computer

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
3. Wait for your Mac to shut down and restart. Once your Mac has restarted, open your web browser, navigate to YouTube, and see if the error persists.

Ensure Desktop Browser is Up to Date

1. Open your Mac’s web browser (e.g., Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
2. Click on the browser’s menu button, usually represented by three vertical dots or lines in the window’s top-right corner.
3. From the drop-down menu, select “About [Browser Name]” (e.g., “About Safari” for Safari browser).
4. A new window or tab will open, displaying information about the browser and its version.
5. Check if you have the latest version of the browser installed. If an update is available, follow the prompts to update your browser to the newest version.
6. After updating, relaunch your browser and visit YouTube to see if the error persists.

Try a Different Desktop Browser

1. If you are currently experiencing the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube using one web browser, such as Safari, consider trying a different browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
2. Open the alternative web browser installed on your Mac.
3. Visit the YouTube website and check if the error persists. If the error doesn’t occur in the alternative browser, it suggests that the issue may be specific to the original browser you were using.

Log In and Out of Your YouTube Account

1. Open YouTube in your web browser.
2. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the YouTube page.
3. Select “Sign Out” from the drop-down menu to log out of your YouTube account.
4. After signing out, click the “Sign In” or the profile picture icon again.
5. Enter your YouTube account credentials and log back in. Once logged in, try accessing videos or performing actions on YouTube to check if the error has disappeared.

Clear Cache

Clearing the cache can help resolve issues related to stored data that may be causing the “Something Went Wrong” error. The steps to clear the cache may vary slightly depending on your browser. Here are instructions for using the built-in Safari browser on your Mac:

1. Open your web browser.
2. Click “Safari” in the top left corner of your menu bar and select “preferences.”
3. Locate the option for “Advance” settings on the top right and click on it.
4. Click the checkbox at the bottom of the screen labeled “Show develop menu in menu bar

5. Close the settings page and return to your Safari browser.
6. At the top menu bar, hover your mouse over the “Develop” tab.

7. Locate and click the option for “Empty Caches”

Use a VPN

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help resolve YouTube’s “Something Went Wrong” error by bypassing potential network restrictions or resolving connectivity issues. Here’s how you can use a VPN on your Mac:

1. Subscribe to a reputable VPN service provider. As mentioned above, several options, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost, are available.
2. Download and install the VPN client software provided by your chosen VPN service.
3. Launch the VPN application on your Mac.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to log in to your VPN account.
5. Once logged in, select a server location from the available options. Choosing a server location that’s geographically closer to your actual site is recommended for better performance.
6. After selecting a server, click the “Connect” or “On” button to establish a VPN connection. Once the VPN is connected, open your web browser and visit YouTube.

How Can I Prevent My YouTube Videos From Having the “Something Went Wrong” Error?

Preventing the occurrence of the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube requires proactive measures to ensure a smooth video playback experience for your audience. While some factors causing the error may be beyond your control, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of encountering this issue.

The best thing you can do is to choose a reliable hosting provider that prioritizes site performance and stability. A good host, such as Kinsta, can significantly decrease the likelihood of experiencing problems by offering industry-leading infrastructure and the support to troubleshoot any issues you might face.

Are There Alternatives to YouTube?

While YouTube remains the dominant video-sharing platform, alternatives that cater to specific needs and preferences are available. Exploring these alternatives can provide diverse opportunities for content creators and viewers alike.

Whether you are looking for platforms that focus on niche communities, offer enhanced monetization options, or prioritize privacy and data control, there are options beyond creating a YouTube channel. To learn more about these alternatives and their features, check out our comprehensive article on the best YouTube alternatives.

Discover new platforms that better align with your goals and audience, offering unique experiences and opportunities for content creation and consumption.

Summary

YouTube is a crucial tool for both people and businesses, offering a vast platform for sharing and consuming video content. However, encountering the “Something Went Wrong” error can hinder the user experience and impact businesses’ online presence.

That’s where a reliable hosting provider like Kinsta comes in. With its 24/7 support available 365 days a year, and troubleshooting features, Kinsta helps ensure your apps and websites are accessible and as free from technical glitches as possible.

As a result, businesses can maintain a smooth user experience, prevent SEO impact from broken links, and maximize their reach by choosing a hosting provider that prioritizes performance and stability.

Trust Kinsta to provide the necessary infrastructure and troubleshooting support to keep your app or website working the way it should, when it should. Experience why 55,000 developers use Kinsta each day, and start your free trial of Application Hosting or Database Hosting now.

Jeremy Holcombe Kinsta

Content & Marketing Editor at Kinsta, WordPress Web Developer, and Content Writer. Outside of all things WordPress, I enjoy the beach, golf, and movies. I also have tall people problems ;).

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