Skip to Content

Youtube Not Working On Mobile Data: Get It Working With This Guide

Youtube Not Working On Mobile Data: Get It Working With This Guide

You can access Youtube not only on your computer but also on your mobile device whether you have the Youtube app downloaded or you are using the web on your phone, so long as your mobile data is active.

Just like Youtube not loading, Youtube not working on mobile data is a rare occurrence, however, it does happen, which is why we have created this simple guide for you to follow to ensure you can get back to browsing Youtube with no interruptions.

Why Does Youtube Not Work on Mobile Data?

youtube home

One may not think so, but Youtube does in fact experience downtime. It may not be very often, but when it does, you won’t be able to get onto Youtube over Wifi or mobile data.

If it is Youtube servers that are down, there won’t be anything for you to do besides wait it out until it’s back up and running.

You can check the status of Youtube by using this link which will confirm if it’s your device or Youtube.

A few other reasons why Youtube is not working on mobile data;

  • You need a system update on your phone
  • The ‘data’ and ‘cache’ needs to be cleared on your phone for Youtube
  • Your Youtube app is outdated
  • You have limited your mobile data utilization
  • There is a problem with the web browser you are using

These possible reasons as to why your Youtube not working on mobile data is occurring are all fixable.

How Do I Fix Youtube Not Working on Mobile Data

woman watching youtube videos

Fixing Youtube not working on mobile data is a simple fix and can be rectified in less time than you think.

Fix 1. Check your Date and Time settings

This may seem like a strange one, but if the date and time settings are incorrect on your phone, this can prevent Youtube from syncing properly with the server

Step 1. Go into ‘Settings’ on your phone

Step 2. Select ‘Date and Time’

Step 3. Enable the ‘Automatic Date and Time’ option

The date and time should now be in line with the server.

Fix 2. Update your Youtube app

If you are using the Youtube app on your mobile, and not accessing Youtube via the web, your app may be outdated and need to be updated to the latest version;

Step 1. Get onto the ‘Google Play’ app

Step 2. Select ‘My Apps & Games’

Step 3. Click on ‘Update’ if it gives you the option to.

If the app store does not give you the option to update your Youtube app, your app is already on the latest version.

The update should now be complete.

Fix 3. Update your Phones System Software

Sometimes, Youtube may not work via your mobile data because the software of your phone needs to be updated.

Step 1. Access your ‘Settings’ menu

Step 2. Select ‘System Updates’ (this may be under ‘About Phone’)

Step 3. Choose ‘Download’ if you have the option to.

Your system update is now complete.

Fix 4. Get Rid of Youtube’s Cache

Every time you go onto Youtube, data will be saved on your device. This is called ‘Cache Data’ and accumulates over time, which can result in your Youtube not working on mobile data if it is too overloaded.

If you are about to clear the cache off Youtube, keep in mind this will remove any settings you have made, and you’ll need to reset them once the clearing has been completed.

Step 1. Select ‘Settings’

Step 2. Find ‘Apps’ and choose ‘Youtube’

Step 3. Click on ‘Storage’

Step 4. Select ‘Clear Cache’

The cache data on your phone is now empty and you can set your desired settings.

Fix 5. Check that your Mobile Data is on

If you haven’t already, check that your mobile data is turned on. You may have turned it off while being connected to Wifi.

If your mobile data is on but you are still not connecting to Youtube, your network provider might be experiencing downtime.

Fix 6. Uninstall and Reinstall Youtube app

By using the Youtube app on your phone, you can uninstall and reinstall the app if Youtube is not working on mobile data.

Step 1. Go into your ‘Settings’

Step 2. Choose ‘Apps’

Step 3. Find the Youtube app

Step 4. Select ‘Uninstall’ and confirm

Step 5. Go into your app store and download Youtube again.

The Youtube app has now been reinstalled.

Fix 7. Restart your phone

Sometimes, your phone has multiple apps running in the background after you have been on it for a lengthy amount of time.

When you access Youtube, it will either be really slow or not work at all.

Step 1. Select the ‘Power’ button and hold down on it

Step 2. Choose the ‘Restart’ option

Your phone has now been restarted and you can try to go onto Youtube.

Fix 8. Turn on Airplane mode

Putting your airplane mode on for a minute or two is similar to restarting your mobile, as they both restart any network services on your phone.

Step 1. Go into ‘Settings’ or get onto the ‘Notification Panel’

Step 2. Select ‘Airplane Mode’ and turn it on

Step 3. Wait for a minute before turning it back on

Your mobile should now reconnect to your network, and you can try Youtube.

Fix 9. Disable data usage

There is a feature where you can set a data usage limit. Once this limit has been reached, it will stop you from being able to go over the limit, causing Youtube to not work properly.

Step 1. Go to ‘Settings’ 

Step 2. Select ‘Applications’ and Choose ‘Youtube’

Step 3. Find ‘Data Usage’ 

Step 4. If ‘Disable Data Usage’ is selected, unselect this

Youtube should now load without any issues.

man using smartphone

Conclusion

With Youtube being so popular worldwide, and the number of subscribers it has, it’s no wonder the app may encounter a few errors here and there.

We hope this guide has given you the necessary fixes for you to use to be able to get your Youtube back up and running, whether you are using the app or your web browser.