YouTube Not Working on Smart TV? Google’s Two Steps First
YouTube not working on smart TV? Unplug the TV’s power cable, wait at least 30 seconds, plug it back in, then check your TV’s app store for a YouTube update.
Those are the two steps Google’s own YouTube Help page gives for the TV app, and its page calls the power cycle “often the most effective way to resolve playback issues on your TV.”
If the app still fails after both, Google’s general steps are written for “your device”, whatever the device is: check the internet speed against the resolution, sign in, restart or reinstall the app, and update it. Every Google step below comes from that one page, cited at the end.
Step 1: power cycle the TV
Pull the power cable, wait at least 30 seconds, plug it back in. Google’s words, under “Troubleshoot video errors on your TV”: “Unplug your device’s power cable from the outlet, wait at least 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.”
Google’s page says of this step: “This is often the most effective way to resolve playback issues on your TV.”
Step 2: check the TV’s app store for a YouTube update
Open your TV’s app store and look for an update to the YouTube app. Google: “Most smart TVs and streaming devices update apps automatically. However, you can manually check your device’s app store for any available updates for the YouTube app.”
Google names no TV brand and no brand’s menu path, so this article does not either. The app store is wherever your TV keeps its apps.
Step 3: check the internet speed against the video quality
A video that stalls at a high resolution can play at a lower one. Google’s first general steps: “Restart your internet connection.” then “Run an internet speed test to make sure your internet can support the selected video resolution.”
Other devices on the same network count. Google: “Using multiple devices on the same network may reduce the speed that your device gets.” and “You can also change the quality of your video to improve your experience.”
Google’s own table, which it calls “the approximate speeds recommended to play each video resolution”:
| Video resolution | Recommended sustained speed |
|---|---|
| 4K | 20 Mbps |
| HD 1080p | 5 Mbps |
| HD 720p | 2.5 Mbps |
| SD 480p | 1.1 Mbps |
| SD 360p | 0.7 Mbps |
If the whole connection is the problem rather than YouTube, this site covers how much Spectrum speed you need.
Step 4: sign in to YouTube
A signed out viewer can be blocked from some videos. Google’s page, under “Check that you’re signed in to YouTube”: “In order to protect the YouTube community, we may prevent signed-out users from accessing YouTube videos when they’re attempting to download material for offline use or view certain content featuring minors.”
Step 5: restart the app, or remove it and put it back
Close the YouTube app and open it again, or remove it and reinstall it. Google: “Try closing the YouTube app or rebooting your device.” and “You can also uninstall and reinstall the YouTube app.”
Step 6: update the app and the TV’s own software
An old app version is on Google’s list, and so is the TV’s system software. Google: “Try updating to the newest available version of the YouTube app” and “You can also try updating your device’s firmware and system software.”
If other apps on the TV are failing too, this site covers Samsung TV apps not loading and the Spectrum TV app not working on a Samsung TV.
YouTube plays but there is no sound
Google keeps audio as its own short list. Under “Audio issues”: “Make sure the sound/volume is turned on for your browser or device.” then “Check your device’s sound settings.” then “Restart your browser or device.”
A TV with sound but no picture is a different fault, and this site covers a TCL Roku TV with a black screen but working sound.
The error messages Google lists
Google’s page opens with six messages it calls “Some of the most common error messages”:
- “An error has occurred.”
- “Playback error. Tap to retry.”
- “Connection to server lost.”
- “This video is unavailable.”
- “Something went wrong. Tap to retry.”
- “Experiencing interruptions? Find out why.”
For “Something went wrong. Refresh or try again later.” Google adds its own list under that message, and three of its items read: “If you use the YouTube app, make sure it’s updated to the latest version.”, “Confirm that you’re using your preferred DNS servers and that no third-party applications have modified them.” and “Restart your device. Once the device restarts, return to the YouTube app and try replaying your video.”
What Google’s page does not say
An earlier version of this article told readers to clear the YouTube app’s cache on the TV, check the HDMI cables and factory reset the TV. Google’s page prints a cache step for a browser only (cache and cookies), and the strings HDMI, factory reset and reset print nowhere on it.
Google’s “Update your browser” and “Check your extensions, including ad blockers” steps are browser steps, so they are left out here.
The page names no TV brand, so the strings Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, Roku and Fire TV print nowhere on it, and it names no status page to check.
Frequently asked questions
Why is YouTube not working on my smart TV?
Google’s page gives steps rather than a cause. For the TV app it gives two: power cycle the TV (“often the most effective way”) and check the app store for a YouTube update. Its general steps add internet speed, signing in, restarting or reinstalling the app, and updating the app and firmware.
How do I update the YouTube app on my smart TV?
Through the TV’s own app store. Google: “you can manually check your device’s app store for any available updates for the YouTube app.” It also says “Most smart TVs and streaming devices update apps automatically.”
How fast does my internet need to be for YouTube on a TV?
Google’s table gives 20 Mbps for 4K, 5 Mbps for HD 1080p, 2.5 Mbps for HD 720p, 1.1 Mbps for SD 480p and 0.7 Mbps for SD 360p, and calls these approximate recommended sustained speeds. Run a speed test on the TV’s connection and compare.
Does clearing the cache fix YouTube on a smart TV?
Google’s page prints no cache step for the TV app. Its cache step is for a browser: clear the browser’s cache and cookies. For a TV, its two steps are the power cycle and the app update.