Why Does YouTube Keep Crashing? 8 Best ways Ways To Fix it
Written by: Hrishikesh Pardeshi, Founder at Flexiple, buildd & Remote Tools.
Last updated: Mar 18, 2024
Several factors can trigger YouTube app crashes, ranging from outdated software versions and connectivity issues to device limitations and conflicting settings. Fortunately, troubleshooting these setbacks often requires only a few simple steps.
YouTube crashing can throw a wrench into your viewing experience, disrupting the seamless flow of entertainment or knowledge you seek.
There are various underlying causes behind YouTube app crashes but there are practical solutions to resolve these issues as well, while ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of your favorite videos.
What are the Common Reasons Behind YouTube Crashing?
Common reasons behind YouTube crashing include issues with internet connectivity, outdated app versions system updates, overloaded server traffic, device compatibility problems, software conflicts, cache and cookies buildup, hardware limitations reset network settings, and occasional bugs in the YouTube application. Let’s learn about each of these in more detail.
Outdated App or Browser
One common reason behind the YouTube app crashing or crashing is using an outdated application or browser. When the app or browser is not up-to-date, it may lack the necessary compatibility with YouTube's latest features and updates. This can lead to glitches, freezes, or crashes while using the platform. Updating the app or browser to the latest version often resolves such issues by ensuring smooth compatibility with YouTube's functionalities. Therefore, regularly checking for updates and installing them promptly can help prevent the YouTube app installed elsewhere from crashing due to outdated software.
Corrupted Cache or Data
Corrupted cache or data within the YouTube app or Youtube downloads is a frequent cause of crashes. Over time, as users interact with the platform, the cache and data stored locally can become corrupted. This corruption leads to instability, manifesting in repeated crashes during usage.
When the cache or data becomes corrupted, the YouTube app on android phone or browser struggles to perform optimally. This struggle often results in sudden crashes, disrupting the user experience. Fortunately, resolving this issue is typically straightforward.
Clearing the cache and data associated with the YouTube app on android smartphone or browser can effectively address the problem. By doing so, users app developers can eliminate the corrupted information, restoring stability and reducing the likelihood of further crashes.
Insufficient System Resources
Insufficient system resources, such as low RAM, while running 4K or high-definition videos for extended periods is a common reason for YouTube crashing. When the demand for resources exceeds what's available, the system can't cope, leading to crashes. This issue often occurs when users attempt to stream high-quality content on devices with limited hardware capabilities. As a result, the system struggles to process the video data efficiently, eventually causing YouTube to crash. To prevent this, users should ensure their devices have sufficient RAM and processing power to handle high-definition video playback. Additionally, closing other resource-intensive applications while watching videos can help alleviate strain on the phone's operating system.
Overloaded Browser Cache or Cookies
When asking why YouTube keeps crashing, one common reason is an overloaded browser cache or cookies. This occurs when the browser becomes burdened with excessive cache and cookies, hindering the efficient loading of YouTube. As a result, the platform struggles to function smoothly and often crashes as a consequence. The accumulation of these temporary internet files over time can significantly impact the performance of YouTube, leading to frequent disruptions in service. Therefore, regularly clearing the browser cache and cookies can alleviate this issue and improve the stability of YouTube playback.
Internet Connectivity Issues
Internet connectivity problems are a common reason behind YouTube crashing. When your device struggles to maintain a stable connection to the internet, it disrupts the flow of data required for smooth YouTube playback. This can result in videos failing to load, buffering issues, or sudden interruptions during playback. Inconsistent Wi-Fi signals, slow internet connections or mobile data fluctuations can contribute to this problem. It's essential to ensure a strong and stable internet connection to prevent YouTube from crashing due to connectivity issues.
Conflicting Browser Extensions or Plugins
Conflicting browser extensions or plugins often lead to YouTube crashing. When these extensions or plugins clash with YouTube's functionality, it can cause the platform to become unstable. This occurs because the conflicting code disrupts the normal operation of YouTube, resulting in crashes or freezes. To resolve this issue, users should identify and disable any extensions or plugins that may be causing conflicts with YouTube. Additionally, regularly updating these extensions and plugins can help prevent future crashes.
Server-Side Problems
Server-side problems are a common cause of YouTube crashing. These issues can arise due to server overload, maintenance, or technical glitches within the YouTube server's infrastructure. When servers become overwhelmed with user requests or experience malfunctions, it can lead to disruptions in service, causing YouTube to crash for some users. Additionally, routine maintenance or updates to the platform may temporarily interrupt access for users, resulting in crashes during these periods. Technical glitches within YouTube's server architecture can also trigger crashes, requiring troubleshooting and resolution by YouTube's technical team. Overall, server-side problems are a significant factor contributing to YouTube crashes and require prompt attention to restore normal service for users.
Conflicts with Other Applications
Sometimes, the presence of conflicting applications on the device can lead to YouTube crashing unexpectedly. Certain applications may interfere with YouTube's processes, causing instability and eventual crashes. These conflicts can arise due to resource competition or compatibility issues between YouTube and other software running simultaneously. When multiple applications demand system resources simultaneously, conflicts may occur, resulting in YouTube experiencing instability or crashing. It's essential to identify and address these conflicts to ensure a smoother experience while using YouTube.
How To Fix YouTube Crashing?
Fixing your YouTube from getting crashed is crucial and there are a lot of ways one can go about resolving it. You can fix YouTube from crashing by following these 8 steps.
1. Restart Your Smartphone
If YouTube keeps crashing, start by restarting your smartphone. This can reset the device and clear any temporary glitches. Press and hold the power button, then select restart. Once it's back on, try opening YouTube again to see if the issue is resolved.
2. Clear the Cache and Cookies in Your Browser to Resolve any Potential Issues
To fix YouTube crashes, clear your browser's cache and cookies. In Chrome, click the three dots, select "Settings," then "Privacy and security," and finally "Clear browsing data." In Firefox, click the menu, choose "Options," go to "Privacy & Security," and click "Clear Data." In Edge, click the three dots, select "Settings," then "Privacy, search, and services," and click "Choose what to clear." In Safari, go to "Preferences," select "Privacy," click "Manage Website Data," and choose "Remove All." Restart your browser afterward.
3. Update the YouTube app or your browser to the latest version for improved performance
To mitigate YouTube crashing, ensure you have the most recent version of the YouTube app or your browser installed. Regular updates address bugs and enhance stability, reducing the likelihood of crashes during use. Keeping your software up to date is crucial for a smoother viewing experience on YouTube. So either you update it or uninstall it and then reinstall YouTube.
4. Disable Browser Extensions or Add-Ons that May be Causing Conflicts with YouTube
If YouTube frequently crashes, it could be due to conflicting browser extensions or add-ons. These additional features can sometimes interfere with YouTube's functionality, leading to crashes. To troubleshoot this issue, start by disabling all extensions and add-ons in your browser. Then, gradually enable them one by one while checking if YouTube continues to crash. This process helps identify the problematic extension or add-on causing the conflict. Once identified, either update the extension/add-on to its latest version or remove it entirely to prevent further crashes.
5. Restart your device to refresh system resources and resolve temporary glitches
To address the recurrent issue of YouTube crashing, one effective step is to restart your device. This action refreshes system resources, which can resolve temporary system glitches that may be causing the crashes. Simply powering off your device and then turning it back on can often rectify the problem by clearing out any lingering issues within the operating system.
6. Try using a different browser or device to see if the issue persists across platforms
Try experimenting with an alternative browser or device to ascertain if the problem persists across various platforms. Different browsers or devices may yield different results, shedding light on potential underlying causes for the recurring crashes. This step allows for a comprehensive diagnosis of the issue's scope and nature, aiding in the formulation of an effective resolution strategy.
7. Disable hardware acceleration in your browser settings to alleviate crashing problems
When YouTube repeatedly crashes, it could be due to conflicts with hardware acceleration settings. This feature delegates tasks to your computer's GPU, which may sometimes clash with YouTube's software.
To resolve this, access your browser's settings and locate the option for hardware acceleration. Disable it, then restart your browser. This action shifts the workload away from the GPU, potentially alleviating crashing problems on YouTube.
By disabling hardware acceleration, you're adjusting how your browser interacts with your computer's hardware, which can positively impact YouTube's stability.
8. Contact YouTube support for further assistance if none of the above solutions work
If none of the above solutions address the issue of YouTube crashing persistently, it's advisable to reach out to YouTube support for additional assistance. They can provide specialized guidance and troubleshooting tailored to your specific situation, potentially uncovering underlying reasons for the recurrent crashes. YouTube support is equipped to delve deeper into technical complexities that might be causing the instability in the platform's performance. By directly engaging with YouTube support, you gain access to expert advice and solutions that could effectively resolve the problem and restore seamless functionality to your YouTube experience. Don't hesitate to contact them for further assistance if the issue persists despite your best efforts to troubleshoot independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why does the update YouTube app keep crashing on my android device?
A. YouTube may crash due to various reasons such as software bugs such as network issues, app bugs, outdated software, insufficient storage, or conflicting system settings.
Q. How can I determine the cause of YouTube crashing?
A. You can troubleshoot by checking your internet connection, updating the YouTube app and device software, clearing the app cache and data, and settings app ensuring adequate storage space, and disabling conflicting settings or apps.
Q. Is poor internet connection a common cause of YouTube crashes?
A. Yes, a poor or unstable internet connection can lead to buffering issues and eventually cause YouTube to crash.
Q. Can outdated software contribute to YouTube crashing?
A. Yes, outdated YouTube app or device or software update may contain bugs or compatibility issues that can cause the app to crash.
Q. Will clearing cache and data help resolve the YouTube crashing issue?
A. Clearing cache of unused apps and data can help fix temporary glitches and free up space, potentially resolving YouTube crashing issues.
Q. Should I consider resetting my device to fix YouTube crashing?
A. If other troubleshooting steps fail, resetting your device to its factory settings may resolve persistent YouTube crashing problems, but make sure to backup your data first.
Q. Can conflicting settings or other apps cause YouTube to crash?
A. Yes, conflicting network settings or apps, such alternative apps such as background processes or other media apps, can interfere with YouTube's operation and cause it to crash.
Q. Is there a way to prevent YouTube from crashing in the future?
A. You can minimize the risk of YouTube crashing by regularly updating the app and device software, maintaining a stable internet connection, optimizing storage space, and avoiding conflicting settings or conflicting apps themselves.