Troubleshooting YouTube video playback errors and buffering issues

When YouTube videos don’t play or hang up frequently, can try many different methods, including network environment checks, browser management, system optimization, and hardware checks. This guide guides you through a wide range of solutions, from root causes to detailed settings.

Table of Contents

• Causes and symptoms of YouTube playback errors and buffering problems
• Quickly troubleshoot
• Check network and browser settings
• Advanced and additional troubleshooting methods
• Frequently asked questions
• More ways
• Step-by-step checklist

1. Causes and symptoms of YouTube playback errors and buffering problems

Problems with YouTube videos not playing or disconnecting include the following symptoms:

• Video does not start or stops in the middle
• Buffering occurs frequently and does not allow smooth viewing
• Error message appears or only shows black screen

The main causes are as follows:

• Unstable Network Connection
• Browser Cache and Cookie Issues
• Expansion program or ad block program conflict
• Lack of system resources or hardware issues
• YouTube Server or Regional Network Failure

2. Troubleshooting quickly

Check and improve your network environment

If network conditions are the cause, try the following:

Reboot the
1. router and modem.
2. Using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi.
3. Try YouTube on the same network on different devices.
4. Check the speed on the Internet speed measurement site.
5. Try switching to a different network (for example, mobile data).

Reduce concurrent network usage

If multiple devices use the Internet at home at the same time, network bandwidth can be distributed and buffered. Pause large network tasks such as downloading, streaming, and gaming.

3. Check network and browser settings

Delete browser cache and cookies

An error may occur due to a temporary file in your browser:

1. Choose ‘Personal Information and Security’ in the browser settings.
2. Run ‘Delete Internet Usage History’ or ‘Delete Cash/Cookie’.
3. Completely exit the browser and run it again.

Expansion Program/plug-in management

Advertising blockers, VPNs, and security extensions can interfere with YouTube playback. Leave only the necessary extensions and temporarily disable the rest.

4. Advanced and additional troubleshooting methods

Browser and System Update

Older browsers or operating systems may be incompatible with YouTube. Always keep your browser and OS up to date.

Reduce playback resolution

Changing to a lower resolution such as 720p, 480p, etc. in the settings (tooth wheel icon) of the YouTube player reduces buffering.

Ensuring System Resources

In Task Manager (Windows: Ctrl+Shift+Esc), exit unnecessary programs to free up CPU, memory, especially cloud, security, and download programs running in the background can have an impact.

Change DNS Server

Due to DNS server issues, YouTube access can be slow. Changing to Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) often results in better access.

1. Select ‘Network and Internet’ → ‘Change Adapter Options’ in Windows Control Panel
2. Right-click network adapter in use → ‘Properties’ → ‘Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)’ Double-click
3. Enter 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 or 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1 in ‘Use Next DNS Server Address’ and save

Disabling Proxy/VPN

If you are using a proxy server or VPN, your connection may slow down or your YouTube connection may become unstable. Try turning off your VPN/proxy for a while and make sure it works fine.

Use other browsers/apps

It is also recommended to run YouTube with other browsers such as Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, or try the official YouTube app on mobile.

Network initialization of operating system

Initializing the network settings on your PC or smartphone can resolve accumulated network errors. On Windows, use Settings > Network and Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Network Initialization.

Check YouTube Server/Regional Failure

Sometimes there is a problem with the YouTube server itself. Check Downdetector for faults.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

• Q1: When do YouTube video playback errors occur?
  A: It is caused by various causes such as network connectivity, cache/cookie, extension program, system resources, DNS, server failure, etc.
• Q2: How does DNS server change?
  A: Fast DNS servers can improve YouTube access speed.
• Q3: How do I initialize my network?
  A: You can run network initialization in Windows settings.

6. More ways

Update the firmware on the
• router to improve performance.
• Manually change the Wi-Fi channel to reduce interference.
• Turn off or turn on browser hardware acceleration.
• Try to turn off the data saving mode on your mobile device.
• Delete the YouTube app’s cache directly (mobile).
• Keep your PC graphics driver up to date.
• Try Windows’ troubleshooting tools (Settings > Systems > Troubleshooting).
• Try to release security software (vaccine, firewall) and play it.

7. Step-by-step checklist

단계 Step 확인 Check information

1	Network environment, router inspection, simultaneous usage reduction
2	Delete browser cache/cookie, check extension program
3	Browser/system update, resolution adjustment, DNS server change
4	Secure system resources, use other browsers/apps, initialize network
5	Apply additional methods such as checking YouTube server failure and router firmware/channel management

Finish

YouTube video playback errors and buffering issues can result from a variety of causes, including network environment, browser settings, system resources, hardware, and server failures. Check step by step and try different solutions to create a pleasant video viewing environment.