How to Fix YouTube Not Playing Videos on iPhone 17

You’re trying to watch a video on YouTube, but nothing loads. The play button spins endlessly, or the screen stays blank. Many iPhone 17 users reported this issue after updating to iOS 26.

The problem usually comes from temporary glitches, app bugs, or connection settings affected by the new update. Fortunately, it’s easy to fix with the right steps.

Why YouTube Might Not Play Videos on Your iPhone 17

• Poor or unstable internet connection.
• Outdated YouTube app version.
• Corrupted app cache or background data conflict.
• Safari or browser settings interfering with playback.
• iOS bugs introduced by the recent update.

Check Your Internet Connection.

YouTube needs a stable internet connection to stream videos smoothly. Weak Wi-Fi or mobile data can cause videos to buffer endlessly or not load at all.

1. Open Settings, and then tap Wi-Fi.
2. Tap your network name, and then tap Forget This Network. Reconnect by entering your password again.

If you are using mobile data, go back to Settings, tap Cellular, and make sure Cellular Data is turned on.

Update the YouTube App.

Outdated app versions may not be compatible with iOS 26. Updating ensures that you have the latest fixes from Google.

1. Open the App Store, and then tap your profile icon at the top right.
2. Scroll down, and tap Update next to YouTube.

After updating, reopen YouTube and check if videos now play correctly.

Restart Your iPhone 17.

A simple restart can clear out temporary bugs caused by the iOS update. It refreshes system processes and network connections.

1. Press and hold the Side key and either Volume key until the power slider appears.
2. Drag the slider to power off, wait a few seconds, then turn the phone back on.

Once it restarts, open YouTube again and try playing a video.

Clear YouTube’s App Cache.

Sometimes, stored data inside the app can conflict with new updates and cause playback errors. Clearing it out helps the app start fresh.

1. Open Settings, and then tap General.
2. Tap iPhone Storage, and then select YouTube. Tap Offload App, and then reinstall it from the App Store.

This removes corrupted data while keeping your login information intact.

Disable VPN or Proxy Connections.

VPN or proxy apps can interfere with YouTube playback by rerouting your network connection.

1. Open Settings, and then tap General.
2. Tap VPN & Device Management, and then turn off any active VPN connections.

Once disabled, relaunch YouTube and check if videos load normally.

Update iOS Software.

If the problem started after iOS 26, Apple may have already released a fix. Keeping your iPhone up to date can resolve compatibility issues.

1. Open Settings, and then tap General.
2. Tap Software Update, and then tap Download and Install if an update is available.

After updating, restart your iPhone and test YouTube again.

Sometimes, YouTube issues after an update are just temporary. With these fixes, your iPhone 17 should start streaming videos smoothly again.

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