Would you like to know how to fix the “You’re offline. Check your connection” YouTube error message? In case you are experiencing this error message on YouTube, you have come to the right place.
This article will provide proven solutions to this problem, allowing you to eliminate the “you are offline. Check your connection” YouTube error message on iPhone and iPad.
Fix YouTube Not Working on iPhone and iPad
You have likely experienced difficulties playing YouTube videos on your iPhone, especially following the release of an updated version of iOS.
This section will guide you through troubleshooting YouTube not working on the iPhone and iPad if you have had this problem.
Method 1: Ensure your iPhone is connected to the internet
You must check your iPhone’s Internet connection to ensure that YouTube is loading correctly.
If your device’s internet connection is not functioning, no service, let alone YouTube, will be available.
Follow these steps to fix the internet connection on the iPhone:
- Disable Airplane mode from the Control Center.
- Connect to the 5Ghz Wi-Fi connection, not the 2.4Ghz one.
- Check the internet speed using applications such as Speedtest.
Method 2: Make Sure Cellular Data for YouTube is Switched On
Follow these steps to make sure cellular data for YouTube is switched on:
- Go to iPhone Settings and tap Cellular.
- Scroll down and make sure the toggle next to YouTube is green.
Method 3: Enable and Disable Airplane Mode
Users who put their iPhone into Airplane Mode will have disconnected all radio connections, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular. This way, network issues will be resolved, and YouTube will function properly again.
By tapping the plane icon in the iOS Control Center, you can enable or disable Airplane Mode:
Alternatively, you may do this by following these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Turn on Airplane Mode.
- Tap the same switch to turn it off after 15 seconds.
Method 4: Turn Off Your VPN
Some readers have reported that they solved the problem by turning off their iPhones’ virtual private network (VPN).
Even though VPNs are a great way to protect your identity online, they can also cause problems with internet connectivity if they are incorrectly configured.
There is also the possibility that your VPN may make it appear that you are connecting to the internet from a region with YouTube restrictions.
Follow these steps to turn off your VPN:
- Tap VPN in your Settings.
- Turn off the switch next to Status to turn off your VPN.
The status of your VPN will indicate that it is off if it says Not Connected.
If YouTube begins to operate after you have turned off your VPN, this suggests that there is a problem with your VPN and not with YouTube or your iPhone.
Method 5: Force Close-Open YouTube
There is a simple trick that can go a long way, particularly when YouTube is causing difficulties with the iPhone or iPad.
Follow these steps to use this method:
- Close the app by pressing the Home button twice. The app switcher will now be displayed, and you can select all the apps currently in use.
- Swipe the YouTube app upwards to close it.
Method 6: Uninstall and Reinstall YouTube
You may wish to try uninstalling and reinstalling the app whenever you believe YouTube does not listen to your fixes. Once that has been done, check to see if the problem persists.
It is important to note that uninstalling does not result in your account being deleted. However, if you reinstall it, you will need to sign in again.
Method 7: Clear Youtube App Cache & Data
We will next resolve this issue by clearing YouTube’s cache and data. When the former is used, temporary data is deleted. All app data, including various settings, are deleted when the latter is used.
Follow these steps to do this:
- Open the Settings menu on your device.
- Tap on Apps and select YouTube.
- Select Storage. When you tap this, you will be presented with two options: Clear data and Clear cache.
- Clear the cache.
- Check if YouTube now works.
- Go back and clear the data if it doesn’t.
- See if that solves the problem.
Method 8: Restart your iPhone
If you still need to do so, try turning off and restarting your iPhone before proceeding. You can restart your iPhone to give it a fresh start. This may help you resolve minor software issues, allowing your iPhone to play YouTube videos again.
Follow these steps to turn off your iPhone:
- Press and hold the power button. This is also known as the Sleep/Wake button. You will see a red power icon and the words “Slide to power off” on the iPhone.
- Swipe the red power icon from left to right to turn off your iPhone.
- Turn your iPhone back on after waiting about half a minute so it can completely shut down.
Method 9: Turn Wi-Fi Off And Back On
In this method, we will turn the Wi-Fi off and on again, just as you would when you turn on your iPhone.
Turning the Wi-Fi off and back on may resolve a minor software bug causing the lousy Wi-Fi connection.
Follow these steps to turn Wi-Fi off and back on:
- Open the Settings app and tap Wi-Fi.
- Tap the switch next to Wi-Fi to turn Wi-Fi off. When the switch is gray, you know Wi-Fi has been turned off.
- Turn Wi-Fi back on by tapping the switch again after a few seconds.
Method 10: Check if YouTube is down globally or in your region
Occasionally, the problem may not be with your computer but with YouTube. Like you, several others may experience similar issues with YouTube not working correctly on their smartphones and computers.
Follow these steps to check this:
- Do a web search for “Is YouTube down in [your region name].”
- Click one of the options like downdetector.com or downforeveryoneorjustme.com from the search results. By visiting these sites, it is possible to determine if this is a common problem among other people.
- Wait until YouTube addresses this issue if you answer yes.
If you want to get in touch, you can contact them on Twitter @TeamYouTube or check their latest tweets.
Method 11: Try YouTube’s Incognito mode
You may wish to try using YouTube in Incognito mode if it does not work for you usually. It is almost identical to Chrome’s Incognito mode.
Follow these steps to use it:
- Tap your profile picture inside the YouTube app.
- Tap Turn on Incognito.
- Search for a video to see it plays.
- Tap the Incognito icon from the top right to turn it off.
Note: You cannot see your subscriptions when using YouTube Incognito mode.
Method 12: Sign Out of your YouTube Account and Sign in Again
It is possible that logging out and back in may resolve the issue in rare instances. Furthermore, suppose your Google account password has been changed, and you cannot see your subscriptions. In that case, it may be helpful to re-authenticate.
Follow these steps to do it:
- Tap the profile picture.
- Tap your name.
- Tap Use YouTube signed out.
- Restart your iPhone.
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap the profile icon from the top right and sign in.
Method 13: Switch location inside YouTube
If some videos do not play, try changing the location and see if it succeeds. Follow these steps to do this:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Locations and choose a different country.
Method 14: Reset the Network Settings on an iPhone
It is possible to resolve this issue by resetting your computer’s network settings. Follow these steps to do this:
- Tap Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
It is hoped that the YouTube app on iPhone will be fixed soon.
Method 15: Check YouTube-Server Status
Take a moment to check the status of YouTube’s servers before moving on to this troubleshooting method.
There may be times when the servers crash or undergo routine maintenance; in such cases, you may be unable to watch videos.
Make sure YouTube’s servers are functioning properly by checking their status. There is a good chance that the servers are down if many others report the same problem.
Method 16: Turn Off App Restrictions
There is no denying the fact that YouTube is addictive. One minute you are watching an instructional video, and the next, you watch a video of a giraffe dancing in a zoo. We have all been there.
The iOS system includes an option to restrict the use of a particular app to prevent addiction. If YouTube is on that list, it should be removed.
Follow these steps to do this:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Screen Time.
- Tap App Limits.
- Swipe left on YouTube and select Delete.
Conclusion
This article has provided proven solutions to the “you are offline. Check your connection” YouTube error message on iPhone and iPad, which will allow you to eliminate it.
Our sincere appreciation goes out to you for reading this article. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the comments section.
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