YouTube app doesn't launch, freezes, or an error message appears

You may experience streaming issues with the YouTube™ app on your TV for several reasons. This article provides information and steps most likely to address the conditions seen with these issues.

Common issues:

• The message YouTube is unavailable. Please try again later appears on the TV screen.
• The message YouTube has stopped appears on the TV screen.
• The app gets stuck on the start screen (doesn't launch).

Network conditions and internet connection

Network conditions and your internet connection are often the cause of video streaming issues. Your network performance and internet speed can impact the ability to view streaming content. This could be caused by an unstable internet connection, unreliable router or modem, too many devices connected to the network, or it could even be caused by interference from other electronics nearby. Check the following:

• There may have been a temporary network problem, try closing the YouTube app, then re-open it and try again.
• You may be experiencing an internet connection problem. Perform a power reset of your modem/router:
  1. Disconnect power from your modem/router for about 60 seconds, then reconnect power and make sure it's turned on.

     Note: If you have a separate modem and router, make sure to power reset both devices.

  2. Wait until your modem/router has time to establish a new connection to the internet and your network.
• Test your internet connection using another device (smartphone, tablet, computer, etc.) to verify your internet is working and performing as expected. If you don't have internet, or your performance is slow, contact your provider for assistance.
• Check if your internet speed is fast enough for the YouTube content you're trying to stream. The recommended sustained speed for YouTube varies depending on the video resolution of the content. For the recommended internet speed, check the internet speed section of the YouTube support website .
• Make sure your TV is currently connected to the internet. If your TV is experiencing internet connection issues, perform the network diagnosis available for your TV.

Additional troubleshooting

1. Power restart or reset your TV.
   • To perform a power restart, select an option:
     • Restart the TV using the supplied remote control. Follow the steps according to your TV options:
       • Press and hold the POWER button until Power off appears on the screen
       • Press and hold the POWER button until a menu appears → select Restart
     • Restart the using the TV menu. Follow the steps according to your TV menu options:
       • On the supplied remote control, press the (Quick Settings) button, then select Settings → System → Restart → Restart
       • On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button, then select Settings → About → Restart → Restart
       • On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button, then select Settings → Device Preferences → About → Restart → Restart
   • To perform a power reset:
     • Turn off your TV, unplug the power cord for about two minutes, then turn your TV on again.
2. Clear the app data and cache or initialize the YouTube app.

   This issue may be resolved by clearing the app data and cache or initializing the YouTube app. These steps may vary depending on your TV model and the software version installed. If you need model-specific information to perform any step, check your manual. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

   Android TV™ models

   Review the short video tutorial or skip to the provided steps.

   Steps to clear the data and cache and perform a forced stop of the YouTube app:

   1. Open the Settings screen. How to access Settings
      • Using the Quick Settings button (For models released in 2019 or later)
        1. On the supplied remote control, press the (Quick Settings) button.
        2. Select Settings.
      • Using the HOME button
        1. On the supplied remote control, press the HOME button.
        2. Select Settings.
   2. Under the TV category, select Apps.
   3. Select YouTube.
   4. Select Clear data, and then OK.
   5. Select Clear cache, and then OK.
   6. Select Force stop.
   7. Open YouTube from the Home screen.

   Non-Android LCD / LED TV models

   These steps will vary depending on the TV model year and menu options:

   • 2015 and newer models

     Review the short video tutorial or skip to the provided steps to initialize personal information:

     • Video tutorial.

     • Steps to initialize personal information:
       1. Press the HOME button.
       2. Scroll to Settings.
       3. Select Customer Support.
       4. Scroll down and select Initialize Personal Information.
       5. Select OK.
       6. If the issue still occurs, perform Refresh Internet Content.

          1. Press the HOME button.
          2. Select Preferences.
          3. Select Setup.
          4. Select Network.
          5. Select Refresh Internet Content.

   • 2013 or 2014 models

     Steps to clear cache and delete all cookies or clear cookies:

     1. Press the HOME button.
     2. Scroll to Applications or All Apps.
     3. Run the Internet Browser app.
     4. Press the Options button and select Browser settings.
     5. Scroll down to Clear Cache and Delete All Cookies or Clear Cookies.
     6. Select YES.
3. Check your TV for the latest software update. Software updates are often provided to improve function and performance. Downloads are posted on your model support page.
4. Check the YouTube support website for additional information and recommendations