If your Youtube playlist is not working in 2023, there are a few quick things you can try to get it playing again. First, make sure you are using the latest version of the Youtube app and refresh the page. Playlists may stop working if there is an app update available. Also check your internet connection and try loading the playlist on a different device. Restarting your router can help if it is a network issue. In most cases, Youtube playlists not working is a temporary glitch that resolves in a few minutes.
Verify Your Internet Connection
One of the most common reasons a Youtube playlist stops working is an interruption in your internet connection. Playlists rely on being able to load the individual videos from Youtube’s servers. Check that your wifi or mobile data is working properly on other sites and apps. If you cannot load any content, you likely have a temporary outage or weak signal preventing Youtube from retrieving the playlist videos.
Try disconnecting and reconnecting to the wifi. Turn off your router and modem for one minute before turning them back on to refresh the connection. Make sure you do not have bandwidth limits set by your ISP that may be throttling speeds.
If you are on mobile data, check your coverage area. Moving closer to a window or stepping outside can sometimes improve connection strength. You can also try toggling airplane mode on and off to reset the mobile data. Ultimately, a strong, stable internet connection is required for Youtube playlists to load correctly.
Update the Youtube App
One of the most frustrating reasons a Youtube playlist stops working is that the app requires an update. Youtube rolls out new versions of its mobile and desktop apps frequently. These updates fix bugs, patch security flaws, and add new features.
Unfortunately, updates can also inadvertently break features in older versions of the Youtube app. Your installed version may no longer be compatible with the latest Youtube playlist code. Checking for and installing app updates is one of the first troubleshooting steps you should take.
On mobile devices, open the App Store or Google Play Store to see if updates are available. On a computer, check for updates in the Microsoft Store or Mac App Store. You can also visit the Youtube website and allow it to auto-update if prompted. Usually once the latest version is installed, your playlists will start working again.
Try A Different Device
Determining if the issue is device-specific is another good way to troubleshoot a Youtube playlist not working properly. Attempt to play the playlist on a different phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV.
If the playlist loads fine on the other device, an app reinstallation on your original device may be needed to address software corruption. You can also try clearing the app cache and data which will reset program preferences.
However, if the playlist does not work on any other device either, that points to a wider issue beyond just one device. Potential causes could be a problem with your Google account, copyright removal, or region restrictions.
Check Youtube Status Page
Given Youtube’s massive global popularity, service issues are an unfortunate reality. Server outages, failed app releases, and database errors can all temporarily break certain Youtube features.
Before you spend too much time troubleshooting, check Youtube’s status page to see if they have reported any ongoing widespread issues. This will let you know if others are experiencing problems accessing playlists as well.
Often these service disruptions are resolved within a few hours. You can also follow @TeamYoutube on Twitter for updates on restoring functionality during downtime.
Restart Your Router
If you have confirmed the issue is not on Youtube’s end, try restarting your wifi router and modem. Over time, routers can develop glitches that disrupt connectivity. Simply cycling the power can act as a hard reset, clearing any problematic memory or cache.
Unplug both devices completely for one minute before reconnecting them. Then load the playlist again to see if that resolved the problem. You may also want to check for any firmware updates from your manufacturer to ensure router software is up-to-date.
Log Out and Back In
Logging out of your Youtube or Google account and then logging back in is a quick fix to refresh your credentials. This forces Youtube to re-authenticate your account and may resolve inconsistent account states that can break features.
To log out of the Youtube mobile app, go to Settings > Account > Sign out. On desktop, click your profile picture > Sign out. Then close the browser or app entirely and relaunch it to sign in again.
Make sure to use the same Google account that you originally used to create and manage the playlist. Playlists are tied to your specific account credentials.
Check Video Privacy Settings
In rare cases, a playlist may stop working because one or more of the videos on it was made private, unlisted, or removed by the owner. If you did not create the playlist yourself, double check that the user who did has not restricted access to any of the videos.
You can quickly scan through the playlist and click on each video to confirm it can play. Private or deleted videos will return an error. Unfortunately if the original uploader changed video privacy settings, the only options are to remove the videos from your playlist or request they be made public again.
Try Incognito/Private Browsing
Browsing in incognito or private mode is an easy way to rule out browser-related issues. When launched in this mode, your browser does not read or write any saved data like cookies, cache, or history. It is essentially a clean slate.
Open an incognito window and navigate to Youtube to try loading the playlist there. If the playlist works normally, it points to a caching or data corruption problem in your main browser profile that can be fixed by clearing browsing data.
Check Region Restrictions
Copyright and licensing agreements sometimes require Youtube videos be geoblocked, meaning they can only be viewed in certain countries or regions. If you travelled to a restricted area, any videos in your playlist that are not available there will fail to load.
You may notice an error message indicating the content is not viewable in your location. Using a VPN to mask your IP address is the only way to bypass region blocking restrictions.
Reset App Preferences
Resetting the Youtube app back to default settings can fix odd account syncing, caching, and playback issues that may disrupt playlists. In the mobile app, go to Settings > Reset. On desktop, click your profile picture > Reset app.
This will sign you out and erase any saved preferences. Make sure to sign back in and set up the app again. If your playlists now work, one of the old preferences was likely the culprit.
Remove Problematic Videos
In the case where just one or two videos in a playlist are failing, simply removing them may be the easiest solution. Test the playlist again after deleting the problematic videos.
If the rest of the playlist then works fine, you know those videos are causing the issue. You can try re-adding them individually to determine if a certain one continues to reproduce the problem.
Videos may fail to load due to removal, privacy restrictions, or corrupt file errors that require re-uploading on the owner’s end.
Check Account Standing
In severe cases of Terms of Service violations, Youtube may restrict access to certain features like playlists. Check the standing of your Google account for any active restrictions due to copyright strikes, community guideline violations, or other issues.
You should receive an email notification explaining any account limitations. Resolving any outstanding issues, appeals, or penalties may be necessary to fully restore use of playlists.
As a precaution, avoid future strikes by only uploading original content you have the rights to use. Proper attribution can help avoid copyright claims.
Contact Youtube Support
If you have tried all other troubleshooting steps, get in touch directly with Youtube support for further help. Explain the detailed issue and what you have attempted so far.
You can submit a request online or find the Youtube support phone number for your country.
Provide as much detail as possible such as specific playlist names, video titles, and error messages. Support may be able to identify and resolve uncommon account or technical issues.
Wait for Playlist to Refresh
In some instances, server-side caching delays can temporarily cause inconsistencies with newly added or removed videos in a playlist. Allow a few hours for your playlist changes to sync across Youtube’s infrastructure.
The playlist may work fine again later without any troubleshooting once given time to fully refresh. caches clear. Try checking back the next day before spending time investigating further.
If waiting does not resolve it, other factors like video privacy, licensing, or account restrictions are likely involved requiring more direct troubleshooting.
