12 Effective Solutions for YouTube Buffering on Android

ByJim Miller

YouTube, being one of the biggest and oldest video streaming platforms, is not immune to bugs. One of the most recent issues reported by multiple users is YouTube buffering on Android after 1 minute or YouTube app lagging. Are you facing the same problem? Don't worry, we've got you covered with these effective solutions.

1. Check Internet Connectivity

First and foremost, ensure that you are connected to the internet. Sometimes, we can lose track of our connection while watching our favorite vlogs. Check your internet connectivity by looking at the Wi-Fi or mobile data icons in the status bar. You can also do a quick Google search to confirm.

Wi-Fi icon

2. Clear Cache of the YouTube App

If YouTube is still buffering, try clearing the cache of the YouTube app. To do this:

  1. Hold on to the YouTube app icon and press the information icon in the floating menu.
  2. Tap on “Storage” and then tap on “Clear cache” at the bottom-right of the screen. This will remove any idle files that might be causing issues in the YouTube app.

Clearing cache of the YouTube app

3. Update the YouTube App

Make sure you are running the latest version of the YouTube app. To check for updates and update the app:

  1. Open the Google Play Store and tap on the profile icon in the top-right corner of your screen.
  2. Tap on “Manage apps & device”.
  3. Under “Updates available”, look for “YouTube” and tap on the update icon beside it to update the app to the latest version.

Updating the app will also help if your YouTube music won't download songs.

4. Disable VPN

If you are using a VPN, try disabling it. VPNs can sometimes be detected by the YouTube app's servers as a threat rather than a user, resulting in buffering issues. Additionally, VPNs can slow down your internet speeds, affecting your overall streaming experience.

5. Change DNS

DNS servers assigned by your ISP can affect your connection to the internet. If you have recently changed your DNS, consider reverting back to the DNS assigned by your ISP. Changing DNS servers can sometimes result in reduced speeds or even a complete loss of connection to certain websites, including YouTube.

6. Disable Ad Blockers

Using ad blockers on your Android phone can interfere with the proper functioning of the YouTube app. Ads on YouTube support creators and blocking them may lead to buffering issues. Google and YouTube are actively cracking down on ad blockers, and using them can limit your access to the platform. Disable any ad blocker apps or services on your Android for a reliable streaming experience.

7. Reinstall the YouTube App

If none of the above solutions work, try reinstalling the YouTube app. Reinstalling an app can often resolve various issues. To reinstall the YouTube app:

  1. Tap and hold on the YouTube app icon and then tap “Uninstall”.
  2. Install the app again from the Google Play Store.

8. Sign Out and Sign Back In

Sometimes, issues with YouTube can be linked to server interference related to your Google account. Signing out of your Google account from your Android phone and then signing back in can help resolve such issues. To do this:

  1. Open the Settings app and tap on “Accounts and backup”.
  2. Tap on “Manage accounts” and then tap on your Google account.
  3. Tap on “Remove account” to sign out.
  4. Sign back in to your Google account.

9. Only Use the Official YouTube App

Using third-party YouTube apps may lead to buffering issues. These apps often bypass ads and compromise the privacy of your Google account. Stick to using the official YouTube app from the Google Play Store for a better and more secure streaming experience. If you don't like ads, you can consider getting a premium subscription, which also offers a YouTube family plan.

10. Move to the End of the Video and Replay

If none of the above solutions work, try moving the video to the end and then scrubbing it back to the starting position or replaying it using the replay icon. This workaround can help you bypass the buffering issue.

11. Use YouTube in Browser

If all else fails, try using YouTube in a browser like Chrome or Edge. These browsers provide a good streaming experience regardless of the web version of YouTube. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary solution until YouTube resolves the bug for genuine users.

Don't let buffering ruin your YouTube experience. Try these solutions and enjoy uninterrupted streaming.