10 Guide to Fix YouTube TV Playback Error Issues [and Why]
A stubborn YouTube TV playback error is a frustrating experience, especially when you're looking forward to a relaxing viewing experience, but it turns into a headache. It could be a frozen screen or an error message, but the good news? These interruptions are not permanent and can be fixed with simple steps! This guide will share the reasons and, more importantly, the nine solutions to resolve the playback errors in YouTube TV. Return to your seamless viewing in no time.
Guide List
Why You Keep Getting Playback Error on YouTube TV 9 Ways to Fix YouTube TV Playback Error Fix YouTube Videos Unplayable on Your Computer or PhoneWhy You Keep Getting Playback Error on YouTube TV
Keep getting the YouTube TV playback error? You're not alone. This problem arises from various reasons, including app glitches, network instability, or service disruptions. It can also be triggered by incompatible devices, outdated apps, or corrupted caches. And when this playback error occurs, YouTube TV often pulls up the stream or refuses to load it completely. With all these culprits, there are several methods to resolve the issue, such as clearing the cache, restarting the device, or checking your internet connection.
However, specific error codes can give you a clearer idea of what's causing the YouTube TV playback error and what you can do about it:
- • Error Code 3 - Unstable internet or low bandwidth.
- • Error Code 12 - Device authentication issue.
- • Error Code 14 - Playback error due to connectivity.
- • Error Code 16 - Location issues or geo-restriction.
- • Error Code 19 - Authorization problem.
- • Error Code 137 - Server issue or service outage.
- • Error Code 400 - Bad request, usually app-related.
- • Error Code 410 - Unsupported device or outdated app.
9 Ways to Fix YouTube TV Playback Error
With so many error codes you may encounter on YouTube TV, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the YouTube TV playback error. Below are nine of the best ways to resolve the problem and get back to streaming smoothly:
1. Check Internet Connection
A slow connection is the most common reason for streaming issues, such as YouTube TV playback errors. Ensure your device is connected to a strong network.
- 1. Run a speed test on your browser.
- 2. If speeds are low, consider restarting your modem and router, or switching to another available and stable network.
2. Restart the YouTube TV App
Restarting the YouTube TV app can resolve temporary glitches that cause playback errors to occur.
- 1. Close YouTube TV completely.
- 2. On your Smart TV, press the "Back" or "Home" button to exit, then relaunch the app.
- 3. Meanwhile, on mobile or tablet, swipe up to access the "App switcher" and close the app.
3. Remove Extra Devices
YouTube TV has a limit of active streams per account. Check if you're signed in and streaming on multiple devices; if so, sign out of them and try again.
- 1. Head to the "Settings" in YouTube TV.
- 2. There, review devices currently logged in, and sign out of any extra devices.
4. Clear Cache Files
Cached data can become corrupted for a long time, causing the YouTube TV playback error and other streaming issues. So, you'd better eliminate them to have a fresh start. But you should note that you will not watch the removed YouTube videos anymore.
- 1. On your Android and Smart TV, go to "Settings" then "Apps" and select "YouTube TV".
- 2. Head to "Storage", then select "Clear Cache" or "Clear Data".
- 3. Meanwhile, on iOS, reinstalling the app will resolve the issue.
5. Configure Browser Settings
If you're watching on a web browser, ensure cookies and JavaScript are activated. Additionally, disable all browser extensions that may cause the YouTube TV playback error.
- 1. Go to your browser's "Settings".
- 2. Click "Extensions", and select the ones you need to turn off temporarily.
- 3. Then go to "Privacy and Security" to clear cache and cookies.
6. Update YouTube TV
You're aware that an outdated app can cause compatibility issues. Updating the YouTube TV app will have the latest version, fix bugs, and improve performance.
- 1. On your mobile device, go to the "Play Store" or "App Store".
- 2. Search for "YouTube TV".
- 3. If an update is available, tap the "Update" button.
7. Try a Different Device or Browser
If the issue is not device-specific, try streaming YouTube TV on another device. Alternatively, if you're watching on a browser, switch to a different browser to see if the YouTube TV playback error persists.
- 1. Among the browsers you can use are Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
- 2. For the device, consider using a computer or tablet instead of a mobile device.
8. Change Location
Since YouTube TV is a location-based platform, it may not work correctly if you're in a restricted area or using a VPN. For this, turn off any location services and ensure your location settings are accurate.
- 1. Turn off the VPN or proxy service in your device's settings.
- 2. Now, ensure that "Location Services" are turned on.
- 3. Then, update your current playback area by going to "Settings" and then selecting "Area" to "Home area" on the YouTube TV app.
9. Contact YouTube TV Support
If none of the above fixes work for the YouTube TV playback error, the issues might be on the platform's end. In this case, please visit the YouTube TV Help Center or contact their support team for further assistance.
| Solution | Pros | Cons |
| Check Internet Connection | Quick to verify and solve most streaming issues | It may need a router reset. |
| Restart the YouTube TV Appconfigured issues, keeps data | Fast and easy fix for temporary glitches. | It may not work for serious technical problems. |
| Remove Extra Devices | Solves device limit conflicts and improves performance. | Needs manual sign-outs on other devices. |
| Clear Cache Files | It frees up memory and deletes corrupted data. | Reset saved preferences possibility. |
| Configure Browser Settings | Fixes browser-related playback issues. | It can be technical for non-techy users. |
| Update YouTube TV | Ensures compatibility with the latest features. | The update may not be instantly available. |
| Try a Different Device or Browser | Identifies device-specific problems. | Not always convenient if one device is available. |
| Change Location | Resolves geo-restrictions and VPN issues. | Needs disabling VPNs or changing settings. |
| Contact YouTube TV Support | Provides professional and official assistance for unresolved issues. | It may take some time, and the response to support varies. |
Fix YouTube Videos Unplayable on Your Computer or Phone
After experiencing a YouTube TV playback error, what if your playback issues are actually with your downloaded YouTube video? It appears to be broken, with problems including skipping, freezing, or lagging. For worse scenarios like these, the most effective way is to repair them with AnyRec Video Repair. This software is designed to repair corrupted, unplayable videos that suffer from errors caused by incomplete transfers, failed downloads, or data corruption. You can guarantee that it accurately identifies the issues within the YouTube video and restores it to its original quality without affecting the resolution and clarity.
Utilize advanced video restoration technology to ensure high-quality recovery.
Repair a broken or glitchy YouTube video that skips, freezes, or lags.
Use a good reference video to rebuild the unplayable file accurately.
Allow previewing the fixed YouTube video before saving.
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Step 1.Launch AnyRec Video Repair on your computer. Click the "Add" button to add your broken YouTube video. Then, upload the sample on the other side. You can also fix the file format is not supported.
Step 2.Click the "Repair" button. The software will scan and rebuild the video, fixing the damage that causes playback errors. Once done, use the "Preview" button to verify that the video plays correctly.
Step 3.If the video plays smoothly, confirm all the details below. Click the "Save" button to export the repair file to your device.
Conclusion
The YouTube TV playback error can be a nightmare for many users, but today, you see that they are easy to resolve with the right approach. From checking your connection and clearing cache to updating the app, the nine ways above can help you get back to seamless streaming as soon as possible. However, if you're dealing with a downloaded YouTube video that won't play, consider using AnyRec Video Repair. This powerful tool is specifically made to fix corrupted or unplayable videos, giving you a smooth playback once again with no quality loss.
Secure Download
Secure Download
