If the YouTube app on your iPhone 11 keeps crashing randomly — whether it’s on launch or while watching a video — you’re not alone. It’s a common issue that usually boils down to bad internet, outdated app versions, or system glitches. This guide walks you through all the working fixes to get YouTube running smoothly again.
1. Force Close YouTube and Restart Your iPhone
Sometimes the app just needs a fresh start.
To force quit YouTube:
- Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
- Find the YouTube app card, then swipe it up to close it.
Then restart your iPhone:
- Hold the Side button + Volume Up together.
- Drag the Power off slider.
- Wait 30 seconds, then hold the Side button again to turn it back on.
Once it restarts, open YouTube and test if it still crashes.
2. Check Your Internet Connection
Poor or unstable Wi-Fi can cause YouTube to crash unexpectedly.
Option A: Toggle Wi-Fi
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Turn Wi-Fi OFF, wait 10 seconds, then turn it ON again.
Option B: Use Airplane Mode
- Open Settings > Airplane Mode.
- Turn it ON, wait 10–15 seconds, then turn it OFF again.
- Reconnect to your Wi-Fi and test YouTube.
If possible, switch to mobile data or another Wi-Fi network to see if the crashing persists.
3. Turn Off App Restrictions
App restrictions could be interfering with YouTube’s performance.
- Open Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
- Turn the toggle OFF.
- If prompted, enter your Screen Time passcode.
Try launching YouTube again. If that works, you can go back in and allow YouTube explicitly while keeping other restrictions in place.
4. Update the YouTube App
If you’re using an old version of the app, it may be buggy.
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon (top right).
- Scroll down to Available Updates.
- Tap Update next to YouTube. You can also tap Update All.
After updating, restart your phone and try the app again.
5. Update iOS (Optional but Recommended)
Sometimes a system update includes fixes for app crashes.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Make sure your phone has at least 50% battery or is plugged in during the update.
6. Reset All Settings
Resetting all settings can fix misconfigured options without erasing your data.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset > Reset All Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted, then confirm.
This will reset Wi-Fi, VPN, and other settings to default, so reconnect to your Wi-Fi afterward and test YouTube again.
7. Delete and Reinstall YouTube
If all else fails, remove and reinstall the app completely.
To delete:
- Long-press the YouTube app icon.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App.
To reinstall:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap Search, then type in YouTube.
- Tap the GET button to download and reinstall it.
- Open the app once it’s installed.
Still Crashing? Check for Outages
If YouTube is crashing for everyone, not just you, check:
- Downdetector YouTube Page
- Or visit youtube.com in Safari to see if videos load there.
If the site works fine and the app still crashes, you may want to report the issue via the YouTube app’s feedback feature or contact Google support directly.