Just updated your iPhone SE and now YouTube keeps crashing, freezing, or not loading at all? You’re not alone. This is a common headache after iOS updates — and luckily, it’s usually fixable. Here’s how to troubleshoot the YouTube app when it stops working properly after installing a new iOS version.
Check Your Internet Connection First
YouTube needs a strong internet connection to work right. If your iPhone’s struggling to load anything online, that’s your first clue.
- Make sure you’re connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Try loading a webpage in Safari to confirm your connection is solid.
- If your internet is unstable, fix that first — YouTube will work once your connection does.
Force Close YouTube and Background Apps
Sometimes the app just needs a quick refresh.
To close YouTube:
- Press the Home button twice quickly to open the app switcher.
- Find YouTube in the list of running apps.
- Swipe up on it to close the app completely.
Reopen YouTube and see if it loads correctly.
Restart Your iPhone SE
A simple restart can solve a lot of post-update weirdness.
To do a soft reset:
- Press and hold the Power button until Slide to Power Off appears.
- Drag the slider.
- After about 30 seconds, press the Power button again to turn it back on.
If your screen is frozen:
Do a force restart by pressing and holding Power + Home button together for 10–20 seconds until the Apple logo appears.
Toggle Wi-Fi Off and Back On
If it still won’t load, try refreshing your iPhone’s internet connection.
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
- Turn Wi-Fi off.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Turn it back on and reconnect to your network.
Reset Network Settings (If Needed)
If your Wi-Fi connection is glitchy or dropping, a network reset might help.
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Reset Network Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Tap to confirm.
Your phone will restart. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and test YouTube again.
Update the YouTube App
The app might not be fully compatible with the latest iOS yet. Check for updates:
- Open the App Store.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right.
- Scroll to the YouTube app.
- Tap Update if available (or Update All if you see multiple updates).
Restart your phone after updating to make sure changes take effect.
Delete and Reinstall YouTube
If YouTube is still crashing, reinstalling the app can give you a clean, working version.
- Tap and hold the YouTube app icon.
- When it starts to wiggle, tap the X in the corner.
- Tap Delete to confirm.
- Restart your iPhone.
Then reinstall:
- Open the App Store.
- Search for YouTube.
- Tap Get and install it.
- Open the app and sign in if needed.
Still Not Working? Contact Support
If none of these steps fix it, the issue might be deeper — possibly a bug with the app or iOS version. Reach out to:
- YouTube Help Center
- Apple Support if it seems system-wide
Also, note any error messages and share them — they can help tech support figure things out faster.