In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the issue of YouTube not working on Safari. When it comes to web browsers, then Mac users have a plethora of options to choose from, not just in the Chromium domain but even on the Webkit platform. However, it’s the defacto offering from the Cupertino giant that manages to checkmark the requirements for many. Moreover, its handy integration with other Apple devices makes it the go-to choice for users.
However, in spite of all the goodies that it has to offer, it isn’t free from its fair share of issues either. For instance, numerous users have recently voiced their concern that YouTube is not working along the expected lines in the Safari browser. In this regard, the affected users have said that video streaming tends to undergo constant stuttering, lags, and frame drops, even though there’s nothing wrong with the network connectivity.
As a result of this, it is completely ruining their entire viewing experience and is proving to be a cause of infuriation, which is completely understandable. On the brighter side though, there do exist numerous workarounds that should help you address this bug. So without further ado, let’s check them out.
Fix YouTube not working on Safari
It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned tweaks and then check which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.
FIX 1: Delete Safari Cache
If a lot of temporary data gets accumulated over the course of time, then not only will it slow down the browser, but it could have an adverse impact on its proper functioning as well. Therefore, it is recommended that you delete these cached data, which could be done as follows:
- Open Safari via Launchpad/Finder and go to Safari > Settings from the top menu.
- After that, go to the Advanced tab and checkmark Show features for web developers.
- Now click on Develop and select Empty Cache. Check if it rectifies the issue or not.
FIX 2: Disable Extensions
In some instances, a third-party extension might conflict with the proper functioning of the browser. Therefore, you should disable all the extensions and then check if YouTube is working in Safari or not. If it is, then re-enable the extensions, one at a time, until you are able to re-create the issue. The last enabled extension that led to the re-appearance of the issue is your culprit and you should uninstall it from the browser for good. Here’s how it could be done:
- Open Safari and go to Safari > Settings from the top menu.
- Then go to the Extensions tab and uninstall all the extensions.
- Now re-enable them one at a time until you catch the culprit.
- Once you identify it, make sure to uninstall that extension.
FIX 3: Boot to Safe Mode
A third-party app might as well prevent Safari from carrying out its normal functionalities. Therefore, you should consider booting your PC to Safe Mode which will disable all the third-party apps. If the issue is not there in this mode, then te culprit is a third-party app that needs to be removed from your PC at the earliest. Here’s how it could be done:
- To begin with, power off your Mac.
- Press and hold the power button on your Mac until you see the “Loading startup options”.
- Now select a volume. Then press and hold the Shift key and click Continue in Safe Mode.
- Your PC will now boot to Safe Mode. Check if Safari can play the video without any issues.
- If it is, then reboot to normal mode and uninstall the recently installed apps after which the issue first came to light.
FIX 4: Turn off Hide IP Address
YouTube might also not work in Safari if you have hidden your IP Address from it. In that case, you should consider showing the IP address to the site, using the instructions given below
- Open Safari and go to Safari > Settings from the top menu.
- Then go to the Privacy tab and uncheck Hide IP Address.
- Now restart the browser and check if the issue is fixed or not.
FIX 5: Turn off Private Relay
- Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Private Relay.
- Tap on Private Relay and select Turn Off Private Relay.
- Check whether it manages to rectify the issue or not.
FIX 6: Use Safari Technological Preview
Safari Technological Preview is the Safari browser made for developers to carry out debugging and other advanced-related tasks. But you could also use this browser to stream YouTube videos without any issues as the issues that affect the generic Safari don’t necessarily impact Technological build. So download and install it from its official site and check if it resolves the issue.
FIX 7: Reset NVRAM and SMC
Both M1/M2 and Intel-based Macs come with Non-Volatile Random Access Memory, popularly known as NVRAM, which holds information about the configuration of your Mac. They store details related to your desktop settings, mouse, keyboard, time zone, and display resolution, among others. But if this stored data gets corrupted, then its associated hardware or software component might not be able to perform as expected. In that case, your only course of action will be to reset the NVRAM, as explained below:
- If you have an M1 or M2 Mac, then just a normal restart will reset the NVRAM.
- For an Intel-based Mac, you should first turn off your PC.
- Then before the gray screen appears, press the CMD, Option, P, and R keys together.
- Keep on pressing these keys until your Mac restarts and you hear the startup sound.
- Once that happens, you may release the keys and the NVRAM reset is now complete.
- Now launch Safari and check if YouTube is working or not.
FIX 8: Switch to Different Browser
While it goes along the obvious lines, but if none of the aforementioned browsers worked out, then your last course of action should be to switch to a different web browser. If you are planning for a Chromium build, then you may opt for the likes of Google Chrome, Opera, and Vivaldi whereas if we talk about the Webkit platform, then Orion might be a decent option.
That’s it. These were the various methods that should help you fix the issue of YouTube not working in the Safari browser. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution as soon as possible.
