YouTube is one of the most preferred video-streaming websites and is very easily accessible. Despite being so popular, it is not completely glitch-free and exhibits certain errors.
Recently, many users have been complaining about seeing an error message that appears frequently while watching the videos online. “YouTube an error occurred” is one such issue that prevents the users from watching videos.
If this error is bothering you, check the fixes discussed below to resolve the error on your own.
Reasons why you are Seeing “YouTube an Error Occurred”
There can be various causes responsible for the message “YouTube an error occurred”. However, some of the major factors are:
Outdated System Drivers: Using outdated drivers can slow down the PC and also create video/audio errors. On such occasions, updating the drivers can be helpful.
Damaged Browser Files: This error can also be triggered by missing or damaged browser files. In that case, reinstalling the browser files can be a reliable solution.
Badly Cached DNS Data: At times, DNS Resolver Cache interferes with the outgoing connections, which result in the error. But, removing the DNS cache might resolve this YouTube issue.
Modified Network Connection: Such kind of error is known to arise with Dynamic IP configurations. But, restarting the modem or router can sort it out.
Well, now you are well accustomed to the potential cause of this specific YouTube error message. Therefore, refer to the troubleshooting section and try to treat the error on your own.
Solutions to Fix “YouTube An Error Occurred Playback ID”
Though this YouTube error is an annoying situation, it can be sorted out easily. But, before you move towards any technical methods, press the F5 function key and the page will reload from the server.
Afterward, if the error still persists, then follow up the underlying methods and try to troubleshoot it in no time.
Method 1: Remove Cache and Cookies
At times, browser cache and cookies get corrupted, which prevents Youtube from running properly. Due to this, it might display “Youtube an error occurred” message.
In such circumstances, use the “Forget About This Site”, which is a useful Firefox feature. It helps you to clear out the saved password, cache, cookies for a certain website (YouTube). In order to utilize this feature, proceed with these instructions.
- Initiate the Firefox and invoke the browsing history by pressing the combination of the CTRL + H key.
- Once the browsing history page opens, look for the YouTube link.
- After you find the link, right-tap on it and hit the “Choose About This Site” button from the appeared menu.
Lastly, reload Firefox and attempt to play any YouTube video to check whether the error persists.
Method 2: Turn Off the Shockwave Flash
At times, Shockwave Flash potentially can trigger this YouTube error. Therefore, we suggest you turn it off and verify if it helps. In order to turn off the Shockwave Flash, carry out these steps.
- Invoke the Firefox and enter “about:addons” into its address bar.
- Navigate to the Plugins section and search for the Shockwave Flash.
- Once you find it, right-tap on it and hit the drop-down menu.
- Select the “Never Activate” option from the drop-down menu.
Note– If you do not use Firefox, then ensure that you have disabled the Shockwave Flash on the browser you are using.
Method 3: Disable Hardware Acceleration and Modify Video Resolution
A majority of users have claimed that hardware accelerating can trigger the errors on YouTube. Therefore, let’s see how you can disable it.
Step 1: Open the Firefox and navigate to the Options. Once the Options tab invokes, scroll down the page and try to locate the “Performance” option.
Step 2: Under the Performance section, deselect both “Use hardware acceleration when available” and “Use recommended performance settings”.
Step 3: After performing these instructions, hit the Apply button as well as the OK button to save the recent changes.
Note– If you use a different browser, then try to turn off the hardware acceleration on it.
Method 4: Upgrade Audio Drivers
If you are using outdated audio drivers, the occurrence of “YouTube an error occurred Playback ID” is a common event. But, this error can be easily resolved by updating the audio drivers. Hence, follow the underlying instructions to upgrade the audio drivers.
- Press the combination of the Windows logo + R key to initiate the Run dialog box. Write “devmgmt.msc” inside the box and hit the Enter key to run the command.
- Once the Device Manager window invokes, try to locate the outdated audio driver and proceed to right-tap on it.
- Afterward, choose the “Update Driver” button from the appeared menu.
- Let the device look for the latest drivers by hitting the “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
- Choose the “Install Update” button from the resultant menu.
These are the steps that should be performed in order to upgrade the audio drivers. After completing the update process, reboot your device to apply the new modifications.
Method 5: Reset the DNS
Resetting the DNS can be another potential way that can help you to overcome the YouTube error. So, you can try this solution by following the under mentioned instructions.
Initially, click on the Network icon in your system bar and select the “Open Network & Internet” settings from the appeared menu. Inside this settings menu, choose the “Change adapter” options.
In the next screen, find out your “Network Connection” and proceed to right tap on it. Afterward, invoke the Properties menu and choose “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)” from the context window.
Now, go to “Properties” and select “Use the following DNS server addresses”. Then set the “Preferred DNS server” to 8.8.8.8 and “Alternate DNS server” to 8.8.4.4. After finishing these instructions, save the changes by tapping on the OK button.
Method 6: Execute System Restore
The issue might occur due to the bad codec that is currently installed on your device. In such situations, executing the System Restore might help you. To carry out this task, follow the undermentioned steps.
- Open the Run window and write “rstrui” inside the dialog box. Afterward, hit the Enter key to initiate the System Restore Wizard.
- Under the System Restore Wizard, look for the “Show More Restore Points” option from the available menu.
- Select a restore point that is dated before you first confront the YouTube error.
- Now, hit the Next button to initiate the restoration process.
- When the restoration process gets over, choose “Finish” and reboot your device to let the new changes take effect.
If all these methods fail to resolve the “YouTube an error occurred” error, then reinstalling the browser can be the last resort for you. For this purpose, you can follow the on-screen instructions according to your browser.
