10 Ways to Fix YouTube "Error Loading. Tap to Retry" on iPhone

User Concern

“I'm stucked with an error in my YouTube app 'Error loading. Tap to retry.' I tried all the possible solutions that are available online but I'm still getting the error. Can someone help to fix?”

When watching videos or live streams on the YouTube app, you might see the message “Error Loading. Tap To Retry.” Tapping retry often brings the error right back, making it impossible to watch the YouTube video on your iPhone.

What can you do when this happens? This post has the answers. We’ll explain why does YouTube keep saying error loading on your iPhone and walk you through 11 simple ways to fix it.

Why Is YouTube Saying Error Loading Tap To Retry on iPhone?

Sometimes, YouTube stops playing videos and shows a message, “Error Loading. Tap to Retry.” Even after tapping to retry, the issue can persist. Here are some common reasons for this problem:

• Network Problems – A weak or unstable network connection can cause errors or interrupt video streaming on YouTube.
• Account Settings – When your account settings are not configured correctly, YouTube may stop working or have issues.
• Bugs or Glitches – Like other apps on your iPhone, YouTube can sometimes have software glitches that cause the loading issue.
• Outdated App - If your YouTube app isn’t updated to the latest version, it may have bugs or compatibility issues.
• Server Issues - Sometimes, a temporary server problem or YouTube outage could be the cause.

How to Fix YouTube "Error Loading. Tap to Retry" on iPhone?

Now that you know some common causes of the YouTube “Error Loading. Tap to Retry” issue, let’s explore the troubleshooting methods to fix it.

1. Force Close YouTube App

To fix the YouTube “Error Loading. Tap to Retry” issue, try force quitting the YouTube app and reopening it. Force quitting frees up memory used by the app, so if storage issues caused the error, this can help resolve it quickly.

• If you have an iPhone with Face ID, you can force quit the YouTube app by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and dragging the app's preview card upward.
• If your iPhone has a Home button, double-click it to view the YouTube app's preview card, then swipe it up to close the app.

2. Update YouTube App

If you haven't updated the YouTube app on your iPhone for a long time, you might encounter the "Error Loading. Tap to Retry" issue. To resolve this, try updating the YouTube app through the App Store.

• Open the App Store and select the Updates option.
• Locate the YouTube app in the update section. Then tap the Update button next to the YouTube app to install the latest version.
• Wait for the update to complete. When it's done, tap the Open button to launch the YouTube app.

3. Reinstall the YouTube App

After using the YouTube app for a long time, it can accumulate a lot of cached data, which may lead to issues. In such cases, reinstalling the YouTube app can help resolve these problems.

Uninstall YouTube App

• Long-tap on the YouTube app. An X icon will appear, just tap it to remove the app.

Install YouTube App Again

• Head to the App Store and search for YouTube app.
• Tap the Get button next to the app and then download it on iPhone.

4. Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

If your network connection is slow or unstable, try enabling Airplane Mode for a few seconds and then disabling it. Turning on Airplane Mode disables all wireless communications on your device, including cellular data and Wi-Fi. When you turn it off, it reactivates those connections, refreshing the network settings. This simple step may help resolve the YouTube error message.

5. Allow Cellular Data and Background App Refresh for YouTube

You might have accidentally disabled cellular data for the YouTube app on your iPhone, which could be causing the “Error Loading. Tap to Retry” issue. Allowing the YouTube app to access cellular data and enabling the Background App Refresh feature may resolve the error. Here’s how to do it:

• Launch Settings, scroll to the YouTube option, and tap it.
• Now, enable Mobile Data and the Background App Refresh feature for YouTube.

6. Sign Out of YouTube Account and Sign In Again

If your account settings are misconfigured, you may experience various streaming errors. To resolve these errors, try signing out of your YouTube account and then signing back in. Alternatively, you can use YouTube in incognito mode or as a guest. Here’s how to sign out and back into YouTube:

• Open the YouTube app on your iPhone, tap your profile icon.
• Then, tap your username and select Use YouTube Signed Out.
• To sign back in, click on your profile icon again and select Sign in.

7. Update Your iPhone’s iOS Version

Apple frequently releases software updates to fix issues and bugs in iOS. By keeping your iPhone updated to the latest iOS version, the tap-to-retry error may be resolved. You can update iOS now by following these steps.

• Launch Settings and access the General tab.
• Select Software Update.
• If an update is available, tap on the Download and Install button, and the new iOS version will be downloaded and installed on your iPhone.

8. Wait Half an Hour and Replay the Video

If the error continues, don’t try to play the video again right away. Wait for about 30 minutes, as recommended by the YouTube team. There may be an issue on YouTube’s servers that’s preventing the video from playing on your device. After the half-hour, check to see if the video plays.

9. Check If YouTube Servers Are Down

Are you still seeing the YouTube "Error Loading. Tap to Retry" message after trying the solutions above? The issue might be with YouTube itself, so it's a good idea to check if the YouTube servers are down. You can do this by visiting YouTube Support or checking their official Twitter page for updates.

10. Best Way to Fix YouTube Error Loading Tap to Retry on iPhone

If nothing worked, try using a third-party tool like FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. This software can resolve any issue on iPhone, including YouTube error loading tap to retry. It is very simple to use, and works well with the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 18. Here's all you need to do:

• Download and install the iOS System Repair tool on your computer, and launch it. Next, click on Standard Mode.

• Connect your iPhone to the computer via USB cable and wait for the software to detect it.
• Once the device is detected, click Download to get the most suitable firmware.

• After successfully downloading the firmware, click on Fix Now and the program will start to repair the device.

Conclusion

Though the YouTube error loading tap to retry issue is frustrating, you can quickly fix it using the methods provided above. If the error continues to appear, your iPhone may have some software issues and the most effective solution to that is to use FoneGeek iOS System Recovery. This tool will help you get rid of the issue quickly and allow you to watch any video that you want in the YouTube app.