Not every YouTube video is available for download, and that’s not a glitch. Some are restricted by creators, some are locked behind Premium, and others fail due to technical issues like storage, app bugs, or region limitations. For users looking to save videos offline without relying solely on the YouTube app, tools like TubeFetcher YouTube Downloader offer a practical way to download supported content for personal viewing.
This guide walks through the most common reasons downloads fail and what you can do to fix them across Android, iPhone, and desktop.
1- Internet Speed: The Hidden Download Killer
If your internet speed drops below 3 Mbps, YouTube downloads often fail to initialize or complete. This applies whether you’re on Wi-Fi or mobile data. YouTube requires a stable connection to buffer and store the video content locally.
Use a speed test tool to measure your connection. If speeds are low, switch to a stronger network or wait until the signal improves. On mobile, toggling airplane mode off and on can help reset signal strength. If slow connections are an ongoing issue, tools designed for weak networks, like those discussed in the YouTube downloader for slow internet, can help.
2- Check Your YouTube Premium Status
Most YouTube video downloads are only available for Premium users. If your subscription has expired or payment didn’t go through, download functionality may be disabled.
To check your Premium status: Go to the YouTube app → Tap your profile → Settings → Purchases and memberships.
If the membership shows inactive, renew to restore access.
3- You May Have Reached the Device Limit
YouTube Premium allows offline downloads on a limited number of devices per account. Once that threshold is reached, downloads won’t work on additional devices.
To fix this, open the app on devices you no longer use and delete previously downloaded videos. Then try downloading again on your main device.
You’re Not Signed In to the Right Account
Downloads only work for the Google account that holds the Premium membership. If you’ve switched accounts or were signed out, YouTube may block downloads.
Go to your profile, check which account is active, and switch to the Premium-linked one if necessary.
4- Your Device Storage Is Full
When your phone or tablet runs out of free space, YouTube downloads won’t start. Videos need local storage to be saved offline.
Delete unused apps, old downloads, or large media files. After clearing space, reopen the YouTube app and attempt the download again.
If you want full storage control, guides like download YouTube videos to file manager walk you through managing saved files directly.
5- YouTube App Cache or Data Is Corrupt
A corrupted or bloated app cache can interfere with background processes like video downloading.
To resolve this:
On Android: Settings → Apps → YouTube → Storage → Clear Cache.
On iPhone: Delete and reinstall the app (no cache clearing option).
This resets the download system and fixes most invisible app glitches.
6- The App Might Be Outdated
Outdated app versions may have unresolved bugs or compatibility issues that affect downloading.
Visit the Play Store or App Store, search for YouTube, and tap “Update” if available. After updating, relaunch the app and try downloading again.
7- Not All Videos Are Meant to Be Downloaded
Some videos are restricted due to creator settings, copyright, or region. In these cases, the download option is intentionally disabled.
Common examples:
- Music videos under licensing agreements
- Age-restricted content
- Region-locked documentaries or news clips
See Is it legal to download YouTube videos? which dives into copyright rules and restrictions.
8- Download Quality Settings Could Be the Problem
Higher video quality settings (720p, 1080p) need more bandwidth and storage. If your connection or space is limited, downloads may fail silently.
Lower the quality setting:
YouTube App → Settings → Downloads → Video Quality → Choose 360p or 480p.
Then attempt the download again.
9- Mobile Data Issues: Limits, Settings, Permissions
On mobile networks, data saver settings, background data blocks, or low data modes can prevent downloads.
To fix:
- Enable background data for the YouTube app
- Turn off Data Saver mode
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data when possible
Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage → YouTube → Enable all data permissions.
Alternative Download Methods (For Your Own Legal Use)
If you need a reliable tool to save your own YouTube videos offline (like lectures, public talks, or copyright-free clips), use a desktop downloader.
TubeFetcher YouTube Downloader is a safe, ad-free option for this:
- Works on Windows and Android (Mac version coming soon)
- Supports MP4 and MP3 formats
- Offers resolutions from 144p to 1080p+
- No browser extensions or trackers
- Fully offline with no login required
If you’re new to it, here’s the full guide: How to use TubeFetcher.
Is It Legal to Download YouTube Videos?
Downloading videos outside YouTube’s app is against their Terms of Service. Even with Premium, some videos are excluded from offline use.
However, fair use may apply in some personal cases, such as educational content, backups of your own uploads, or public domain material.
For a full breakdown, see Is it legal to download YouTube videos?.
Final Tips Before You Give Up
Still having trouble?
- Restart your device
- Clear app data (not just cache)
- Try downloading a different video
- Contact YouTube support if your Premium is active but still blocked
Looking for a Private, Ad-Free Download Tool?
If your use case is personal, private, and legitimate, try:
TubeFetcher YouTube Downloader, a desktop YouTube downloader with no ads, no bloat, and full control.
Download the latest versions here: TubeFetcher Downloads
For Windows users: TubeFetcher Windows setup
For Android users: TubeFetcher Android APK (universal)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can’t I download some YouTube videos?
Some YouTube videos are restricted by creators or YouTube policies, making them unavailable for download even with Premium. These include music videos, rented/purchased films, or region-locked content. If you’re hitting this wall, tools like TubeFetcher YouTube Downloader can help you save videos that are freely accessible for personal use. For full legal clarity, check Is it legal to download YouTube videos?.
Q: Why are some videos not available for download?
Availability depends on copyright, content type, and regional rules. Creators can disable downloads, and certain videos, like live streams or music tracks, are often blocked by default. Even the YouTube app enforces these limits. That’s where third-party solutions like TubeFetcher YouTube Downloader provide flexibility within safe boundaries. For region-specific issues, see download YouTube videos offline without Premium.
Q: How do I fix the download not working on YouTube Premium?
First, check your connection, storage space, and app updates. YouTube Premium doesn’t allow every video to be downloaded, especially protected content. If the issue persists, try downloading using tools like TubeFetcher, which work around non-premium-friendly formats when permitted. If storage is part of the problem, guides like download YouTube videos to file manager can help.
Q: Why is my YouTube not downloading videos offline?
It could be due to cache issues, outdated app versions, or restrictions set by the video owner. Restarting your device or clearing the app cache helps, but not always. In those cases, TubeFetcher offers an alternative way to access download-friendly videos without needing Premium. If the problem is unstable connectivity, you may want to check YouTube downloader for slow internet.
