Can’t Download YouTube Videos? Reasons and Solutions Here!

Quick Answer:
You can solve the YouTube not downloading issue according to the possible cause or download YouTube videos to your device using other tested-and-worked tools, such as SurFast Video Downloader.

Downloading YouTube videos for offline viewing can be incredibly convenient, but it’s not always straightforward. If you’re facing issues with downloading content from YouTube, you’re not alone. There are generally two recognized approaches to downloading videos from YouTube to your computer or mobile device:

• Official Method: Subscribe to YouTube Premium, which officially allows you to save videos for offline viewing on supported devices.
• Third-Party Solutions: Use YouTube video downloader tools or services to save videos from YouTube to your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

The reasons why you can’t download a YouTube video can vary widely depending on the method you choose, as well as other factors such as region restrictions, copyright claims, and technical limitations. In this guide, we will explore these factors in detail and provide troubleshooting tips to help you resolve common download issues.

Why Can’t You Download YouTube Videos Anymore

As previously mentioned, the possible causes vary depending on the approach you use:

For YouTube Premium Members:

If you are a YouTube Premium member and find yourself unable to download videos, this could be due to several reasons:

• There may be an issue with your network connection; it might not be stable or connected at all.
• You are not signed into your YouTube account or have not enabled the Premium service.
• Your YouTube Premium membership has expired.
• You have switched to a location where YouTube Premium is not available.
• If you can’t download videos on mobile data, it’s likely because you’ve set restrictions in your app settings to allow downloads only via Wi-Fi.
• You have installed an outdated version of the YouTube app which does not support downloading.
• If you see an error message stating “This video cannot be saved offline,” you might have reached the device limit of YouTube Premium, which is 10 devices per account.
• On mobile devices, background data usage might not be enabled, preventing downloads when the app is not actively open.

For Users of Third-Party Tools:

If you are using a third-party YouTube downloader extension, website, or software and encounter issues downloading videos, consider the following potential causes:

• A lack of a stable internet connection.
• Some YouTube downloaders, particularly browser extensions and online services, may have ceased offering the download feature due to compliance with regulations or other limitations.
• YouTube has updated its algorithms or security measures to prevent third-party tools from bypassing their download restrictions.
• The content you wish to download may be under DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) protection, prohibiting unauthorized downloading.

8 Fixes to YouTube Videos Not Downloading

Now that we’ve explored the various reasons why you might be encountering issues when trying to download YouTube videos, let’s move on to the practical steps you can take to resolve these problems. Each solution below is designed to tackle a specific cause, guiding you through the process to restore your ability to download videos successfully.

If you prefer not to troubleshoot each issue one by one, you can skip ahead to the next section where we provide easy methods to get videos from YouTube onto your computer or mobile device without delving into detailed fixes.

Check Your Network Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading any videos from the internet. Follow these quick steps to ensure your network is working properly:

• Verify Connectivity: Ensure your device is connected to the internet by checking if other apps or websites load.
• Test Speed: Use a service like Speedtest by Ookla to check if your internet speed is sufficient for downloading.
• Switch Networks: Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see if one works better.
• Restart Router/Modem: Unplug your router/modem for 30 seconds, then plug it back in to refresh your connection.

Check Your Account

Make sure you have an active YouTube Premium subscription to download videos. Here’s how to check:

• Verify Subscription: Go to your YouTube account settings and check if you’re subscribed to YouTube Premium. You can do this by tapping your profile picture, selecting ” memberships,” and confirming that YouTube Premium is listed and active.
• Check Expiration Date: Ensure your membership hasn’t expired. If it has, you’ll need to renew it.

Check Your Location

YouTube Premium isn’t available in all regions, so it’s important to verify if your location supports it. You can check YouTube Premium membership available locations here.

Check Your YouTube Download Settings

If you’re having trouble downloading videos to your phone on mobile data, your download settings might be set to only allow downloads over Wi-Fi. Here’s how to check and adjust the settings:

Step 1. Open the YouTube app and go to your profile settings.

Step 2. Tap “Background & Downloads” and disable the “Download over Wi-Fi only” option.

Now you can save YouTube videos for offline use on both Wi-Fi and mobile data.

Update YouTube to the Latest Version

An outdated YouTube app can sometimes cause issues with downloading videos. Updating to the latest version can resolve these problems. You can go to the App Store (iOS) or the Google Play Store (Android) to update your YouTube app.

Resolve Device Limit Issues

If you see an error message saying “This video cannot be saved offline,” you might have reached the YouTube Premium device limit (10 devices per account). To fix this:

Step 1. Go to your YouTube account settings.

Step 2. Find and manage the list of linked devices.

Step 3. Remove devices you no longer use.

After removing a device, try downloading the video again.

Enable Background Data Usage on Your Mobile

If you’re unable to download YouTube videos while using mobile data, it might be because background data usage is disabled. You can easily turn on the option in your app settings. Let me take Android as an example:

Step 1. Press and hold on to the YouTube app icon on your phone.

Step 2. Tap “App info” and choose “Mobile data & Wi-Fi.”

Step 3. Toggle on the “Background data” option and then try to download the video again.

Switch to Other YouTube Video Downloader Tools

If you’ve tried the above solutions and are still encountering issues with downloading YouTube videos, or if you prefer a more direct solution, it might be worth considering switching to other YouTube video downloader tools.

If you’re willing to try this approach, don’t miss the powerful YouTube downloaders listed in the next section.

Reliable YouTube Video Downloaders That Still Work in 2025

If you’re still facing challenges with downloading YouTube videos, exploring reliable third-party video downloaders can offer a straightforward solution. Below are some of the best tools that continue to work effectively.

SurFast Video Downloader

SurFast Video Downloader is a robust audio & video download tool for over 1,000 sites, including YouTube. It helps to download YouTube videos (including private videos, live streams, audio, playlists, channels, chapters, thumbnails, and subtiles. It’s Clipping feature allows you to download part of a YouTube video or audio to save your favorite part. Let’s take a close look at this tool.

• Supported resolutions: 8K, 4K, 2K, 1080p, 720p, 360p
• Supported video formats: MP4, WebM, AVI, MKV, FLV, MOV, and GIF
• Supported audio formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, OGG. FLAC, and OPUS
• Supported sites: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, Twitch, and more
• Supported OS: Windows and macOS

To download videos from YouTube to your computer:

It’s worth noting that the SurFast Video Downloader development team continuously updates the app to ensure it functions properly for downloading online videos from supported sites. If you encounter issues with downloading videos, contacting their support team can help. They are known for their responsiveness and are likely to release a new version to resolve the problem quickly.

JDownloader

JDownloader is a powerful, open-source download manager that supports downloading videos from YouTube and many other platforms. It offers an intuitive interface and advanced features like batch downloading, linkgrabber functionality, and integration with various hosting services. JDownloader also supports resuming interrupted downloads, making it a reliable choice for large files. Best of all, it’s free and available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Addoncrop YouTube Video Downloader Extension

If you’ve tried browser extensions to extract videos from YouTube, you’ve probably found that many of them no longer work. However, Addoncrop YouTube Video Downloader stands out as a reliable option. It remains functional on major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Yandex, Safari, Brave, and Vivaldi, allowing you to successfully download videos from YouTube without software.

Online YouTube Video Download Services

Honestly speaking, I’m reluctant to recommend online video download sites. These services can be highly unstable and potentially risky, often redirecting you to other sites or prompting the installation of unknown apps. However, if you still prefer using online services, here are a few websites you might consider:

• SSYouTube
• SaveFrom.net
• Y2Mate
• TubeRipper

Caution: Always exercise caution when using these services. Verify the security and legitimacy of each site before proceeding. Be wary of any requests to install additional software or provide personal information.

FAQs on YouTube Video Download

While downloading YT videos, you may also want to know:

Can I download YouTube videos without Premium?

Yes, you can download videos from YouTube to your computer or phone without using Premium by using third-party YouTube video downloaders, such as:

• SurFast Video Downloader
• JDownloader
• YTD Video Downloader
• ClipGrab

Why can’t I download YouTube videos on Android, Windows 10, and Chrome?

There are various possible reasons why you can’t download YouTube videos. The main reasons are:

• Network issues
• Expired or inactive YouTube Premium subscription
• Location restrictions
• Improper download settings
• Ineffective third-party downloaders
• DMCA protection

How to download a YouTube video in 1080p?

To save YouTube videos in FHD, you need a video downloader that supports the resolution, such as SurFast Video Downloader.

• Paste the YouTube URL to the YouTube downloader.
• Wait for the app to parse the link.
• Select 1080p as the output quality and click Download.
• Check the video in your storage folder.

Wrapping Up

“YouTube video not downloading” is a common issue, especially as platforms like YouTube have tightened their controls. Many tools that once allowed downloads are no longer functional, leaving you with fewer options. In this environment, subscribing to YouTube Premium or using a reliable video downloader becomes essential. I hope this article has provided solutions to your problems and helps you enjoy your favorite content without interruptions.