Play another video, then replay the one that keeps stopping at a lower quality. If several videos still buffer, try the same video on a different network. Change one thing at a time so you can tell what helped.
01Only one video keeps stopping
Section linkTry a different video on the same device and connection. If other videos play normally, reopen the original and note where it stops or what error appears. An unavailable or restricted video needs a different fix from a video that starts and repeatedly pauses to load.
02Lower the quality on the video that buffers
Section linkOn a computer, open the player’s gear menu and choose Quality, then pick a lower resolution. In the Android app, open Settings in the player, tap Quality, and try Data saver. If the same scene plays smoothly at lower quality, keep that setting for now and test your connection before raising it again.
03See whether the problem follows your network
Section linkReplay the same video at the same quality on another connection. On a phone, you can switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data if your plan allows it. If buffering happens only on your Wi-Fi, try playing closer to the router and pause large downloads on that network. If other streaming apps also struggle on that connection, check the network before changing more YouTube settings.
04If it happens only in the app or browser
Section linkUpdate the YouTube app and compare it with playback in an updated browser on the same device. If Chrome alone buffers, try an Incognito window with extensions disabled there. Use a video you can watch without signing in for that comparison. If the video works there, test extensions individually in your normal window. Keep your browser data until you know whether the problem is tied to that browser.