YouTube is the leading platform for multimedia content and music, being preferred by millions of users around the world for its versatility and extensive catalog. Although other services like Spotify have gained popularity, YouTube remains the preferred option for watching and listening to videos, music and other content from any device, especially mobile..
However, one of the most frustrating and annoying problems that can arise is when YouTube can't be heard on your phoneWhether the audio is completely missing, stutters, or the app simply doesn't play any sound, this issue can have a variety of causes and solutions.
Next, we offer you a Comprehensive guide, detailing all possible causes, proven solutions, and recommendations to avoid future YouTube audio problemsWe've compiled the most effective and comprehensive tips based on user experience and verified information from the most relevant and up-to-date sources.
Why can't I hear YouTube on my phone? All the common causes
The absence of sound on YouTube is not a common problem., but when it does occur, it can be due to multiple causes. To resolve it, it's essential to first identify the source of the problem, which could be in the phone itself, the YouTube app, the operating system, or even the video itself.
- The phone or app is in silent mode or the volume is set to minimum.
- Sound settings disabled on the YouTube video itself or on the device's volume bar.
- Problems with headphones (wired or Bluetooth), speakers, or dirty or damaged connectors.
- Conflicts with other media applications or players open in the background.
- Corrupted data or accumulated cache in the YouTube app or browser.
- Errors after a recent app, operating system, or browser update.
- Malware, viruses, or security software that blocks audio functions.
- Incorrect advanced settings (such as permissions, audio output, Do Not Disturb mode, etc.).
- Hardware problems with the phone, especially with the sound system.
- The YouTube video actually has no audio, either due to copyright or because it was poorly recorded.
Essential steps to identify and solve the problem
Before applying advanced solutions, it is important follow a systematic approach and check the most basic causes firstRemember that, in many cases, the problem isn't as serious as it seems.
- Check the general volume and silent mode: Press the side volume buttons, make sure media sound is on and your phone is not in “Do Not Disturb” or silent mode.
- Check the volume on the YouTube player: Make sure the video audio bar is active and not muted.
- Try other sounds on your phone: Play music or videos in other apps (Spotify, WhatsApp, music player) to rule out a general audio problem.
- Change headphones or speakersIf you're using external accessories, disconnect them and try other ones, or play the sound directly through your phone's speaker.
- Clean the headphone jack: Use a cotton swab slightly moistened with alcohol to remove any dust or dirt that may prevent contact.
- Restart the mobile: Power cycle the device to free up memory and close processes that may be causing the crash.
- Close all background apps, especially other media players.
Solving the problem from the mobile settings
Sometimes the problem is due to incorrect settings or errors within the system itself. These steps will help you restore the audio and check if the problem persists.
- Check the YouTube app permissions: Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Permissions and verify that it can access audio and media.
- Change the audio output: If you have multiple devices connected, go to the sound menu or tap the audio icon in the notification bar to select the desired speaker.
- Turn off Do Not Disturb mode: This mode can mute the audio of all apps, including notifications and media sounds.
- Update the operating system: Go to Settings > System > System Updates and check for newer versions.
- Try in safe modeRestart your phone in safe mode to rule out a third-party app causing audio issues. If it works in this mode, you'll need to identify and remove the problematic app.
Specific solutions for YouTube and browsers
If the issue only occurs when playing YouTube videos, the cause may be in the app itself or in the browser you're using. Here are the most effective steps:
- Clear the cache and data of the YouTube app:
- Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage > Clear cache.
- If that doesn't work, also tap "Clear data" (this will reset the app and you'll have to log in again).
- Update the YouTube app: Open the Google Play Store or App Store and check if there are any pending app updates.
- Reinstall YouTubeIf the error persists after updating, uninstall and reinstall the app to repair corrupted files.
- Try another browserIf you're using YouTube from Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc., please switch browsers to avoid compatibility issues.
- Clear your browser's cache and cookies: Access your browser settings, clear browsing data, and restart your device.
IMPORTANTMany browsers allow you to mute individual tabs. If you notice that only YouTube isn't playing sound in your browser, right-click the tab and select "Unmute" or "Unmute."
Advanced solutions and rare problems that can prevent you from listening to YouTube on your mobile
In rare cases, the problem may be due to less obvious causes. Here's a compilation of advanced solutions based on the experience of thousands of users:
- Conflicts with other multimedia apps: Close all applications that play audio or video (Netflix, Spotify, Telegram, WhatsApp) as they may block the sound output from YouTube.
- Viruses or malwareScan your phone with a reliable antivirus app. Some malware can take over your sound system.
- Sound drivers and firmware for Bluetooth headsets: If you are using wireless headphones, update their firmware and unpair and reconnect them.
- Restart your device and reset settings:
- If none of these solutions work, perform a factory reset after backing up. This eliminates any persistent errors and leaves your device as good as new.
- Check if the YouTube video actually has sound: Some videos are muted due to copyright or poor recording. Check to see if this only happens with certain videos.
- Disable extensions or ad blockers in browsers: Some extensions may cause conflicts with YouTube audio.
- Check the audio output settings: On phones with multiple outputs, make sure the sound is directed to the correct speaker or headphones.
Is YouTube not playing with headphones or a Bluetooth speaker?
A common case is that YouTube only crashes when playing through headphones or a Bluetooth speaker. This could be due to:
- Low battery or outdated firmware on headphones. Charge to the maximum and check for internal software updates.
- Incorrect pairing: Unpair the Bluetooth device and reconnect it from scratch.
- Bluetooth version conflict: Some phones are not compatible with certain versions of Bluetooth, causing interruptions in the audio.
- Mobile phone locked in headphone modeIf you can't hear anything after disconnecting your headphones, clean the connector and restart your phone. Some phones remain in "headphone mode" until you manually resolve the issue.
Hardware Errors: How to Tell if Your Speaker or Headphones Aren't Working
If after all the tests the error persists in any app (not just YouTube), the problem is likely hardware:
- Test the sound with a call: Call someone and check if you hear correctly.
- Perform the secret hardware test: On some Android phones, dial *#7353# or run a hardware test to check the speaker and headphones.
- Use specific apps to test the speaker: There are free audio testing apps on Google Play.
- Go to technical serviceIf the problem persists after restoring your phone and using other headphones or speakers, the sound module may be damaged.
Solutions for YouTube sound problems on iPhone (iOS)
Many solutions work for both Android and iPhone. However, on iOS devices, we recommend:
- Check the side mute switch (on iPhone): If it's on, turn it off to hear sound again.
- Check app permissions and iOS restrictions: Settings > YouTube > Allow audio and media.
- Update iOS and the YouTube app: Go to the App Store and check for both updates.
- Clear cache and data: If the problem persists, delete and reinstall the YouTube app.
- Restart device: Turn your iPhone or iPad off and on again to rule out temporary errors.
Other common reasons for not listening to YouTube
- Videos blocked by copyright: Some videos have their audio track removed due to copyright issues. Check other videos for audio.
- Incompatible sound format: Rarely, certain advanced system settings may cause YouTube to not play audio correctly. Adjust the audio output to standard settings in your sound settings.
- Conflict with security softwareSome antivirus or protection apps may restrict multimedia functions. Temporarily disable them to see if they're causing the problem.
- Crashes after a recent update: A new version of the system or YouTube may introduce bugs. In this case, try reinstalling the app or waiting for an update to fix it.
Recommendations to prevent audio problems on YouTube
In addition to solutions, it is important Apply good practices to prevent these failures from happening again:
- Keep your operating system and apps always up to date.
- Avoid installing apps from unknown sources to reduce the risk of malware.
- Clean connectors and speakers carefully regularly.
- Close unused apps to free up system resources.
- Turn off Do Not Disturb mode when listening to music or videos..
- Do not leave Bluetooth devices connected unnecessarily. Unlink them when not in use.
What to do if no method works?
Yes after following all these steps You still don't listen to YouTube on your mobile., take into account the following:
- Reset your phone to factory settings (after backup).
- Contact your manufacturer's technical support or YouTube.
- If the terminal is under warranty, go to an authorized technical service. for a comprehensive hardware review.
No sound on YouTube on mobile is usually related to settings, conflicting apps, headphone or speaker issues, or temporary errors that are easy to fix.. Most of the time, by following the steps detailed here, you'll be able to recover your audio and enjoy your favorite content without any issues.
Remember that YouTube's versatility as a platform for music, educational, and entertainment videos remains unsurpassed. Take advantage of all its features, discover new playlists or channels, and keep your device in optimal condition so that no technical issues prevent you from enjoying the best streaming content wherever and whenever you want.
