Why Can’t I Click on YouTube Videos

Discover why you can’t click on YouTube videos and learn the common causes, from browser issues to restrictions, plus how to fix them.

When YouTube doesn’t respond properly, it can disrupt your viewing experience. Sometimes, videos won’t play at all, while other times, the platform may load but refuse to register clicks. These problems usually have simple causes such as browser extensions, cache build-up, or device settings interfering with functionality.

This article explores the most common reasons you might not be able to click on YouTube videos and how to fix them.

1. Browser Issues

One of the most frequent reasons YouTube videos become unclickable is due to browser errors. Outdated browsers, corrupted data, or certain extensions can prevent video elements from loading correctly.

How to Fix It

  • Update your browser: Make sure you’re using the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. YouTube often stops supporting older versions of browsers.

  • Disable browser extensions: Ad blockers or privacy add-ons can interfere with YouTube’s interface. Temporarily disable them and refresh the page.

  • Clear cache and cookies: Over time, cached data can cause functionality issues. Clearing browsing data often fixes unresponsive pages.

2. Internet Connection Problems

If your internet connection is slow or unstable, YouTube may load incompletely, leaving videos or buttons unclickable.

How to Fix It

  • Test your connection by visiting other websites.

  • Restart your router or switch to a more stable network.

  • If using Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or use a wired connection for better stability.

3. Device Performance or Software Bugs

Sometimes, the issue lies within your device. Overloaded memory, outdated software, or background apps can cause lag or prevent touch or mouse inputs from registering properly.

How to Fix It

  • Restart your computer or mobile device to clear temporary memory.

  • Close unnecessary tabs or apps running in the background.

  • Check for system or app updates to ensure compatibility with YouTube.

4. JavaScript Disabled

YouTube relies on JavaScript to run interactive features. If it’s disabled in your browser settings, the site won’t function correctly.

How to Fix It

  • Go to your browser’s settings and ensure JavaScript is enabled.

  • Refresh YouTube after changing the setting.

5. Hardware Acceleration Glitches

Hardware acceleration is a feature that allows browsers to use your device’s GPU for rendering videos. Sometimes, this feature causes display or clicking issues.

How to Fix It

  • In Chrome, go to Settings > System > Turn off “Use hardware acceleration when available.”

  • Restart your browser and test YouTube again.

6. Problems with the YouTube App

If you’re using the YouTube app on mobile and can’t click on videos, it could be an app glitch or corrupted data.

How to Fix It

  • Force close and reopen the YouTube app.

  • Clear the app cache in your device settings.

  • Uninstall and reinstall the app if the problem persists.

  • Make sure you’re running the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.

7. Pop-Up Overlays or Ads Blocking Clicks

Sometimes, an ad overlay or invisible pop-up can block the clickable area of the screen. This is especially common if you’re using a browser extension or visiting through an embedded video on another site.

How to Fix It

  • Reload the page or open the video directly on YouTube.

  • Disable ad blockers temporarily to check if they’re causing the issue.

8. Corrupted Cookies or Account Sync Errors

If you’re logged into YouTube with a Google account, syncing errors or corrupted cookies can cause functionality problems.

How to Fix It

  • Log out of your Google account and log back in.

  • Try using YouTube in incognito mode to see if the issue persists.

  • If the problem disappears, the issue may be linked to saved account data.

9. Outdated Operating System

Older operating systems sometimes struggle with newer web technologies. If your OS is outdated, it may not support the latest YouTube features.

How to Fix It

  • Update your device’s operating system.

  • Check browser compatibility with your current OS.

10. Temporary YouTube Server Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all. YouTube occasionally experiences outages or temporary bugs that affect playback and interaction.

How to Fix It

  • Check social media or websites like DownDetector for reported outages.

  • Wait a few minutes and try reloading the site.

Preventing Future Issues

Once YouTube is working again, taking preventive steps can help avoid similar problems:

  • Keep your browser and apps updated.

  • Clear cache regularly to prevent data overload.

  • Use a stable, high-speed internet connection.

  • Limit the number of browser extensions you install.

  • Avoid clicking suspicious ads or pop-ups that may interfere with functionality.

Final Thoughts

Not being able to click on YouTube videos can be annoying, but most issues stem from simple technical problems that are easy to fix. By keeping your browser, device, and app updated, and maintaining a stable connection, you can enjoy smooth, uninterrupted video playback.

At Lillian Purge, we help businesses and creators troubleshoot website and platform issues to improve digital performance. Whether it’s optimising your YouTube channel, fixing SEO problems, or improving visibility in local search, we provide the support you need to keep your online presence running efficiently.