Ever found yourself asking, “Why can’t I download a YouTube video even though it’s available offline?” Don’t worry, this is quite a common query! Whether you want to save a video to watch offline or simply want to share it as your WhatsApp status or Instagram Story, it can be quite frustrating when you are unable to download it.

In this guide, we will have a look at the most common reasons why you can’t download YouTube videos and provide you with step-by-step solutions to resolve this problem.

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Why Can’t I Download YouTube Videos?

There are a few key reasons why YouTube videos might not download. Here’s what could be going wrong:

1. The Video Isn’t Available for Download

Not every video is allowed to be downloaded. Some creators disable the download option, especially for music videos, private content, or region-restricted uploads.

2. Poor or Unstable Internet Connection

An unstable internet connection can prevent downloads from starting. This usually happens when you’re using mobile data or a low-bandwidth Wi-Fi.

3. Outdated YouTube App

If you’re using an outdated version of YouTube, it could block downloads.

4. Device or Storage Limitations

Your phone or device might not have enough space to store the video. Or, your device settings might be preventing downloads altogether.

5. Wrong Region Settings

YouTube downloads aren’t available in all regions. Therefore, if you are in a country where offline downloads aren’t supported, downloading will be an issue.

How to Fix YouTube Video Can’t Be Downloaded Issues

In this section, we have rounded up 7 quick fixes to help you download YouTube videos with ease. They are fast, easy, and don’t need a lot of tech knowledge. 

Method 1. Restart Your Router 

Before going into more advanced solutions, let’s begin with the basics. A simple router restart can resolve network issues and reconnect your device to the internet correctly. If an unstable connection was causing the issue, you will be able to download the YouTube videos now. 

Method 2: Check YouTube Download Settings

Make sure downloads are allowed in your app settings:

Step 1. Open the YouTube app, and go to Settings.

Step 2. Tap on “Offline” and make sure “Download over Wi-Fi only” is either turned off or matches your current connection.

Step 3. Also, delete all downloads to make space for new downloads and try again.

This is especially helpful if your app is stuck trying to download too many files at once.

Further reading: How to download DRM protected videos

Method 3: Subscribe to YouTube Premium

The majority of video downloads on YouTube are for premium members only. Thus, getting the premium membership may help you in downloading the videos. Here’s what to do:

Step 1. Go to “YouTube > Settings > Purchases & Memberships.”

Step 2. Click on “Learn More” for YouTube Premium.

Step 3. Click on “Try 1 Month for Free.”

Step 4. Choose your plan, Individual, Family, or Student, and click “Try 1 Month.”

Step 5. Finally, enter your billing details. Once you go premium, you will be able to download YouTube videos to your device without any issue.

Method 4: Reset Your Device Limits

Sometimes, settings like battery saver or data limits can prevent downloads. To check whether these settings are enabled and reset them, here’s what to do:

Step 1. Go to “Settings > Battery,” and disable Low Power Mode, as it restricts downloads and other background activities.

Step 2. Now, go to “Settings > Mobile Service” to check whether YouTube has permission to use mobile data. If not, turn the toggle for YouTube on.

Method 5: Update YouTube App

An outdated app might not support the latest download features or might contain bugs. Therefore, try updating your app to fix this issue.

Step 1. Open the Google Play Store or App Store.

Step 2. Search for “YouTube” and if there’s an Update button, tap it.

Step 3. After updating, restart the app and try to download the video again.

Method 6: Change Your Location

Downloads on YouTube are supported only in certain countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, India, and a handful of others. If you are in an area where downloads are not supported, you can get a VPN to switch your location.

Step 1. Download a good VPN app (such as Proton VPN or 1.1.1.1 + WARP).

Step 2. Connect to a server in a country where downloads are supported.

Step 3. Restart YouTube and try downloading the video again. 

Method 7. Use a YouTube Video Downloader

If nothing else works or you’re not interested in Premium, there are third-party tools that help. One popular option is Keeprix Video Downloader. This tool makes it super easy to save videos from YouTube directly to your device, no account or app needed.

Features of Keeprix Video Downloader

• Here’s what makes Keeprix Video Downloader stand out:
• Quick download speeds without unnecessary popups or redirects. Just paste your YouTube link, and you’re good to go.
• Download videos in various formats like MP4 and MKV.
• It comes with a free trial version that allows downloading 2 videos.
• Save videos in high definition, including 720p, 1080p, and sometimes even higher (if available).

Free download

Steps to Download YouTube Videos via Keeprix Video Downloader:

Step 1. Install Keeprix Video Downloader on your Mac or Windows PC. Launch the software, and click on “YouTube” from the interface.

Step 2. This will redirect you to the YouTube Downloader, where you can paste the YouTube video link and download it directly.

Step 3. This will initiate the download process. You can track the progress in “Download List” under the “Downloading” tab.

Conclusion

If you can’t download YouTube video, there could be several reasons behind it. But the good news is that there are several ways to fix it. You can either switch your region, go premium, check your settings, or use a reliable tool like Keeprix Video Downloader. Just walk through the steps above, and you’ll be watching offline in no time.