Guiding Tech

7 Best Fixes for YouTube Video Not Switching to Full Screen in Safari on Mac

youtube not full screen safari

Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.

YouTube app is fantastic for browsing the platform and streaming videos. But you can use Safari on your Mac to watch videos on a bigger screen if the YouTube app is not working on your iPhone . You can use the Full Screen mode in YouTube to make the best of display’s real estate and avoid all distractions, especially if you use YouTube for online learning.

youtube not full screen safari

But has it ever happened that a video on YouTube doesn’t go into the full screen mode? Luckily, you can remedy that. Here are some working solutions to help you fix YouTube videos not switching to full screen in Safari on your Mac.

1. Try Incognito Mode

If you have reloaded the webpage multiple times and that doesn’t solve the problem, try opening YouTube in Incognito Mode in Safari. To open the Incognito window in Safari, just press the Command + Shift + N keys on your Mac keyboard. After the Incognito Mode window loads on your screen, go to the YouTube webpage and check if the problem gets solved.

2. Force Quit and Relaunch Safari

You may realize that the Safari browser may be running in the background on your Mac. That is why we suggest you force quit and relaunch the browser on your Mac to give it a fresh start. This might solve the issue with YouTube not switching to full screen.

Step 1:  Click the Apple logo at the top-left corner of the Menu Bar.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 2:  Select Force Quit.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 3:  Select Safari from the list of apps and click the Force Quit button.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 7:  Reopen Safari and check if the problem is solved.

3. Change Smart Search Settings

If the YouTube video is not switching to full screen despite clicking on the full screen, some users on the official Apple Community Forums suggest disabling a Smart Search feature in Safari. Here’s how you can try the same.

Step 1:  Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type  Safari,  and press Return.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 2:  Click on Safari at the top-left corner in the Menu Bar.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 3:  Select Settings.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 4:  Click on Search.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 5:  Disable the option of Show Favorites under the Smart Search Field.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 6:  Close the Settings window and check if the problem is solved.

4. Remove Faulty Extensions

If the above solutions did not solve the problem, you need to check your installed Safari extensions. Some extensions stop receiving updates with time and might cause interruptions in web browsing. Try checking and removing Safari extensions and see which one is causing the issue with YouTube full screen playback.

Step 4:  Click on Extensions.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 5:  Select an installed extension from the left panel.

Step 6:  Click on Uninstall next to the extension name.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 7:  While keeping the Extensions window open, open YouTube in a new tab and check if the problem is solved.

If not, repeat the same steps until you find the faulty extension causing this issue.

Faulty and outdated extensions are also sometimes why YouTube keeps logging you out automatically on Mac .

5. Use Safe Mode

Since Safari is a system app, you can try booting your Mac in Safe Mode to check if that solves the issue. Safe Mode is a default troubleshooting method in macOS that prevent third-party apps from running and only allows the system app to open on your Mac during the boot process. This is an advanced solution, and we suggest using this only if the YouTube full screen feature is still not working in Safari. Refer to our post on how to use Safe Mode on your Mac .

6. Update macOS

The last resort for you is to install the latest Safari version on your Mac. To do that, you need to check for a macOS update.

Step 1:  Press Command + Spacebar to open Spotlight Search, type  Check for Software Updates ,  and press Return.

youtube not full screen safari

Step 2:  If an update is available, download and install it.

Step 3:  After your Mac reboots, relaunch Safari and check if the problem is solved.

Watch YouTube in Full Screen

These solutions will help you troubleshoot the problem where YouTube videos are not going into full screen mode in Safari on your Mac. If you watch a lot of content on YouTube, you can use the Add to queue feature on m obile or web . It lets you add videos to a queue without creating a separate playlist.

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Last updated on 03 March, 2023

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youtube not full screen safari

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

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Trending tags, how to fix youtube not switching to full screen in safari on mac.

Wondering why YouTube is not switching to full screen in Safari on your Mac?

Not being able to watch your favorite YouTube creators in full screen can be frustrating.

If you are reading this, we can assume that YouTube is not switching to full screen in Safari on your Mac . 

youtube not switching to full screen in safari

Now, there are several reasons why you may encounter this problem. 

Faulty versions of Safari are the most common culprit for this issue. However, it can also be due to corrupted browsing data or incompatible extensions. 

Today, we will show you what to do if YouTube is not switching to full screen in Safari on your Mac. 

Let’s begin!

1. Restart Safari. 

If something isn’t working on your browser, the first thing you should do is restart it. An error may have occurred on Safari, preventing YouTube from entering full screen. 

Here’s how you can properly close Safari: 

  • Make sure that Safari is in front of your screen. 
  • Now, click on Safari in the upper left corner of your display. 
  • Choose Force Quit Safari to stop the app from running. 

youtube not switching to full screen in safari

Once done, relaunch Safari and see if you can now watch YouTube videos in full screen. 

2. Restart Your Mac. 

Like restarting Safari, restarting your Mac should resolve temporary bugs and errors.

Follow the steps below to restart your Mac: 

  • Access the Apple Menu by clicking the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen. 
  • Choose the Restart option from the drop-down menu. 
  • Click on Restart in the dialog box that appeared to confirm your action. 

Restart Mac

Wait for your Mac to restart. Go back to Safari to check if the problem is solved. 

3. Use Private Browsing 

If restarting your Mac did not work, try accessing YouTube in Private Mode on Safari. 

When using a Private Window, your previous history and data are not used, which could be corrupted. 

Here’s how you can open a private window: 

  • Press the Command + Shift + N keys on your keyboard. 
  • In the upper left corner of your screen, click on File > New Private Window . 

Try watching a YouTube video in full screen to check if the problem is solved. 

If you can watch videos in full screen on a private window, there might be an issue with your browsing data. 

Head to method 5 to clear Safari’s data. 

4. Disable Extensions. 

Safari extensions are helpful tools that provide additional features to your browser. However, not all browser extensions are properly optimized. This could cause issues for some websites.

Check your extensions if you encounter problems playing videos in full screen. 

Here’s what you need to do: 

  • Launch Safari on your Mac. 
  • In the upper left corner, click on Safari > Preferences (or Settings). 
  • Now, go to the Extensions tab. 
  • Uncheck the checkbox beside the extension to disable it.

Disable Safari Extensions

Try playing another YouTube video to check if the problem is solved. 

If you are able to enter full screen, it means one of your extensions is the culprit. Enable your extensions one by one until YouTube stops entering full screen again. 

The last extension you’ve enabled is the one causing problems. Uninstall the extension or look for an alternative. 

5. Clear Browsing Data. 

Corrupted browsing data could also cause YouTube videos not to enter full screen. Clear your browsing data to rule out possible issues.

  • Now, open the Safari tab in the upper left corner. 
  • Choose Clear History in the drop-down menu. 
  • On the pop-up window, change the target time range to All History . 
  • Click on Clear History to start the process. 

youtube not switching to full screen in safari

Once done, log in to your YouTube account and see if you can play videos in full screen. 

Related: How to Fix Links Not Working in Safari

6. Update Your System. 

There might be a bug or glitch within Safari that prevents videos from playing on full screen. 

To rule this out, update your Mac’s software to get the latest version of Safari. Software updates should also patch bugs and errors within your system. 

Follow the guide below to update your Mac: 

  • Click on the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen. 
  • Now, choose System Settings or System Preferences . 
  • If you choose System Settings , click on General on the left side window. Then click on Software Update on the right. 
  • If you choose  System Preferences , click on Software Update . 
  • Wait for your Mac to check for updates. 
  • If there’s an available update, click on Update Now or Upgrade Now . 

youtube not switching to full screen in safari

  • If you are using a MacBook, make sure that your battery is at least 50% charged. You can just leave it plugged into the wall outlet during the update. 
  • Your Mac can restart several times while installing the update.
  • The update progress bar might also appear to be stuck. When this happens, don’t do anything. Software updates can take several minutes to complete.

If your Mac won’t boot after the update , you can check our in-depth guide on how to resolve this issue.

7. Contact Apple. 

At this point, we suggest that you leave the matter to the professionals. 

Head to Apple’s support page and look for the issue you’re experiencing. If there’s an available solution, it should appear in the results tab. You’ll also see related articles about the problem.

youtube not switching to full screen in safari

If you want faster action, you can visit the nearest Apple Store to have your Mac checked by a professional. 

That ends our guide on what to do if YouTube is not switching to full screen in Safari on your Mac. If you have other concerns, leave a comment below, and we’ll do our best to respond. 

If this guide helped you, please share it. 

John Sixto

John is a staff writer at Saint and comes from a SAP ABAP development background. He has a Bachelors in IT and has been writing since 2018, with over 500 posts published. He loves to build PCs and has a deep curiosity in understanding how different components and configurations work. John spends hundreds of hours at a time, researching and testing the software and apps, before he proceeds to write about it. LinkedIn X (Twitter) Website

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Full screen mode allows you to watch videos that take up your entire screen. 

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Watch in full screen

To watch while your device is horizontal :

  • Tap the video that you'd like to watch.

youtube not full screen safari

  • Turn your device horizontally. 

To watch while your device is vertical :

  • Go to the video that you’d like to watch. 
  • Swipe in a downward motion anywhere below the video player.

Exit full screen

  • Tap the video.

youtube not full screen safari

To exit full screen while your device is vertical, swipe up. 

If full screen mode isn't working

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Force YouTube videos to play full-screen in Safari on iPad

By Charlie Sorrel • 11:00 am, March 26, 2018

  • Top stories

full screen youtube iPad safari

If you’re watching YouTube on your iPhone or Mac, then you can just tap a button to watch the video in proper full-screen, just you and a skateboarding dog, with nothing to distract you. But on the iPad, the same “full-screen” button just maximizes the video into the browser tab, with all the Safari chrome still surrounding it. And because it doesn’t use the native iOS video view, you can’t watch the video in Picture in Picture mode.

Happily, we can fix that. Today we’ll see how to make YouTube play its video in full screen on your iPad, with one tap, using a bookmarklet.

How to force full-screen video in YouTube on iPad

Ugh. This is YouTube's supposed 'Full Screen' view.

First we have to give up on the idea of YouTube actually letting use do this simple thing. There’s no trick in the YouTube settings that will enable full-screen. If you try to get around the mobile limitations by asking Safari to load the desktop version of the site, you’re out of luck. As soon as you hit the full-screen button, you get a message telling you that the browser isn’t supported.

But there are a few ways to get full screen YouTube video on the iPad.

Use this bookmarklet to view YouTube in full-screen on iPad

Ahhh, that's better.

If you find yourself on the youtube site, then the best way to view a video in full screen is to use my bookmarklet. This will force the video to display in Mobile Safari’s native full-screen mode, with full support for the skip forward and skip back buttons, Picture-in-Picture, and keyboard shortcuts to control playback. Here’s the Javascript, which you can paste into a bookmarklet using these instructions .

javascript:document.querySelector("video").webkitEnterFullScreen ();

Or, if you’re reading on your Mac, you can just drag the bookmarklet to Safari’s bookmark bar, and it will sync to your iPad and iPhone via iCloud. I can’t put the link here in the blog post, thanks to WordPress limitations, but I copied it over to the Bookmarkify bookmark-sharing site:  Full Screen Video bookmarklet .

Now, whenever you’re watching a video on YouTube, just tap this bookmarklet, and you’ll instantly switch to proper, native full-screen view.

Use this bookmarklet to view YouTube Picture-in-Picture on iPad

What about Picture in Picture? This lets you float a video window over the rest of your apps on the iPad. You can access PiP from the full-screen video view, but you can also use the following code. As above, either roll your own, or drag to the bookmarks bar in Safari for Macby following this   PiP link at Bookmarkify

javascript:document.querySelector("video").webkitSetPresentationMode("picture-in-picture");

Works on Mac, and other sites, too

Bonus: Both these bookmarklets also work on your Mac, so you can quickly switch to a PiP view, for example. They should also work on any video site, not just YouTube. Also, you may find that once you have used this bookmarklet in a Mobile Safari tab, its effect is persistent. That is, any other YouTube video you browse to in the same tab will also expand to full screen just by pinching out.

Alternatives

Here are a couple of other ways to get full-screen video on your iPad.

This is likely the option Google wants you to take. If you download the YouTube app, you will be able to watch video full-screen. There are plenty of YouTube apps around, but I don’t find any of them any less badly-designed than the YouTube site, so I don’t use one.

Use DuckDuckGo

Duck Duck Go plays YouTube videos full-screen.

DuckDuckGo is a great alternative search engine. Unlike Google, it doesn’t track you, it keeps your search history private, it lets you do proper image searches, and it lets you watch YouTube videos full-screen, direct from he search results page. Say you wanted to watch one of Cult of Mac’s amazing videos in full screen. Just search Duck Duck Go , and you’ll see a grid of video results. Tap one, and you’ll be able to pinch to zoom the video to full screen, as nature intended.

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

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youtube not full screen safari

  • How to enable picture-in-picture for YouTube on your Mac

Using Safari, it’s easy to watch a video while doing other things

By Barbara Krasnoff , a reviews editor who manages how-tos. She’s worked as an editor and writer for almost 40 years. Previously, she was a senior reviews editor for Computerworld.

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Picture in Picture (PIP)

If you like to work with a music video playing in the background or watch your favorite sports team while perusing social media or maybe if you simply like doing two things at once, picture-in-picture (PiP) can be really useful. It lets you pin a small window showing a video within a larger window on your computer or TV screen.

If you’re using a Mac, you can easily set up PiP for a YouTube video using either Apple’s Safari or Google’s Chrome browsers as well.

This first time, on how to have PiP on Safari, is courtesy of a great tweet by Ricky Mondello .

PiP using Safari

  • Right click twice on the YouTube Video. The first click will get you a menu that lets you copy the URL of the video, embed the code, or do other YouTube-related tasks. The second click will get you a more traditional menu. 

youtube not full screen safari

  • Click on “Enter Picture in Picture.” Your video will shrink down to a much smaller size.
  • Open a new tab on your browser (or several, if you want) and go to another site — or you can leave the browser entirely. The video will keep playing. 

youtube not full screen safari

  • To control the video, hover your cursor over the video. You can pause and restart it, take it out of PiP mode, or close the window entirely.
  • To move the small video window around, you can press down with one finger on your touchpad and use the other finger to move the window around your screen. If you’re using a mouse, then use the Command key.

There are a couple of other ways you can start PiP. 

  • While your video is playing, right click on the volume icon in the tab; the menu will include the “Enter Picture in Picture” command. (Note: You won’t see the volume icon if you pause the video.)
  • If you have a Touch Bar, use the PiP icon (it looks like a small filled-in rectangle over a larger clear rectangle).

PiP using Chrome

After this article was published, a reader wrote me and asked why I hadn’t also included the way to do PiP using Google’s Chrome browser on a Mac. So I did a bit of research and found that you can have PiP on your Mac using Chrome — and it works almost exactly the same way that Safari does, except you can either use the built-in method ( courtesy How-To Geek ) or a Google PiP extension.

Use the built-in feature:

  • Right click on the YouTube video you want to make into a PiP
  • As with Safari, the first menu you’ll get will be YouTube’s right-click menu. So right click again (outside of the menu). You’ll get a Chrome menu with a “Picture in Picture” selection; click on that.

Right-click twice in the YouTube video to get the Picture in Picture menu selection.

Again, as with Safari, the PiP functionality is pretty basic; you can move the video anywhere around the screen, pause it, and return it to its YouTube window. However, don’t expect to get any captions with it; the captions will continue to run on the original YouTube page.

Use Google’s PiP extension:

There is no perceivable advantage to using the extension over the built-in right-click feature; both give you the same simple (but effective) PiP feature.

  • In the Chrome Web Store, find the Picture-in-Picture extension . Click on the “Add to Chrome” button.
  • You will be asked for permission to “Read and change all your data on the websites you visit”
  • Once the extension is installed, you can access it either by clicking on the new PiP icon to the right of your address field or hitting the option+P keys.

You can move the PiP image anywhere in your screen; however, captions won’t move with it.

That’s it! Enjoy your video.

Update June 23rd, 2020, 10:08AM ET: This article was originally published on December 27th, 2019, and it has been updated to include instructions on PIP in Chrome.

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  • - How to Fix YouTube Fullscreen Not Working on Firefox, Chrome and Safari
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How to Fix YouTube Fullscreen Not Working on Firefox, Chrome and Safari

Similar to YouTube black screen issue, choppy YouTube video problem, another annoying trouble often reported by YouTube users is the "YouTube Fullscreen Mode Not working" . Users don't face any problem while watching YouTube videos until they enable the full-screen mode. However, YouTube full screen still shows taskbar. So, you may be unable to enjoy YouTube movies in full screen.

YouTube Won't Work Full Screen

This is a common problem that can happen in various browsers especially Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. For instance, taskbar not hiding when fullscreen is enabled on chrome. And there are many guides online to help you figure it out, but none is in that much details. In this post, we are going to share with you detail guide on how to fix YouTube fullscreen problem on Chrome, Firefox, and Safari.

People Also Read:

How to Download YouTube Videos

Best YouTube Recorder (2019): Save YouTube Videos to MP4/MP3

Part 1: Fix YouTube Fullscreen not Working on Chrome

Part 2: fix youtube fullscreen not working on firefox, part 3: fix youtube fullscreen not working on safari, part 4: download youtube videos to computer and watch without fullscreen problem.

Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers, so let's begin with fixing the YouTube full-screen problem on chrome. If YouTube is not loading or opening in Chrome when you go full-screen, these fixes could be surprisingly easy to solve the trouble.

STEP 1. Just go to your Chrome address bar, type " chrome://plugins " and hit "Enter", you'll see a list of all installed plugins.

STEP 2. Then, click the " Details " button.

STEP 3. Scroll down and find " Adobe Flash Player ". If you see 2 Adobe Flash Players, jump to next step. If there is only one, you need to download a new Adobe Flash Player. Open a different browser, like IE or Firefox and go to adobe.com and follow the instruction to download and install flash player.

STEP 4. Go back to the Chrome plugin page and find the Flash plugin with the line and click "Disable". Disabling this flash player allows the browser to use the latest flash version that you have installed on your computer.

Disable Flash Player

STEP 5. Restart Chrome to see if everything is fine.

Another Solution: Update your browser to use the HTML5 YouTube player

If Flash Player just won't work properly on your computer, you can try watching YouTube in HTML5 instead of Flash. Just head over to  YouTube's HTML5 Video Player  page and click the  Join the HTML5 Trial  link.

Join YouTube HTML 5 Player

If YouTube videos won't go full screen on Firefox, then it may have a problem with the Flash Player or your video drivers. Here's how to fix YouTube Not Going Fullscreen Mode issue.

STEP 1. First of all, please update Firefox to the latest version .

STEP 2. Visit  Adobe's test page  to see if the Flash plugin is installed and working properly. If not, install or update Flash .

Install Flash Player on Firefox

Some Mac users have reported that they came across the same issue when trying to enjoy videos in full screen on Safari. If so, there is simple troubleshooting for you to take into consideration.

STEP 1. Go to Finder > " Applications ". Scroll down your applications list until you find the Safari.  Right-click the Safari icon and choose to " Get Info "   from the context menu.

STEP 2. Click the checkbox next to "Open in 32-bit mode". Then, close and exit out of Safari Info window.

Open 32-bit Mode

STEP 3. Launch Safari and navigate Safari > Reset Safari > " Reset " to reset Safari.

If the above solutions did not fix the YouTube problems, you should next try uninstalling and reinstalling Flash player.

Actually, the most simple way to fix the problem of YouTube taskbar not hiding when going fullscreen would directly download the videos you want on your computer. In this way, I am sure you will enjoy the full-screen watching with the video player on your Windows/Mac. But how? Maybe you can go to this page: How to Download YouTube Videos for more details.

Download YouTube Videos

I hope these 4 fixes for "YouTube fullscreen not working" problem worked for you and you can successfully get rid of the taskbar in fullscreen on YouTube. In case you still have the problem while watching YouTube in full screen, you can leave comments below.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE!

guest

chrome://plugins isn't available anymore. You have to go to chrome://settings/content to change flash and other plugins.

Emily Watson

Thank you for the information. We will update it to the post.

Not Just an Aspirant

not updated

Mark Lee

I'm using Safari/Mac Version 11.0.3 and this version does not feature a 32-bit option. What are the options now? This full-screen issue only started recently and the only thing that happened that I can think of is that QuickTime was recently installed. Thanks!

Hi. It seems that since macOS High Sierra 10.13.4, Apple discontinue the support of 32-bit apps. That's probably why the open in 32 bit mode is not available on your Safari. Other things you can try to get the full-screen issue fixed include:

1) Enable the flash plugin on Safari; 2) Disable HTML5; 3) Clear Safari caches and data.

Stephanie Kay Shockley

That's not my issue. Mine is I click on the full screen button and it acts like I didn't click it.

Bruce Part

Ditto, but changed user from my friend's log on and no problem. Doesn't present any problems there. Maybe the dreaded 'Windows Updates' overnight has changed something. Greetings from Sydney AUS

jc

Just reload the video.

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11 Ways to Fix YouTube Not Working or Playing Videos on Safari Browser

Mac users prefer Safari over other browsers because of better system integration with Apple’s ecosystem and privacy features that it offers. Safari is a capable browser that handles everything you throw at it, including playing YouTube videos. However, if YouTube is not working or playing videos on the Safari browser, you can follow these troubleshooting steps to make it run.

Fix YouTube Not Working or Playing Videos on Safari Browser

There could be two issues here. One is that YouTube is not working on Safari at all and the other is where YouTube is not playing videos. It’s about the time you found a solution that fixes your problem.

1. YouTube Is Down

If the problem lies in YouTube servers, you will end up wasting your time if you keep following any suggestions mentioned on this list. In other words, before heading to other solutions, you should know if YouTube’s servers are down or not. It has happened before .

1: To check, you can use a website called Down for Everyone or Just Me . It uses the ‘ping’ method to find whether YouTube is down at your end only or for the whole world.

2: After visiting this website, enter youtube.com in the empty box, and press the Return button.

If it shows It’s just you. youtube.com is up. message on your screen, continue reading try other solutions listed below.

check if youtube is down for you or everyone

Otherwise, keep waiting until it shows this particular message, which indicates that YouTube isn’t working on Safari for just you.

2. Check Internet Connection

It is recommended to check if you have a good internet connection. If you have some internet connection-related issues, you won’t be able to play YouTube videos in Safari or any browser. To verify if your internet connection is working perfectly, you can use the Terminal app and Ping command.

1: Press Command+Space , type terminal , hit the Return button to open the Terminal app.

2: Enter the following command and press the Return button.

check ping status on mac terminal

If it shows concurrent positive replies, your internet connection is fine. However, if it shows Request timed out or anything like that, you should call your ISP.

Alternatively, you can try opening a website other than YouTube to check if your internet connection is okay or not. Like many other people, you can enter google.com in the address bar and hit the Return button. If it opens the Google homepage, your internet connection is working fine.

Note: Apart from checking your internet connection, it is also suggested to check the speed . If you do not have a good bandwidth, you might find the same issue while playing a YouTube video.

3. Restart Mac

Restarting a device solves countless minor issues. If Safari has some issue, a simple restart might be able to fix it within moments. Try it.

4. Try Different Browser

To find out if it is a browser-specific problem or not, you should try playing YouTube videos on a different browser. Almost everyone has at least two browsers on his/her Mac. If not, download one and check. You can always uninstall it later if you don’t clutter.

5. Disable VPN

nordvpn on mac

Whether you use a free or paid VPN app , it can make things worse for you. VPNs help you browse the internet anonymously and safely. For that, they route your connection from their servers before you see the content on your computer screen. If the VPN’s server is in the middle of a breakdown, your connection will be much slower than usual. In other words, you may not be able to open YouTube on Safari to watch videos like you usually do. Turn off VPN temporarily to check if YouTube plays videos or not.

6. Disable/Uninstall Extensions

If you are a Safari user, you might have already installed some extensions to increase your productivity. There are extensions for YouTube too. However, YouTube might not load videos on Safari due to an internal conflict between extensions. We recommend you disable all extensions and check if you can play YouTube videos. As Safari loads all installed extensions in the Private Mode, you won’t notice any difference there. Go to Safari > Preferences > Extensions and disable them all.

open safari preferences on mac

Uncheck all the checkboxes, close the window, and try opening YouTube.

disable safari extensions on macos

If it works, it’s time to enable one extension at a time to find the culprit.

7. Remove Ad Blocker Apps for Safari

To get rid of YouTube ads, many people use Adblock extensions, apps, etc., instead of purchasing a YouTube Premium subscription. If you use an adblocker extension on Safari, you might not find this issue. However, the official Mac App Store has some similar apps to excite the users. Although some work, it is recommended to remove such apps before opening a YouTube video next time.

8. Disable Content Blocker

Content Blocker is a Safari-specific feature that helps you allow/disallow specific content from loading on a website. It is supposed to improve the browsing experience by blocking unnecessary content in Safari. However, the same thing can break your experience too. To check, try opening the YouTube website (even if it doesn’t load properly), click on Safari > Settings for This Website and remove the tick from Enable content blockers .

disable safari content blockers for youtube

After that, reload the YouTube to check if video works in Safari or not.

9. Clear Cache/Cookies for YouTube

Clearing the cache and cookies might help when there’s a major change in the browser or YouTube. If you are getting out of a malware/adware attack, this trick might be handy for you. Even if you don’t, you should try.

1: Open the Safari browser and click on Safari > Preferences .

2: Switch to the Privacy tab and click the Manage Website Data button.

website data management settings on safari

3: Find youtube.com from the list, select it and click the Remove button.

clear youtube cache cookies on safari on macos

4: Restart your browser and open YouTube.

10. Enable JavaScript

JavaScript plays a vital role in playing embedded YouTube videos in Safari. If the webpage is broken or showing only text or can’t play YouTube videos, it is better to enable JavaScript. Although Safari enables it by default, you should verify this setting.

1: Open the Safari browser on your Mac and go to Safari > Preferences .

2: Switch to the Security tab, and make a tick in the Enable JavaScript checkbox.

enable javascript on safari on mac

3: Reload the YouTube or webpage where the YouTube video is embedded.

11. Check External Monitor Connection

If an external monitor is connected to Mac and you are getting a blank or black screen, check the monitor connection. Several things are involved in dealing with this problem- the monitor, cable, MacBook’s port, etc.

You should verify if all those things are working and connected properly or not. In case you can’t, it is better to ask a professional for help.

Wrapping Up: YouTube Not Woking in Safari

There are mainly three steps to fix the YouTube not playing videos in Safari browser issue. One, you should verify if YouTube is down or not. Two, check if you have an internet connection issue on your computer. Three, use the browser-based solutions as mentioned above. Altogether, they can fix the issue and let you open YouTube without any problem.

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Sudip is a freelance writer who has over nine years of experience in content writing. He loves to write about almost anything related to PC and mobile apps, how-to guides, tricks, and more.

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YouTube fullscreen problems in Safari

  • Thread starter MirekDusinojc
  • Start date Dec 15, 2015
  • Sort by reaction score

MirekDusinojc

MirekDusinojc

Macrumors newbie.

  • Dec 15, 2015

Sniacutemek%20obrazovky%202015-12-15%20vnbsp20.36.30_zpsffdrqs9h.png

stevemiller

Macrumors 68020.

  • Dec 18, 2015

Was happening all of last weekend now it's normal again for me. Stuff like this happens all the time with websites updating and breaking compatibility with some browsers. It's the inevitable outcome of the constantly updating, and interconnected nature of devices and services these days.  

Erdbeertorte

I have got the same problem sometimes since I updated to 10.11.3 Beta. I just found out today that I only have to click on the video and then it goes to full screen. Edit: I also noticed that on YouTube and iTunes if I play a video there is a symbol to connect with AppleTV. But I don't have any and never saw that before. Strange, I just wanted to post screenshots of that and now it's gone. Also the YouTube fullscreen issue seems to be gone now.  

pradeep4net

pradeep4net

  • Apr 27, 2016

Hello All, YouTube fullscreen problems in Safari. How to sovle this please help.  

Fixing the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error (iOS and Mac)

Learning how to fix the "something went wrong in YouTube" error

YouTube is the most widely used video-sharing platform on the internet today and is visited by tens of millions of people daily. Unfortunately, it isn’t immune to occasional issues. The “Something Went Wrong” error is one of the most common messages a user will see when things aren’t working as they should.

But, it can be frustrating to see such a vague message because it doesn’t give viewers much info on how to fix the ‘something’ that seems to have gone wrong.

So, what can you do when you see this all-too-common YouTube error message?

In this article, we will provide an in-depth and complete guide outlining how to fix the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube for mobile and desktop devices. We’ll also discuss the various causes of the error and provide tips on how to prevent it from occurring in the future. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why you’re seeing this error and know the precise steps you can take to fix it now.

What Is the “Something Went Wrong” Error On YouTube?

As a YouTube user, you have most likely experienced the “Something Went Wrong” error message more than once. This error can appear when you’re starting a video, in the middle of watching a video, or trying to take a specific action on the platform. The error signifies a technical glitch that prevents YouTube from loading and playing the video as expected.

Whether you’re using the YouTube website or the mobile app, you might see slightly different versions of messages. You could see “An error occurred. Please try again later” on your desktop or “Tap to retry” on your iPhone.

This error can disrupt your video playback and impede your access to certain features on YouTube. But that’s not all.

When the “Something Went Wrong” error is due to a broken link, it can have a detrimental impact on both the SEO  of a website and the overall user experience.

When users encounter this error while accessing YouTube videos embedded on your website, it leads to frustration and disappointment. In addition, this negative experience can result in a higher bounce rate, reduced user engagement, and a negative perception of your website if, for example, the error is the result of a video embed that doesn’t follow the best practices for embedding videos in a WordPress site.

Whether you’re a user or a host, finding out what causes these errors is the first step in solving the problem.

The Something went wrong error on the iOS YouTube app

What Causes a “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error?

The “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube can occur for various reasons. With over 1 billion hours of YouTube videos watched each day , there are going to be errors. Understanding these causes will help us troubleshoot and fix the error effectively. Here are the most likely factors that lead to this error:

  • Weak cellular service : When you have a weak or unstable cellular network connection, it can hinder the proper functioning of YouTube and trigger this error.
  • Slow WiFi : Similar to cellular service, a slow or unreliable WiFi connection can contribute to the occurrence of the error.
  • Outdated YouTube version : Using an outdated YouTube app can lead to compatibility issues and cause errors.
  • Outdated browser : If you encounter the error while accessing YouTube on a desktop browser, it could be due to an obsolete version.
  • App-related glitches : Sometimes, a glitch or temporary issue within the YouTube app itself can trigger the error.
  • Software bugs : like any software, YouTube can have occasional bugs that affect its functionality.
  • Beta software : Using beta versions of the YouTube app or your device’s operating system increases the likelihood of encountering errors.
  • Server issues : Sometimes, the error may be caused by temporary server issues on YouTube.

Understanding these common causes of the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube error will enable you to identify the specific issue and take appropriate steps to resolve it, ensuring a smoother YouTube experience.

Why Do Servers Go Down?

Servers can go down due to various reasons, including:

  • Maintenance : Planned maintenance activities by YouTube or hosting providers can result in temporary server downtime.
  • Hardware or software issues : Servers may experience failures or glitches in hardware components or software systems, which can cause unexpected downtime.
  • Traffic spikes : An unexpected surge in user traffic, such as during major events or viral videos, can overload servers and lead to temporary outages.
  • Cyberattacks : Malicious activities, such as Distributed Denial of Service ( DDoS ) attacks, can overwhelm and disrupt servers.
  • Natural disasters or power outages : Unforeseen events like natural disasters or power outages can physically damage servers or disrupt the infrastructure, resulting in downtime.

Where Can You Find Out If YouTube Servers Are Down?

To check if YouTube servers are down, visit the Kinsta resource guide on “ How to Check If a Website Is Down .”This comprehensive resource provides a variety of methods and tools to determine if a website, including YouTube, is experiencing any current downtime.

9 Ways To Fix the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error on Mobile (iPhone and iPad)

Encountering the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to resolve it on your iOS mobile device. Here are nine ways to fix this error and get back to enjoying uninterrupted YouTube videos on your iPhone or iPad.

Turn Airplane Mode On/Off (Disconnect/Reconnect to WiFi or Cellular)

  • Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (iPhone X or newer) or up from the bottom of your screen (iPhone 8 or older) to access the Control Center.
  • Tap the airplane icon to enable Airplane Mode. Wait a few seconds and then tap the airplane icon again to disable Airplane Mode.
  • After disabling Airplane Mode, reconnect to your WiFi network or cellular data by going to Settings > WiFi or Settings > Cellular and selecting your network.
  • Launch the YouTube app and check if the “Something Went Wrong” error persists. If it does, proceed to the next step.

Ensure YouTube App Is Up to Date (How to Update the YouTube App)

  • Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Tap on your account profile picture at the top-right corner of the App Store screen.
  • Scroll down to find the “Available Updates” section. If an update for the YouTube app is available, you’ll see it listed here.

An outdated youtube app, which can cause the something went wrong error

  • Tap the “Update” button next to the YouTube app to download and install the latest version.
  • Once the update is complete, relaunch the YouTube app and check if the error is resolved.

Restart Your Device

Performing a device restart can help resolve various software glitches, including the “Something Went Wrong” error. Before going any further, follow these steps to restart your iPhone or iPad:

  • Press and hold the power button (located either on the side or top of your device) until the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears.
  • Drag the slider from left to right to turn off your device.
  • Wait for five to ten seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
  • Release the power button and let your device complete the restart process. Once your device has restarted, open the YouTube app and check if the error persists.

Check if Your Device Software Is Up-to-Date

  • Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Scroll down and tap on “General.”
  • Tap on “Software Update.”
  • If a new software update is available, you’ll see the option to “Download and Install.” Tap on it to initiate the update process.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the software update. Once your device is updated, reopen the YouTube app and see if the error persists.

Log Out/Log In to Your YouTube Account

  • Open the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Tap on your profile picture or avatar icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
  • Scroll down and tap the “Sign Out” or “Switch Account” option.
  • Confirm the action by selecting “Sign Out” or the account you want to switch to.
  • Once you are signed out, tap “Sign In” or “Add Account” to log back in.
  • Enter your YouTube account credentials and follow the prompts to sign in. After signing in, check if the “Something Went Wrong” error has been resolved.

Allow Cellular Data/Background App Refresh for the YouTube App

To ensure a smooth YouTube experience, you can enable cellular data usage and background app refresh for the YouTube app:

  • Scroll down and tap on “Cellular” or “Mobile Data.”
  • Find the YouTube app from the list of installed apps.
  • Toggle the switch next to YouTube to enable cellular data usage for the app.
  • Additionally, return to the previous settings menu and tap “General.”
  • Scroll down and select “Background App Refresh.”
  • Find the YouTube app from the list and toggle the switch to enable the background app refresh. Exit the Settings app and relaunch the YouTube app to check if the error persists.

Clear Cache

Clearing the cache of the YouTube app can help resolve temporary data issues and potentially fix the “Something Went Wrong” error. Here’s how to remove the cache:

  • Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone or iPad.
  • Select “iPhone Storage” or “iPad Storage.”
  • Locate and tap on the YouTube app from the list of installed apps.
  • On the YouTube storage screen, tap on “Offload App” (this removes the app but keeps its data) or “Delete App” (this removes the app and its data).
  • Confirm the action and wait for the app to be offloaded or deleted.
  • Go to the App Store, search for the YouTube app, and reinstall it. Open the YouTube app and check if the error is gone.

Using a VPN ( Virtual Private Network ) can help resolve YouTube’s “Something Went Wrong” error by bypassing potential network restrictions or resolving connectivity issues. Here’s how you can use a VPN on your iPhone or iPad:

  • Download and install a reliable VPN app from the App Store. Several reputable VPN providers are available, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost.
  • Open the VPN app once it’s installed on your device.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to set up and configure the VPN app. This typically involves creating an account and selecting a server location.
  • Once the VPN app is set up, connect to a server location of your choice. Choosing a server close to your physical location is recommended for better performance.
  • After establishing a VPN connection, open the YouTube app and check if the error no longer persists.

Change DNS Settings

Changing your device’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings can also help resolve network-related issues that might be causing the “Something Went Wrong” error. Here’s how you can change DNS settings on your iPhone or iPad:

  • Open the “Settings” app on your device.
  • Scroll down and tap on “WiFi” or “Cellular” (depending on your current network connection).
  • Find the network you’re connected to and tap on the “i” or information icon next to it.
  • On the network details screen, scroll down and tap the “Configure DNS” option.
  • Choose the “Manual” option.
  • Tap on “Add Server” and enter the new DNS server address. You can use public DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1).

Change DNS settings on iPhone

  • Tap on “Save” to apply the new DNS settings.
  • Exit the Settings app and open the YouTube app to check if the error has been fixed.

By trying these nine fixes, including turning airplane mode on/off, ensuring the YouTube app is up to date, checking device software updates, logging out and logging back into your YouTube account, allowing cellular data and background app refresh for the YouTube app, clearing the cache, restarting the device, using a VPN, and changing DNS settings, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the “Something Went Wrong, Tap to Retry” error on mobile.

8 Ways To Fix the “Something Went Wrong” YouTube Error on Desktop (Mac)

When encountering “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube while using your desktop Mac computer, there are several solutions you can try to resolve the issue.

Disconnect/Reconnect to WiFi

  • Click on the WiFi icon in the menu bar at the top-right corner of your Mac screen.
  • Select “Turn WiFi Off” to disconnect from the WiFi network.
  • Wait for a couple of seconds, then click the WiFi icon again and choose “Turn WiFi On” to reconnect to the network. Once reconnected, open your web browser and access YouTube to check if the error persists.

Restart Computer

  • Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
  • Select “Restart” from the drop-down menu.
  • Wait for your Mac to shut down and restart. Once your Mac has restarted, open your web browser, navigate to YouTube, and see if the error persists.

Ensure Desktop Browser is Up to Date

  • Open your Mac’s web browser (e.g., Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox).
  • Click on the browser’s menu button, usually represented by three vertical dots or lines in the window’s top-right corner.
  • From the drop-down menu, select “About [Browser Name]” (e.g., “About Safari” for Safari browser).
  • A new window or tab will open, displaying information about the browser and its version.
  • Check if you have the latest version of the browser installed. If an update is available, follow the prompts to update your browser to the newest version.
  • After updating, relaunch your browser and visit YouTube to see if the error persists.

Try a Different Desktop Browser

  • If you are currently experiencing the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube using one web browser, such as Safari, consider trying a different browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
  • Open the alternative web browser installed on your Mac.
  • Visit the YouTube website and check if the error persists. If the error doesn’t occur in the alternative browser, it suggests that the issue may be specific to the original browser you were using.

Log In and Out of Your YouTube Account

  • Open YouTube in your web browser.
  • Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the YouTube page.
  • Select “Sign Out” from the drop-down menu to log out of your YouTube account.
  • After signing out, click the “Sign In” or the profile picture icon again.
  • Enter your YouTube account credentials and log back in. Once logged in, try accessing videos or performing actions on YouTube to check if the error has disappeared.

Clearing the cache can help resolve issues related to stored data that may be causing the “Something Went Wrong” error. The steps to clear the cache may vary slightly depending on your browser . Here are instructions for using the built-in Safari browser on your Mac:

  • Open your web browser.
  • Click “Safari” in the top left corner of your menu bar and select “preferences.”
  • Locate the option for “Advance” settings on the top right and click on it.
  • Click the checkbox at the bottom of the screen labeled “Show develop menu in menu bar

Advanced settings in Safari

  • Close the settings page and return to your Safari browser.
  • At the top menu bar, hover your mouse over the “Develop” tab.

Safari menu bar on Mac

  • Locate and click the option for “Empty Caches”

Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help resolve YouTube’s “Something Went Wrong” error by bypassing potential network restrictions or resolving connectivity issues. Here’s how you can use a VPN on your Mac:

  • Subscribe to a reputable VPN service provider. As mentioned above, several options, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost, are available.
  • Download and install the VPN client software provided by your chosen VPN service.
  • Launch the VPN application on your Mac.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to log in to your VPN account.
  • Once logged in, select a server location from the available options. Choosing a server location that’s geographically closer to your actual site is recommended for better performance.
  • After selecting a server, click the “Connect” or “On” button to establish a VPN connection. Once the VPN is connected, open your web browser and visit YouTube.

How Can I Prevent My YouTube Videos From Having the “Something Went Wrong” Error?

Preventing the occurrence of the “Something Went Wrong” error on YouTube requires proactive measures to ensure a smooth video playback experience for your audience. While some factors causing the error may be beyond your control, there are steps you can take to minimize the chances of encountering this issue.

The best thing you can do is to choose a reliable hosting provider  that prioritizes site performance and stability. A good host, such as Kinsta, can significantly decrease the likelihood of experiencing problems by offering industry-leading infrastructure and the support to troubleshoot any issues you might face.

Are There Alternatives to YouTube?

While YouTube remains the dominant video-sharing platform, alternatives that cater to specific needs and preferences are available. Exploring these alternatives can provide diverse opportunities for content creators and viewers alike.

Whether you are looking for platforms that focus on niche communities, offer enhanced monetization options, or prioritize privacy and data control, there are options beyond creating a YouTube channel . To learn more about these alternatives and their features, check out our comprehensive article on the best YouTube alternatives .

Discover new platforms that better align with your goals and audience, offering unique experiences and opportunities for content creation and consumption.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to prepare this article. I went as far as the VPN instructions/recommendation and then bailed. Still getting that #$%& error message “Something went wrong. Try again.” I’m afraid the solution will be to completely delete YT from my iPad and lose everything I’ve saved, but I my never know because I don’t really want that drastic ending. OR I’ll just put up with searching for videos as I go ….. :(

I’m back to tell you this: I accessed my YT on my laptop and then — magically! — was able to access it on my iPad !!! I have no idea what actually happened, but thought I would pass it on.

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I love the step by step troubleshooting. I made it to shutting down and restarting step completed before the issue resolved. Thank you Kinsta!

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No closed captions on fullscreen Youtube Safari Mobile

Although a Youtube video has CC (as seen on a computer browser, Youtube app and Safari when the video is NOT fullscreen), the CC disappears once I make the video fullscreen on Safari. This is especially annoying with videos in another language with English CC subtitles. Anyone have the same issue or know how to fix it? Thanks!

iPhone 11 Pro

Posted on Dec 22, 2020 10:28 AM

chuck_3rd

Posted on Dec 24, 2020 1:10 PM

Hello livelifeandante,

We'd like to assist with the issue you're experiencing when watching videos. We have a few questions to help us better understand the issue.

Are you experiencing this issue on a Mac computer or an iPhone?

If you are experiecing this on an iPhone, check this resource for more information on how to display subtitles on iPhone: Display subtitles and captions for videos and HomePod announcements on iPhone

Also, it sounds like there are no issues when watching a video within an app or through Safari when it's not in full screen mode. Once your video is in full screen in Safari, do you see any options to enable available subtitle when you tap on the screen?

If not, does this occur with every video from various sources that you view in Safari while in full screen?

Similar questions

  • iPhone safari YouTube no subtitles/captions when on full screen Hi, IPhone 7 safari YouTube does not show subtitles when I open full screen. Otherwise everything is okay. I have already seen this post and it does not help: https://support.apple.com/en-sg/guide/iphone/iph3e2e23d1/ios Thank you 10204 5
  • Youtube videos in Safari are cropped in full screen Youtube videos Safari are cropped in full screen. This does not happen e.g. in Firefox I'm not a 100% sure, but it seems that this issue started when I recently updated to Version 12.3.1 (21E258) Here's a screenshot of the video not in full screen mode (the elbow on the right is in the frame): And here's a screenshot of the same scene in full screen (the elbow on the right is not fully in the frame): 1066 2
  • How do I turn on closed captioning for movies? On the discription page there is now way to check it. I keep tapping on CC but it does not respond How do I turn on closed captioning for movies? On the discription page there is now way to check it. I keep tapping on CC but it does not respond 396 2

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Dec 24, 2020 1:10 PM in response to livelifeandante

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youtube not full screen safari

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iOS 18 makes iPhone more personal, capable, and intelligent than ever

Three iPhone 15 Pro devices are shown in a row, with the first displaying a customized Home Screen, the second showing enhanced Tapbacks in Messages, and the third displaying the redesigned Photos app.

New Levels of Customization and Capability

iPhone 15 Pro shows the Home Screen with apps and widgets arranged around a photo.

Photos Gets a Unified View, New Collections, and Customization

iPhone 15 Pro shows a photo grid and collections in the Photos app.

Powerful Ways to Stay Connected in Messages

iPhone 15 Pro shows a message being composed with the word “bouncing” selected and the text effect Jitter selected.

Enhancements to Mail

iPhone 15 Pro displays an inbox in Mail with the label Primary shown above a series of emails.

Big Updates to Safari

iPhone 15 Pro displays the Passwords app with a list of app icons shown, including Door Dash, Atlas Obscura, LinkedIn, and more.

Introducing the Passwords App

iPhone 15 Pro displays the Passwords app with a list of app icons shown, including Door Dash, Atlas Obscura, LinkedIn, and more.

New Privacy Features Designed to Empower Users

iPhone 15 Pro shows a screen with a prompt asking if the user would like to require Face ID for the Photos app.

Apple Intelligence Transforms the iPhone Experience

iPhone 15 Pro shows a message being composed with Writing Tools below it, including proofread and rewrite options.

  • In Apple Maps , users can browse thousands of hikes across national parks in the United States and easily create their own custom walking routes, which they can access offline. Maps users can also save their favorite national park hikes, custom walking routes, and locations to an all-new Places Library and add personal notes about each spot.
  • Game Mode enhances the gaming experience with more consistent frame rates, especially during long play sessions, and makes wireless accessories like AirPods and game controllers incredibly responsive.
  • Users get new ways to pay with Apple Pay , including the ability to redeem rewards and access installments from their eligible credit or debit cards. 5 With Tap to Cash, users can send and receive Apple Cash by simply holding two iPhone devices together. 6 Tickets in Apple Wallet bring a richer experience for fans, putting key event information like stadium details, recommended Apple Music playlists, and more at their fingertips. 7
  • SharePlay with Apple Music allows even more users to share control of music playing from HomePod, Apple TV, or any Bluetooth-enabled speaker, making listening together more fun and engaging.
  • The AirPods experience gets even more personal, private, and convenient with Siri Interactions, allowing AirPods Pro (2nd generation) users to simply nod their head yes or gently shake their head no to respond to Siri announcements. For even clearer call quality, Voice Isolation comes to AirPods Pro, ensuring the caller’s voice is heard in loud or windy environments. AirPods updates also provide the best wireless audio latency Apple has ever delivered for mobile gaming, and add Personalized Spatial Audio for even more immersive gameplay.
  • In the Notes app , formulas and equations entered while typing are solved instantly with Math Notes. New collapsible sections and highlighting make it easier to emphasize what’s important.
  • In Journal , an all-new insights view helps users keep track of their journaling goals, and the ability to search and sort entries makes it easy to enjoy past memories. Time spent journaling can be saved as mindful minutes in the Health app, and users can log their state of mind right in Journal. A Journal widget is now available for users to quickly start an entry from the Home Screen or Lock Screen, audio recordings are automatically transcribed, and users can export and print journal entries.
  • Calendar becomes even more helpful by showing both events and tasks from Reminders . Users can create, edit, and complete reminders right from Calendar, and the updated month view provides an overview of events and tasks at a glance.
  • In the Health app , Medical ID has been redesigned to make it even easier for first responders to find the most important information in an emergency. The Health app can help users better understand their data during pregnancy by making adjustments and recommendations to reflect changes in their physical and mental health.
  • Emergency SOS Live Video allows users to share context through streaming video and recorded media. In the middle of an emergency call, participating emergency dispatchers can send a request for a user to share live video or media from the user’s camera roll over a secure connection, making it easier and faster to get help.
  • The Home app introduces guest access, providing users with easy ways to grant guests control of select smart home accessories, set schedules for when guests can access the home, and more. For an effortless home entry experience, hands-free unlock with home keys leverages Ultra Wideband technology to allow users to instantly open supported entry locks as soon as they are six feet away from their door. With convenient updates to the Energy category, the Home app makes it easier for eligible users to access, understand, and make more informed decisions about their home electricity use.
  • Accessibility updates include Eye Tracking, a built-in option for navigating iPhone with just eyes; Music Haptics, a new way for users who are deaf or hard of hearing to experience music using the Taptic Engine in iPhone; and Vocal Shortcuts that enable users to perform tasks by making a custom sound.

iPhone 15 Pro shows a list of hikes in Sequoia National Park.

Text of this article

June 10, 2024

PRESS RELEASE

The release introduces all-new customization options, the biggest-ever redesign of Photos, powerful updates for staying connected, and Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA  Apple today previewed iOS 18 , a major release that features more customization options, the biggest redesign ever of the Photos app, new ways for users to manage their inbox in Mail, Messages over satellite, and so much more. Users will be able to arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, customize the buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen, and quickly access more controls in Control Center. Photo libraries are automatically organized in a new single view in Photos, and helpful new collections keep favorites easily accessible. Mail simplifies the inbox by sorting email into categories using on-device intelligence, and all-new text effects come to iMessage. Powered by the same groundbreaking technology as existing iPhone satellite capabilities, users can now communicate over satellite in the Messages app when a cellular or Wi-Fi connection isn’t available. 1

iOS 18 also introduces Apple Intelligence , the personal intelligence system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac that combines the power of generative models with personal context to deliver intelligence that’s incredibly useful and relevant. 2 Built with privacy from the ground up, Apple Intelligence is deeply integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It harnesses the power of Apple silicon to understand and create language and images, take action across apps, and draw from personal context, to simplify and accelerate everyday tasks.

“We are thrilled to introduce iOS 18. It is a huge release with incredible features, including new levels of customization and capability, a redesigned Photos app, and powerful ways to stay connected with Messages. There are so many benefits for everyone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering. “This release also marks the beginning of a tremendously exciting new era of personal intelligence with Apple Intelligence delivering intuitive, powerful, and instantly useful experiences that will transform the iPhone experience, all with privacy at the core. We can’t wait for users to experience it.”

iPhone users have new ways to customize the Home Screen, Lock Screen, and Control Center. Users can now arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, including placing them right above the dock for easy access or perfectly framing a wallpaper. App icons and widgets can take on a new look with a dark or tinted effect, and users can make them appear larger to create the experience that is perfect for them.

Control Center has been redesigned to provide easier access to many of the things users do every day, and it gets new levels of customization and flexibility. The redesign delivers quick access to new groups of a user’s most-utilized controls, such as media playback, Home controls, and connectivity, as well as the ability to easily swipe between each. Users can now add controls from supported third-party apps into Control Center to quickly unlock a vehicle or jump right into capturing content for social media — all from one place. The new controls gallery displays the full set of available options, and users can customize how the controls are laid out, including adjusting them to the ideal size and creating entirely new groups.

For the first time, users can now switch the controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen, including choosing from options available in the controls gallery or removing them entirely. With the Action button available on iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, users can quickly invoke controls available in the gallery.

Photos receives its biggest-ever redesign to help users easily find and relive special moments. A simplified, single view displays a familiar grid, and new collections help users browse by themes without having to organize content into albums. Plus, collections can be pinned to keep favorites easily accessible. A new carousel view presents highlights that update each day and feature favorite people, pets, places, and more. Autoplaying content throughout the app brings libraries to life, so past moments can be enjoyed while browsing. Because each user’s photo library is unique, the app is customizable, so users can organize collections, pin collections to access frequently, and include what’s most important to them in the carousel view.

iMessage receives all-new text effects that bring conversations to life by amplifying any letter, word, phrase, or emoji with dynamic, animated appearances. Users can better express tone by adding formatting like bold, underline, italics, and strikethrough. Tapbacks expand to include any emoji or sticker, and now users can compose a message and schedule to send it at a later time.

When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging compared to SMS and MMS.

iOS 18 introduces Messages via satellite for the times when cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available. Powered by the same groundbreaking technology as existing iPhone satellite capabilities, Messages via satellite automatically prompts users to connect to their nearest satellite right from the Messages app to send and receive texts, emoji, and Tapbacks over iMessage and SMS. 3 With Dynamic Island, users always know when they are connected to a satellite. Because iMessage was built to protect user privacy, iMessages sent via satellite are end-to-end encrypted.

Later this year, Mail will introduce new ways for users to manage their inbox and stay up to date. On-device categorization organizes and sorts incoming email into Primary for personal and time-sensitive emails, Transactions for confirmations and receipts, Updates for news and social notifications, and Promotions for marketing emails and coupons. Mail also features a new digest view that pulls together all of the relevant emails from a business, allowing users to quickly scan for what’s important in the moment.

Safari, the world’s fastest browser, 4 now offers an even easier way to discover information on the web with Highlights and a redesigned Reader experience. Using machine learning, Safari can surface key information about a webpage. For example, users can review a summary to get the gist of an article; quickly see the location of a restaurant, hotel, or landmark; or listen to an artist’s track right from an article about the song or album. Reader has been redesigned to offer even more ways to enjoy articles without distraction, with a summary and table of contents included for longer articles.

Building on the foundation of Keychain, which was first introduced more than 25 years ago, the new Passwords app makes it easy for users to access their passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and verification codes. The app also includes alerts for users regarding common weaknesses, such as passwords that are easily guessed or used multiple times and those that appear in known data leaks.

iOS 18 gives users even more control with tools to manage who can see their apps, how contacts are shared, and how their iPhone connects to accessories.

Locked and hidden apps offer users peace of mind that information they want to keep private, such as app notifications and content, will not inadvertently be seen by others. Users can now lock an app; and for additional privacy, they can hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden apps folder. When an app is locked or hidden, content like messages or emails inside the app are hidden from search, notifications, and other places across the system.

iOS 18 puts users in control by letting them choose to share only specific contacts with an app. In addition, developers now have a way to seamlessly connect third-party accessories with iPhone without letting an app see all the other devices on a user’s network, keeping a user’s devices private and making pairing seamless.

Deeply integrated into iOS 18 and built with privacy from the ground up, Apple Intelligence unlocks new ways for users to enhance their writing and communicate more effectively. With brand-new systemwide Writing Tools built into iOS 18, users can rewrite, proofread, and summarize text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, Pages, and third-party apps.

New image capabilities make communication and self-expression even more fun. With Image Playground, users can create playful images in seconds, choosing from three styles: Animation, Illustration, or Sketch. Image Playground is easy to use, built right into apps like Messages, and also available in a dedicated app.

Memories in Photos lets users create the stories they want to see just by typing a description. Apple Intelligence will pick out the best photos and videos based on the description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc. In addition, a new Clean Up tool can identify and remove distracting objects in the background of a photo — without accidentally altering the subject.

With the power of Apple Intelligence, Siri takes a major step forward, becoming even more natural, contextually relevant, and personal. Users can type to Siri, and switch between text and voice to communicate with Siri in whatever way feels right for the moment.

With Private Cloud Compute, Apple sets a new standard for privacy in AI, with the ability to flex and scale computational capacity between on-device processing, and larger, server-based models that run on dedicated Apple silicon servers. When requests are routed to Private Cloud Compute, data is not stored or made accessible to Apple and is only used to fulfill the user’s requests, and independent experts can verify this privacy.

Additionally, access to ChatGPT is integrated into Siri and systemwide Writing Tools across Apple’s platforms, allowing users to access its expertise — as well as its image- and document-understanding capabilities — without needing to jump between tools.

Additional features in iOS 18 include: 

Availability

The developer beta of iOS 18 is available through the Apple Developer Program at developer.apple.com starting today, and a public beta will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program next month at beta.apple.com . iOS 18 will be available this fall as a free software update for iPhone Xs and later. Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to U.S. English, as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall. For more information, visit apple.com/ios/ios-18-preview and apple.com/apple-intelligence . Features are subject to change. Some features are not available in all regions, all languages, or on all devices. For more information about availability, visit apple.com .

  • Messages via satellite will be available in iOS 18 along with Apple’s existing satellite features in the U.S. on iPhone 14 and later.
  • Users with an eligible iPhone, iPad, or Mac, and Siri and device language set to English (U.S.) can sign up this fall to access the Apple Intelligence beta.
  • SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details.
  • Testing was conducted by Apple in May 2023. See apple.com/safari  for more information.
  • The new Apple Pay features are available on cards from participating banks and card providers in certain markets. Subject to eligibility and approval.
  • Apple Cash services are provided by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, and only available in the U.S. on eligible devices. Learn more about the terms and conditions . To send and receive money with an Apple Cash account, users must be 18 and a U.S. resident, or if under 18, part of an Apple Cash Family account. Tap to Cash transaction limits are subject to change, including lowering limits, at any time during the developer or public betas without notice.
  • Ticket enhancements in Apple Wallet are available for events from participating ticket issuers.

Press Contacts

Nadine Haija

[email protected]

Tania Olkhovaya

[email protected]

Apple Media Helpline

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Images in this article

COMMENTS

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    Many users complain about YouTube videos won't go Fullscreen on their iPhone (iOS 15). Here we will show you the easiest ways to fix YouTube videos that won'...

  13. How to Fix YouTube Fullscreen Not Working on Firefox, Chrome and Safari

    STEP 1. Just go to your Chrome address bar, type " chrome://plugins " and hit "Enter", you'll see a list of all installed plugins. STEP 2. Then, click the " Details " button. STEP 3. Scroll down and find " Adobe Flash Player ". If you see 2 Adobe Flash Players, jump to next step.

  14. 11 Ways to Fix YouTube Not Working or Playing Videos on Safari Browser

    Although Safari enables it by default, you should verify this setting. 1: Open the Safari browser on your Mac and go to Safari > Preferences. 2: Switch to the Security tab, and make a tick in the Enable JavaScript checkbox. 3: Reload the YouTube or webpage where the YouTube video is embedded. 11.

  15. YouTube fullscreen problems in Safari

    Hey everyone. Currently I'm using Safari as my default browser however I have some problem with playing video full screen. It is not playing fullscreen properly but mostly only in the quarter of the screen, as you can see on the screenshot. I had never had that problem before but lately this...

  16. In iPadOS 15, when watching YouTube in Safari in full-screen ...

    I use the YouTube app and not the website so I haven't seen this issue before, but I've just gone and watched a video on the site, put it in full screen, and all chrome (YouTube's custom controls, video title, etc. and the system × and PIP button) all disappear after a few seconds, as does the home indicator after another short delay (not sure why the other commenter said otherwise).

  17. Top 10 Fixes For 'YouTube Full Screen Not Working'

    Refresh the Webpage. If the YouTube videos are not playing in full-screen mode on your computer, one of the first things to try is to refresh the webpage. You can simply press the F5 button on the keyboard or click the refresh icon near the address bar. After that, try again switching the video to the full-screen mode.

  18. How To Fix YouTube Not Showing Full Screen

    Let's fix your YouTube app if you can't get videos to show full screen when you watch them on your iPhone or Android.Thanks for your time today.

  19. Fixing the "Something Went Wrong" YouTube Error (iOS and Mac)

    By trying these nine fixes, including turning airplane mode on/off, ensuring the YouTube app is up to date, checking device software updates, logging out and logging back into your YouTube account, allowing cellular data and background app refresh for the YouTube app, clearing the cache, restarting the device, using a VPN, and changing DNS ...

  20. No closed captions on fullscreen Youtube …

    Also, it sounds like there are no issues when watching a video within an app or through Safari when it's not in full screen mode. Once your video is in full screen in Safari, do you see any options to enable available subtitle when you tap on the screen? ... Youtube videos in Safari are cropped in full screen Youtube videos Safari are cropped ...

  21. Scroll bar when video full screen (not Youtube) : r/Safari

    It appeared after the last macOS update. I hope it will be fixed soon, but for now you can just go to Settings - Appearance - Show scroll bars, and choose - When scrolling. After that, scroll bar will show up only when u use it, so it won't bother you. 2.

  22. Solved: Zoom automatic paused screen sharing.

    If you want to maintain continuous screen sharing using full-screen mode, you'll want to explore Zoom's settings. Keep in mind that different platforms and versions of Zoom may have different behavior and options, so it's always recommended to check for the latest updates and consult support channels for the most accurate information.

  23. Resources

    Safari Extensions. Safari extensions are a powerful way to add new features to Safari. They are built in Xcode with web technologies, such as HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript and powerful native APIs. Now you can distribute and sell them through the App Store on Mac, iPhone and iPad. Meet Safari Web Extensions on iOS; Explore Safari Web Extension ...

  24. Enable Full Screen mode in Safari browser in iPhone

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  25. macOS Sequoia Preview

    Safari will automatically detect relevant information on a page and highlight it as you browse. Highlights display helpful information like directions and quick links to learn more about people, music, movies, and TV shows. ... while still giving you full access to system playback controls. Pause Play Replay. Passwords app. All your credentials ...

  26. WWDC24 Highlights

    With iOS 18, users will now be able to arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, customize the buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen, and quickly access more controls in Control Center.With the biggest redesign ever of the Photos app, photo libraries are automatically organized in a new single view in Photos, and helpful new collections keep favorites easily accessible.

  27. macOS Sequoia takes productivity and intelligence on Mac to new ...

    Big Updates Come to Safari. Safari, the world's fastest browser, 2 now offers Highlights, an even easier way to discover information on the web, such as directions, summaries, or quick links to learn more about people, music, movies, and TV shows. A redesigned Reader includes even more ways to enjoy articles without distractions, featuring a ...

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  29. iOS 18 makes iPhone more personal, capable, and intelligent ...

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today previewed iOS 18, a major release that features more customization options, the biggest redesign ever of the Photos app, new ways for users to manage their inbox in Mail, Messages over satellite, and so much more.Users will be able to arrange apps and widgets in any open space on the Home Screen, customize the buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen, and ...