"Download" on YouTube can mean two different things, and they fail for different reasons:
- YouTube's own Download button (in the app, or on youtube.com with Premium). It saves the video for offline viewing inside YouTube. You don't get a file.
- Saving a real video or MP3 file to your phone's gallery or your computer's Downloads folder, using a browser downloader such as Y2Mate Official.
Find the problem you have below. Each section explains the real cause and what to do about it.
Quick answer
- The Download button is missing or asks you to pay: in most countries it needs YouTube Premium.
- Stuck on "Waiting for Wi-Fi": the app is set to download over Wi-Fi only. You can turn that off in Settings.
- The video isn't in your gallery: downloads from the YouTube app stay inside the app. They never show up as files.
- Nothing can download it: private, age-restricted and members-only videos can't be downloaded, and neither can live streams until they end.
- A website download fails: check the video itself first, then your storage, your connection and your browser's downloads list.
The YouTube Download button is missing or asks for Premium
In most countries, downloading in the YouTube app is a YouTube Premium feature. If you're not a member, tapping Download takes you to the Premium sign-up page.
India and a few other countries are an exception: many videos can be downloaded in the app for free. Some videos still ask for Premium, though, and some can't be downloaded in the app at all.
If you have Premium and the button still doesn't work, check these:
- Your membership is active. When Premium ends, you also lose access to the videos you downloaded.
- You haven't hit the device limit. YouTube limits how many devices can hold downloads. Remove downloads from a phone or tablet you no longer use.
- Your connection is good enough. YouTube recommends at least 3 Mbps, on Wi-Fi or mobile data.
YouTube download stuck on "Waiting for Wi-Fi"
This happens when the app is set to download over Wi-Fi only, and some phones have it switched on by default. To download over mobile data:
- In the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, then Settings.
- Open Background & downloads.
- Turn off Download over Wi-Fi only.
If the download still doesn't move, check that your phone has free storage. A 10-minute video in 1080p takes about 215 MB, and in 4K about 1 GB.
You downloaded it, but it's not in your gallery
This is the most common surprise. Videos downloaded in the YouTube app only play inside the YouTube app. They aren't saved as video files. So you won't find them in your gallery, Files app or Downloads folder, and you can't copy them to a pen drive or send them to someone.
They also expire if you stay offline:
- YouTube Premium: downloads play offline for up to 29 days. After that, connect to the internet so the app can check them again.
- Free downloads (in the countries where YouTube allows them): you need to reconnect every 48 hours.
On a computer, YouTube's Download button works the same way. Premium videos stay in Downloads on youtube.com in that browser. They don't go to your computer's Downloads folder.
If you need a real file that you can keep, move or play anywhere:
- Copy the video's link (Share → Copy link).
- Open y2mate-official.com in your browser and paste the link.
- Choose a quality on the Video tab, or MP3 on the Audio tab, then tap Download.
The file goes to your browser's downloads, like any other download. Step-by-step guides: Android, iPhone, laptop or PC.
Videos that can't be downloaded anywhere
Some videos can't be downloaded with any tool, so trying another one won't help:
- Private videos, and members-only videos.
- Age-restricted videos, which need a signed-in account.
- Live streams, until they end. Premieres can't be downloaded until they have aired.
- Removed videos, whether the uploader deleted them or they were taken down after a copyright claim.
- Videos that are blocked in some countries may not work, even if you can watch them where you are.
If the video is your own, you don't need a downloader. Open YouTube Studio, go to Content, open the Options menu next to the video and choose Download.
Can't download YouTube videos on your phone
Android
- Check your storage. Downloads stop quietly when the phone is almost full.
- Keep the browser tab open until the green Download button appears. Long or 4K videos take longer to prepare.
- Look in the right place. Open Chrome's menu and tap Downloads, or open the Download folder in the Files app. Many gallery apps show it as a "Download" album.
iPhone and iPad
- Use Safari and tap Download when Safari asks whether you want to download the file.
- Find the file in the Files app, under Downloads.
- To put it in Photos, open the video in Files, tap Share and choose Save Video.
Can't download YouTube videos on your laptop or PC
- Open your browser's downloads list. Press Ctrl + J in Chrome or Edge, or Ctrl + Shift + Y in Firefox. On a Mac, check the Downloads folder.
- Try a private window. Some browser extensions, especially ad blockers, stop download buttons from working. A private or incognito window usually runs without them.
- Check your disk space before downloading long videos in 4K.
The file downloaded but won't play
4K videos on YouTube use the newer AV1 format, which some older phones, TVs and media players can't play. Download the 1080p version instead. It plays almost everywhere, and like every MP4 on the site, it includes sound. More fixes: Y2Mate not working? Common errors.
Messages you may see on Y2Mate Official
| Message | What to do |
|---|---|
| "This video is private / age-restricted / members-only" | It can't be downloaded. See the list above. |
| "Live streams cannot be downloaded" | Wait until the stream ends, then try again. |
| "Download limit reached. Try again in…" | Lots of downloads in a short time are paused briefly. Wait for the countdown. There's no daily limit. |
| "The download could not be started" | Tap Try Again in the download window. |
The full list of messages and fixes is in Y2Mate not working? Common errors and how to fix them.
Only download videos that are yours, or that you have permission to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I download YouTube videos now?
The usual reasons are that the YouTube app needs Premium in your country, the app is set to download over Wi-Fi only, or the video is private, age-restricted, members-only or still live. On a website downloader, also check your storage and your browser's downloads list.
Why can't I download YouTube videos on my laptop?
On a computer, YouTube's own Download button needs Premium and keeps the video inside youtube.com. To save an MP4 file, paste the link into a browser downloader. If nothing happens, try a private window without extensions and check the downloads list (Ctrl + J).
Why is my YouTube download stuck on "Waiting for Wi-Fi"?
The app is set to download over Wi-Fi only. Go to Profile picture → Settings → Background & downloads and turn off Download over Wi-Fi only.
Why don't my YouTube downloads show in my gallery?
Videos downloaded in the YouTube app only play inside the app. To get a video in your gallery, download it as an MP4 file in your browser. On iPhone, save it from Files to Photos with Share → Save Video.
Can I download YouTube videos without Premium?
Yes, as a file, using a browser downloader such as Y2Mate Official, for public videos. In India and a few other countries, the YouTube app also lets you download many videos for free.
How do I download my own YouTube videos?
Open YouTube Studio, go to Content, click the Options menu next to the video and choose Download. You get your uploaded video as an MP4 file.
