Server 503 error in Youtube arises when there is a problem with the Youtube server.
This involves the HTTP, Hypertext Transfer Protocol not being able to send through a successful request to Youtube’s server from our webpage.
If you have come onto Youtube and searched for a video, the server is not able to deal with that request, causing the error code to arise.
This could be due to Youtube being overloaded at that time, there is maintenance going on in the backend, the cache data for Youtube has been contaminated, or the server is refusing to accept the request from your internet browser.
We have created this simple guide to assist you in fixing this error code as efficiently as possible so you can get back to watching your favorite cat videos.
What is Server Problem 503 Error?
Server 503 Error in Youtube
What is server 503 error in Youtube exactly? It is similar, but different to the server 500 error;
- The web server for Youtube is unavailable
- There is a fault happening on Youtube and has nothing to do with your device
- The Youtube server is swamped and cannot handle all the requests at once
- Youtube is having work done to it
- The connection has timed out
- Youtubes stored data on your phone or computer has been contaminated
This error code is preventing your web browser from gaining access to the Youtube server.
What are the variations of Server 503 Error
Depending on what browser you are using, and how your server is set up, ‘Server 503 Error’ can be shown in a few different ways;
- 503 Service Unavailable
- 503 Service Temporarily Unavailable
- HTTP Server Error 503
- HTTP Error 503
- Error 503 Service Unavailable
- The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.
What causes a 503 error
What Causes Error 503
The possible causes of receiving error code 503 could be;
- There has been a malfunction between Youtube and their server. This means Youtube is not able to take on individuals’ browsers trying to get onto the site
- The server for Youtube cannot take on all the demands coming in for people to access Youtube. (This normally happens when a website with little traffic suddenly experiences a high volume of traffic, so would not necessarily be for Youtube due to their volume of subscribers)
- Someone has configured the server for Youtube incorrectly
- Planned maintenance on the Youtube server
How do you Fix Error 503
Fixing Error 503
If you have seen ‘There was a Problem with Network (503)’ come up while trying to access Youtube, you may assume there is nothing you can do to fix this.
We have compiled a few easy fixes for you to do that should help you rectify the server 503 error in Youtube;
Fix 1. Restart Youtube
It’s always good to first try the simplest solution to fix any error, as this may just be what you need to do to get it back up and running.
Step 1. Exit Youtube completely and clear any running background data
Step 2. Get onto Youtube again
Note, clicking the refresh button on Youtube will refresh the connection while staying on Youtube and can help fix this error.
Fix 2. Get rid of Youtubes cache data
When you visit a website, data gets stored on your device that is kept to make the loading of that website run quicker. This is called ‘cache data’ and can sometimes become contaminated.
If you are accessing Youtube through the app, it is a good idea to clear the cache data off your device.
On Android
Step 1. Go to ‘Settings’
Step 2. Click on ‘Applications’
Step 3. Find ‘Youtube’ and click on this
Step 4. Select ‘Storage’
Step 5. Choose ‘Clear Cache’
On iPhone
Step 1. Uninstall Youtube off your mobile
Step 2. Reinstall the Youtube app via the app store
You have now cleared the cache data from the Youtube app and can now run Youtube again.
Fix 3. Check your network settings
Your network settings may be playing a role in the server 503 error in Youtube.
If you are you are on your PC, turn your Wifi off and on again so it can reconnect. If you are on your mobile, you can reset your APN settings;
On Android
Step 1. Go into ‘Apps’ from the home screen
Step 2. Select ‘Settings’
Step 3. Choose ‘Backup and Reset’
Step 4. Click on ‘Reset Network Settings’
Step 5. Confirm by choosing ‘Reset Settings’
Step 6. It may now ask you for your pin. Input this and confirm the reset.
On iPhone
Step 1. Go into ‘Settings’
Step 2. Select ‘Mobile Data’ or ‘Cellular’
Step 3. Choose ‘Mobile Data Network’ or ‘Cellular Data Network’
Step 4. Click on ‘Reset Settings’ at the bottom
Step 5. Confirm by clicking ‘Reset’
Your APN settings on android or iPhone have now been reset to their original settings.
Fix 4. Delete videos stored on ‘Watch Later’ list
If you have saved videos in the ‘Watch Later’ list it may be too full, causing your Youtube app to become clogged up with too much-stored data.
Step 1. Go into the Youtube app
Step 2. Select the ‘Watch Later’ option
Step 3. On a video, click on the three dots on the right-hand side
Step 4. You will now be able to select ‘Remove From Watch Later’
Do this for a few videos if you have many saved.
You have now removed some videos and can try Youtube again.
Fix 5. Wait it out
If you are still struggling to get rid of the server 503 error in Youtube, it may be a case of having to wait it out until the Youtube server is back to functioning properly.
You can make use of ‘Downdetector’, which will be able to tell you if Youtube is down for other people too.
Conclusion
With Youtube being so popular around the world, it’s only fair that we understand that they can experience quite a few errors, for example, Error 400 is one, and occasionally, video malfunctions.
Youtube does offer a Help Centre for when you are needing advice on a certain topic or issue, however, we hope this guide has rectified the server 503 error in Youtube for you, so you won’t be needing it anytime soon.
