The internet is used for a variety of purposes nowadays, but one of the most essential is entertainment. This free time is frequently spent watching your favorite TV shows and YouTube videos. Awesome!
However, we’ve received a few reports from users claiming that their internet connection drops when watching YouTube. This frequently results in complete disconnection from Wi-Fi, which utterly spoils the enjoyment.
But, is there anything you can do about it? Of course, there is, so keep reading to find out why this occurs and how to quickly resolve it.
Why does YouTube disconnect your internet?
When you’re trying to unwind by watching YouTube videos, the last thing you want to do is wait for the video to load and then lose connectivity. Since this has happened in the past, we will first troubleshoot the problem before proposing solutions.
1. The problem is in the wireless connection
Most of the time, users who are encountering this issue are linked to a wireless internet connection. This is why it’s natural to assume that this connection is the source of the problem in the first place.
A bad WI-FI connection or a weak signal might cause you trouble while attempting to connect to the network.
This is especially true if you’re attempting to perform somewhat more difficult things, such as streaming video or watching YouTube. This data transfer needs a good connection to upload without issue.
Furthermore, if you are connected to Wi-Fi, the issue might be caused by outdated drivers or malfunctioning wireless cards.
2. The problem is with the router
If your router is placed incorrectly or is an older model, it may be causing connectivity issues.
Routers are responsible for delivering data and establishing an internet connection, but they frequently become overworked and overheated, causing them to cease working completely.
3. Other problems
Although the wireless connection and router are usually the source of the problem, you should also analyze your internet subscription, other wireless devices, and viruses since they can all contribute to this issue.
Now that you know why your internet disconnects when watching YouTube and you know that the reason behind it is a bad connection we can move on to finding the best possible solution.
How to stop Youtube from disconnecting your internet?
The YouTube dropout is only a sign of a larger issue with your internet connection.
We can presume that the signal is not strong enough or that your router is not regulating the flow of information because you are using more data when attempting to watch or download videos.
There are a few options for dealing with this issue.
1. Restart your router
If the interruption in the connection is not occurring regularly and you have only recently become aware of it, restarting the router may be beneficial.
This is easy to accomplish by pushing the power button or removing the router’s power supply for a few minutes and then reconnecting.
The router will function better now that it has been rebooted, and you should be able to watch YouTube videos without issue.
However, if this occurs regularly, restarting will not fix the problem, and it can become tiresome to reboot the router all the time, so we need to come up with other remedies.
2. Reposition the router
The appropriate positioning of the router is critical for two reasons:
- Signal enhancement – The router should be positioned high up, away from other devices and thick walls. This will ensure that you have adequate signal strength throughout your home. As previously stated, a poor signal might be the cause of a lost connection.
- Airflow – Another issue that most people overlook is when situating the router’s ability to get enough airflow and cool down. Because sites like YouTube use a lot of bandwidth, your router may get overworked and overheated if there isn’t enough area for airflow. This is why it’s critical to keep the router away from other devices and allow it to cool down and avoid disconnecting.
3. Change the channel and band
Routers work harder than you think to keep up with all of the devices that are simultaneously connected to them.
Since bandwidth is limited and many people and devices are using the same router, you may have connection issues and your internet connection may just drop while you are attempting to stream videos.
Given that routers run on two distinct frequencies and many channels within those frequencies, using third-party programs to evaluate channels and bands may be a smart option.
When you know which channels are congested, you may switch to one with less traffic and have a better connection.
If you are close to the router, the 5GHz band is the best option for a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection. However, if you are far away from the router opt for the slower 2.4GHz band.
4. Check the wireless card and drivers
If you use a Wi-Fi connection, your computer is linked to the router through wireless cards and drivers. This connection may be the cause of the internet not playing videos; thus, you must ensure that everything is in working order.
This includes:
- Checking the wireless network card, making sure it is plugged in properly and that there is no obvious damage on the port and the card;
- Updating the network drivers manually or automatically to the newest version;
- Reinstalling the network drivers if needed, when updating didn’t do the trick.
5. Unplug other Wi-Fi devices
It may come as a surprise, but some of your computer-connected devices may be creating internet connection issues. This is why you should try disconnecting some of those gadgets to see if the problem improves.
This is especially true for some headphones that are using a wireless connection to communicate with your computer. This connection can interfere with your wireless internet connection, making it hard to perform things like watch YouTube videos on the internet.
6. Replace the router
An outdated router is the most obvious factor that might be creating Internet connection issues. Any gadget that is more than five years old is deemed obsolete and should be replaced right away.
Old routers cannot keep up with the latest internet service provider speeds. Furthermore, because outdated routers do not receive regular firmware upgrades and occasionally miss security patches, they are not the safest option.
7. Update the Antivirus and scan for malware
If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you surely noticed how much we insist on regular updates, and for a good reason.
Outdated software might create more issues than you realize. So, if you observe any unusual activity on your devices, such as the internet disconnects when streaming video, you should update your antivirus and run a check.
This is done because many malicious applications may cause a variety of issues, including disrupting your internet connection. If the scan reveals any suspicious applications, make sure to clear the system and restart your computer.
8. Use Ethernet cable
While we agree that wireless connections might be more convenient and sleek, nothing beats a solid Ethernet cable connection. When people move to an Ethernet connection, they generally see an improvement in their YouTube and video downloading difficulties.
This is because the Ethernet cable connects your device directly to the router, eliminating the possibility of lost or weak signals. A stronger connection implies better overall network performance and fewer possibilities of videos being interrupted or buffering.
9. Call your internet service provider
We covered all of the possible reasons why the Internet disconnects when watching Youtube. However, if after trying out our suggestions your problem is still not fixed, you may need to contact your ISP to see if there is anything they can do.
Internet service providers are required to keep the equipment in service and rectify any connectivity issues. This may entail renting a modem or router, replacing connections, and inspecting the network to determine the source of the problem.
You may even need to examine your ISP’s subscription plan to verify that the upload and download speeds meet your requirements.
By following our simple and thorough method, you will be able to establish a stable and faster internet connection and return to watching YouTube videos in no time.
