YouTube Watch History Not Updating? Try This

YouTube allows its users to quickly go back to the videos they’ve watched thanks to the watch history option. Unfortunately, many users have experienced problems with this option and are forced to find their watched videos manually, which can often be time-consuming. However, there are a few ways to fix the watch history option on YouTube.

If you’re interested in learning what to do when YouTube watch history isn’t updating, you’ve come to the right place. This article will show you different methods to ensure your watch history is working on numerous platforms.

YouTube Watch History Not Updating on PC

Many people enjoy using YouTube on their computers. If you’re one of them and you noticed your YouTube watch history isn’t updating, there are a few actions you can take.

Check if the Watch History Option Is Enabled

The first thing you need to do after realizing your YouTube watch history isn’t updating is check whether the option is enabled. It’s not uncommon for the option to disable on its own due to an update or a glitch. Hence, this should be your starting point. Here’s how to check if the watch history option is turned on:

  1. Open your browser and go to YouTube.
  2. Press the three lines at the top-left corner next to the YouTube logo.
  3. Select “History.”
  4. If you see the “Pause watch history” option in the menu on the right, it means it’s already enabled. If you see “Turn on watch history,” the option wasn’t enabled.

Check for Updates

If you haven’t updated your operating system or browser in a while, you may be experiencing numerous issues. One could be related to YouTube and the inability to enjoy the watch history option.

First, check whether your operating system is up to date:

  1. Launch the Start menu.
  2. Press the gear icon to access settings.
  3. Select “Update & Security.”
  4. Choose “Windows Update” and press “Check for updates.” If any updates are available, press “Install updates.” If you see the “You’re up to date” message, you’re already running the latest version.

Now, check if you can update your browser. Chrome users can follow these steps:

  1. Open Chrome and press the three dots at the top-right corner.
  2. Choose “Help” and press “About Google Chrome.”
  3. Chrome will now check for updates. If you see any available, press “Update.”

Mozilla Firefox users should do this to check for browser updates:

  1. Launch Mozilla Firefox.
  2. Select the three lines at the top-right corner.
  3. Press “Help” and go to “About Firefox.” If there are any available updates, the downloading process should start automatically.

If you’re using Microsoft Edge, follow these steps to check for updates:

  1. Open Microsoft Edge and click the three dots at the top-right corner.
  2. Press “Help and feedback.”
  3. Choose “About Microsoft Edge.” The browser will download available updates automatically.

Clear Browser Cache

Clearing the browser cache can help you enjoy the watch history option on YouTube. This also protects your personal information and boosts your computer’s performance. Keep in mind that when you clear the cache, your login information will be deleted.

Follow the steps below to clear the Chrome cache:

  1. Launch Chrome and press the three dots at the top-right corner.
  2. Go to “More tools.”
  3. Press “Clear browsing data” and choose a time range.
  4. Mark the checkbox next to “Cached images and files” and select “Clear data.”

If you’re using Mozilla Firefox, here’s how to clear the browser cache:

  1. Open Mozilla Firefox and press the three lines at the top-right corner.
  2. Choose “Settings.”
  3. Select “Privacy & Security.”
  4. Find “Cookies and Site Data” and click “Clear Data.”
  5. Choose whether you want to clear only the cached web content or cookies and site data as well.
  6. Press “Clear.”

Here’s how Microsoft Edge users can clear their browser cache:

  1. Launch Microsoft Edge and select the three dots at the top-right corner.
  2. Access “Settings” and choose “Privacy, search, and services.”
  3. Scroll down to “Clear browsing data” and choose what you want to clear.
  4. Select “Clear now.”

Contact YouTube Support

If you tried everything and the YouTube watch history option still isn’t working properly, reach out to YouTube support. They may be able to walk you through different solutions and help you enjoy the watch history option again.

YouTube Watch History Not Updating on the Android App

The watch history option is available on the YouTube Android app. If you have problems with it, there are several solutions you can try.

Check if the Watch History Option Is Enabled

The first thing to do is to check whether the option is enabled. Follow these steps to do it:

  1. Open the YouTube app.
  2. Tap your profile picture or initials at the top-right corner and press “Settings.”
  3. Go to “History & privacy.” If you see the toggle button next to “Pause watch history” is switched on, the watch history option is disabled. Switch the toggle button to enable it.

Check for Updates

If the YouTube app isn’t running the latest version, you may experience several issues, including not being able to use the watch history option. Here’s how to check for updates:

  1. Go to the Play Store.
  2. Tap your profile picture (or initial) at the top-right corner.
  3. Select “Manage apps & device.”
  4. Press “Updates available.”
  5. Look for “YouTube” on the list. If you don’t see it, it means you’re running the latest version. If you see it, press “Update” next to it.

Restart the App

You may be able to resolve the problem by restarting the YouTube app. Simply exit the YouTube app and reopen it.

Reinstall the App

Another action you can take to fix the YouTube watch history option is to reinstall the app on your Android device. Make sure you remember your login information before uninstalling the app.

Contact YouTube Support

If none of the above-mentioned solutions work, try reaching out to YouTube support. They could help you pinpoint and resolve the issue.

YouTube Watch History Not Updating on the iPhone App

Many iPhone users have complained the watch history within the YouTube app often malfunctions. If you’ve noticed your watch history isn’t updating, here’s what you can do:

Check if the Watch History Option Is Enabled

Before trying to resolve the issue, it’s important to establish whether the watch history option is enabled initially. Follow the steps below:

  1. Launch the YouTube app.
  2. Select your profile picture or initials at the top-right corner and go to “Settings.”
  3. Press “History & privacy.” If the toggle button next to “Pause watch history” is enabled, the watch history option is turned off. Switch the toggle button back to turn it on.

Check for Updates

Your watch history may not be updating because you’re not using the latest version of the YouTube app. Here’s how to double-check if you have the latest version of the app installed:

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Select your profile picture at the top.
  3. Scroll down and see available updates. If YouTube is one of the options, tap “Update.” If you don’t see it, you already have the latest version.

Restart the App

In some cases, a temporary glitch can cause issues with the watch history. You can try to resolve such issues by exiting and reopening the app.

Reinstall the App

Sometimes, reinstalling the YouTube app is the only way to fix the YouTube watch history problem. Before uninstalling the app, double-check whether your username and password are saved in a safe location.

Contact YouTube Support

If you can’t resolve the issue on your own, it may be best to contact YouTube support. Their customer service employees may be able to help you identify and resolve the issue.

Problems With YouTube Watch History Are No Longer a Mystery

Problems with the YouTube watch history option seem to be a reoccurring issue. Fortunately, there are numerous actions users can take to resolve the problem and enjoy this convenient option, regardless of the platform they’re using.

Do you often have problems with the YouTube watch history option? Did any of the methods we discussed help you resolve the issue? Tell us in the comments section below.

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