This guide focuses on fixing the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” error on YouTube.
Often, when you start playing a video on YouTube, while the video may begin to play, the comment section won’t load. Instead of the comment section, you see the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” message.
Most YouTube users out there have a habit of scrolling through the comments while watching the videos or posting a comment on the video. However, you can do none of that when the comment section won’t load on YouTube.
Why does “There was a Problem with the Server 404” occur on YouTube?
This problem can happen due to a bad network, where the app is unable to fetch the data associated with the comment section from the server. Bugs in the YouTube app and corrupted data in the app cache can be other reasons why the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” error may show up out of nowhere.
Primarily, this error occurs when you are using the YouTube Android or iOS app. In some cases, also on the YouTube web(on PC), the comment section doesn’t load when the network is weak, and the concerned page of a YouTube video doesn’t load completely.
Tips to Fix: There was a Problem with the Server 404 on YouTube
Here are some of the troubleshooting tips that should help you fix this issue on YouTube and load the comment section under a video.
Check the Internet Connection
The primary reason for the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” issue on YouTube is a bad network. I have faced it multiple times while playing a video on YouTube, where the comment section is replaced with the aforementioned error message.
I toggle between flight mode, turn off mobile data, and turn it back on, or reconnect my device to the WiFi. Followed by which I relaunch YouTube and play the same video, on which I was facing the “server 404” error.
Doing any of these, depending on how my device is connected, loads the comment section instantly.
Pull down the notification center on your Android device and press the flight mode icon to cut off all active networks. After a few seconds, again press the same flight mode icon to reconnect.
If you are using mobile data,
- Pull down the notification center to view the service provider tab.
- Long-press on the mobile data tab to get to its settings.
- Tap the toggle beside Mobile Data to disable the feature.
- Again, re-enable mobile data.
Now, go to YouTube and start playing your video. The comment section should appear with all the comments in it.
Update YouTube
Start fixing the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” error by debugging YouTube to patch the error that may be causing the problem.
Look for available app updates on the Play Store or App Store that can upgrade YouTube to a newer version. Often, bug fixes are part of such app updates.
On Android,
- Open the Play Store and tap the connected Gmail account
- Select Manage Apps and Device from the menu.
- Tap on Updates Available to see if a new update for YouTube is ready to install.
- Press the Update button to download the app update.
On iOS,
- Launch the App Store and tap the connected Apple account.
- Check if YouTube has a new app update pending.
- Press Update to install the new version of the app.
Clear YouTube Cache
Clearing the cache will remove the corrupted data from it, making the app function without any glitches.
To clear the YouTube cache,
- Press and hold the YouTube app icon to view a short menu.
- Tap the ‘i button to access the App Info.
- Go to Storage and Cache.
- Tap Clear Cache.
Now, relaunch YouTube, play a video, and check if the comments under it load.
Uninstall App Update
Did you recently install the YouTube app update, after which the error “There was a Problem with the Server 404” started occurring on YouTube?
The new update may have introduced a glitch in the app build, causing this error. It is possible to roll back to the previous version of the app by uninstalling the version of YouTube currently installed on your device.
- Long-press on the YouTube app icon and select the ‘i’ button to access the App Info.
- Tap the 3-dot menu button in App Info in the top right corner.
- Press Uninstall Updates.
Force Close YouTube
In my experience, whenever I come across the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” issue on YouTube, force-closing the app fixes it immediately.
On an Android device,
- Swipe up from the middle of the screen to view the active apps.
- Hold and swipe up the app card for YouTube to close it.
- Launch YouTube from the app drawer.
On iOS/iPadOS,
- Swipe up from the bottom till the middle of the screen to view the App Switcher.
- Scroll to YouTube and swipe it up to force close.
- Open YouTube from the App Library.
Check if YouTube is Down
Sometimes, due to a sudden maintenance or peak in users, the servers may become slow. The server may be down temporarily. You can check that by visiting the Downdetector website.
You may even visit social media outlets like Reddit, X, et, to know if other users in your region or around the world are facing the same issue on YouTube. Until the servers are functional again, you have to wait or use YouTube with the error appearing in the comment section.
Switch to YouTube PC
If you tried all the troubleshooting tips but continue to encounter the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” error, switch to a PC to use YouTube. Use any PC browser and go to YouTube.com to watch videos.
Bottom Line
The YouTube comment section is always filled with funny and engaging remarks from the viewers, which is such a delight to read. You can even post your views through comments regarding a video or reply to other users. It makes the YouTube experience more wholesome.
Implement the tips I have shared to fix the “There was a Problem with the Server 404” if the YouTube comment section doesn’t load on the app.
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