Video Download Not Working? 8 Common Causes and Fixes
A download that fails, stops at 0% or shows an error can be frustrating. The good news is that most problems have a simple cause, and you can often fix them yourself in a minute or two.
Work through the checklist below, then read the section that matches what you see. Each cause explains what is happening and what to try.
Quick checklist
- Copy the link again, straight from the address bar or the Share button of the video.
- Open the link in a private or incognito window while signed out. If the video does not play there, it cannot be processed.
- Wait a minute and try again.
- Try another browser, and turn off extensions that block scripts or downloads.
- Choose a lower quality if the file is large.
The 8 most common causes
1. The link is not the specific video
A profile, playlist, search result or thread link points to many items, not one video. Open the exact video or post and copy its own link.
2. The video is private, deleted or restricted
Private, friends-only, members-only and deleted videos cannot be processed. Only public content is supported. If you own the video, use the export or download option in your own account, or ask the owner to share the file with you.
3. Age or region restrictions
Some videos are limited to certain ages or countries. If the video does not play for you without signing in, the tool cannot reach it either.
4. A live stream or premiere has not finished
A live broadcast becomes available only after it ends and the platform has finished processing the recording. Try again later.
5. The platform changed something
Platforms update how they serve videos from time to time, and this can briefly affect any downloader. If several different links fail at once, wait a while and try again.
6. A browser extension, ad blocker or VPN is in the way
Some extensions block the scripts a page needs, and some VPNs are rejected by the source. Try a private window with extensions off, or disconnect the VPN for a moment.
7. A slow connection or a very large file
Long videos at high resolution are big. If the download seems stuck, choose a lower quality or MP3, and make sure your connection is stable. Our guide to choosing video quality explains file sizes.
8. The file downloaded, but it will not play
The player may not support the format. Try another player, or read our guide to video formats to choose one that your device supports.
Where did my downloaded file go?
Most browsers save files to a folder called Downloads. On a computer, open your browser's downloads list and choose Show in folder. On an Android phone, look in the Downloads folder of your Files app. On an iPhone, downloads normally appear in the Files app under Downloads.
Stay safe while troubleshooting
- Do not install pop-up "codec updates" or "players". A downloaded video does not need them.
- Never enter passwords or payment details on a downloader page.
- Prefer trusted tools, and read our guide to downloading videos safely.
When to contact us
If you have tried the steps above and the problem remains, send us a message on the contact page. Include the link you used, the platform, the quality you chose and any error message. That lets us look into it much faster.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my download stay at 0%?
The source may be slow, the video may be unavailable, or an extension may be blocking the request. Try a private window and wait a minute before retrying.
Why is there no sound in my downloaded video?
The player may not support the audio format. Try another player, or choose MP4, which has the widest support.
Why does it say the video is unavailable?
The video may be private, deleted, age-restricted or blocked in your region. If it does not play for you while signed out, it cannot be processed.
Does downloading work on an iPhone?
Yes, in most cases. Files are usually saved to the Files app under Downloads. If you cannot find one, check that list first.
Can I download a private video if I own it?
Not through a public link. Use the options in your own account, or ask the owner to share the file with you.
Only save videos, audio and images that you own or have permission to use. Read our Copyright Policy for what is allowed, and see the DMCA page if you are a rights holder.