How to Fix YouTube Auto Translate Not Working on iPhone or iPad?

iOS and iPadOS are known for having optimized and stable apps. This is because Apple works with app developers to specifically develop apps that work well and work with all models of iPhones and iPads. It’s a byproduct of Apple that doesn’t make too many models every year.

However, app optimization seems to have taken a hit with iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 for the YouTube app. Earlier, the app was plagued with an issue that said “Something went wrong” whenever you tried to play a video.

Now people are reporting issues with Auto Translate subtitles on the YouTube app. Auto-translate subtitles stopped working. Instead of showing the translated subtitle, it just shows a black bar that is completely empty.

This is because updates can go wrong due to insufficient testing or an accidental oversight by developers. YouTube versions 17.49.6 and the previous 17.49.5 on iOS and iPadOS appear to have many bugs. If you’re on an older version and it’s working fine, it’s advised to stay on it until the YouTube team issues a fix.

That’s right. Subtitles are there, but only in English, automatic translation does not work. The process of selecting the language automatically is known to me, but no translation comes. Not even for posts with transcript. I am a viewer, not a creator and work via Google.

— Andrea Griem (@AndreaGriem) December 11, 2022

7 Ways to Fix YouTube Auto Translate Problem

The problem is not limited to any particular version of iOS/iPadOS (the latest versions are iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2) or any particular YouTube version, so it’s hard to make assumptions about the root cause. If you’ve got the auto-translation bug, we’ve compiled a list of seven effective methods. Hopefully this will solve the problem in the end.

1: Change the video playback speed

• On the mobile app, tap the settings icon in the top right corner.
• You will see a list of options here. Scroll down until you reach a section called Playback Speed. This is where you can make the video play faster or slower.
• If it is set to anything else, change it to Normal speed. Faster or slower playback speeds may cause problems with subtitles.

2: Reload the YouTube app

The suggestion may sound trivial, but quitting the app and removing it from your app switcher fixes a lot of bugs. Several technical errors may be resolved if the application is restarted.

3: Clear cache data or restart your device

• Clearing cache on iOS is not a simple process. First, you need to hold down the power and volume up buttons for about two seconds.
• Then you will see an option to turn off your device. Instead of doing that, type the X button. It clears all apps from RAM and also clears cache memory.
• All errors caused by cache errors will be resolved using this method. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your device.
• Instead of tapping the X button, slide it to turn off the phone. Then please turn it back on.
• You can also restart your phone using assistive touch or turn it off from the General menu in the Settings app.

4: Check for subtitle translation on another video

Not all videos on YouTube support subtitle translation. If the feature doesn’t work on the video you’re watching, try it on another.

5: Turn subtitles on and off

This suggestion may sound thin, but sometimes there are split-second mistakes like this. Just turn subtitles on and off. You can also try non-translated subtitles and switch to translated.

6: Uninstall and reinstall the app

Provided you are signed in to YouTube; you won’t lose any data like your created folders, videos saved to watch later, watch and search history, comments, likes, etc. Your recommendations won’t go astray either.

• Long press the YouTube app icon on your home screen or app library, and slightly drag it anywhere.
• The apps should start wiggling, and you’ll see an X button on the top left of the app icon.
• Tap the X button and confirm the deletion.
• Alternatively, you can use 3D/Haptic Touch and tap on the Remove App option.
• You will need to reinstall the latest version of YouTube from the App Store. Check if translated subtitles are working now.

7: Temporarily switch to YouTube on a web browser

On iOS and iPadOS, you can also use YouTube via a web browser. Type YouTube.com and make sure it do not redirect to the application. Do not open the application from the browser; search for the video you want on the web.

Sure, the web version isn’t perfect. Videos are limited to a paltry 720P resolution, there’s no audio HDR playback, and the whole interface can get pretty clunky, but auto-translated subtitles should work on a browser if that’s a bug with the app is.

Alternatively, you can try using YouTube on another device, such as an Android phone or your laptop, until the issue is resolved if auto-translated subtitles are essential for your use case.

Team YouTube has acknowledged the issue

Fortunately, YouTube support on Twitter has officially acknowledged this issue and is reportedly working on a fix. We hope the listed methods were helpful, and YouTube will investigate this issue and issue a fix soon. We will update you when there is an official patch.

thanks for the report, we are aware of this issue and are currently looking into it. appreciate your patience

— TeamYouTube (@TeamYouTube) December 11, 2022