Google’s flagship phones, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro are some of the most impressive smartphones on the market, boasting powerful processors, excellent cameras, and stunning displays. However, some users have reported experiencing a frustrating issue when trying to watch 4K HDR videos on YouTube – their devices restart or freeze. If you’re one of the users experiencing this issue, don’t worry – there are a few things you can try to fix it.
Fix Pixel 6 and 6 Pro restart or freezes when watching 4K HDR YouTube Videos
Before we get into the potential solutions, it’s worth noting that this issue is likely caused by a software bug, rather than a hardware problem. This means that it can be fixed with a software update from Google. In the meantime, here are a few things you can try:
1. Clear YouTube App Data
The first thing you should try is clearing the data and cache of the YouTube app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > YouTube > Storage & cache > Clear storage > Clear all data. This will clear all of your YouTube app’s data, including your preferences and search history. Once you’ve done this, try watching a 4K HDR video on YouTube again and see if the issue is resolved.
2. Update YouTube App
Another thing you can try is updating the YouTube app. Open the Google Play Store app, search for “YouTube,” and tap the “Update” button. This will install the latest version of the YouTube app, which may include bug fixes and performance improvements.
3. Change Video Quality Settings
If clearing the app data and updating the app doesn’t work, try changing the video quality settings on YouTube. To do this, open the YouTube app, find a 4K HDR video, and tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner. Then, tap “Quality” and select a lower resolution, such as 1440p or 1080p. This will reduce the strain on your device’s processor and may prevent it from restarting or freezing.
4. Restart Your Device
If after trying the above solutions your Pixel 6 and 6 Pro still restart or freeze when watching 4K HDR videos, try restarting your device. Press and hold the power button, then tap “Restart.” Once your device has restarted, try watching a 4K HDR video on YouTube again and see if the issue persists.
5. Turn Off Hardware Acceleration
Turning off hardware acceleration is another potential solution that users can try to fix the issue with their Pixel 6 or 6 Pro restarting or freezing when watching 4K HDR videos on YouTube.
Hardware acceleration allows your device’s graphics processing unit (GPU) to handle video decoding instead of the device’s main processor (CPU). While this can result in smoother and more efficient video playback, it can also cause issues if there is a compatibility clash between the GPU and the video codec.
To turn off hardware acceleration on the YouTube app, follow these steps:
- Open the YouTube app on your Pixel 6 or 6 Pro.
- Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Tap “Settings.”
- Scroll down to the “General” section and toggle off the “Enable hardware acceleration” option.
Once you have turned off hardware acceleration, try playing a 4K HDR video on YouTube again and see if the issue is resolved.
6. Wait for a Software Update
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to wait for Google to release a software update that addresses this issue. Keep an eye out for updates in the “System updates” section of your device’s settings menu.
In conclusion, if you’re experiencing restarts or freezes when watching 4K HDR videos on YouTube on your Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue. Start by clearing the YouTube app data and updating the app, then try changing the video quality settings and restarting your device. If none of these solutions works, you may need to wait for a software update from Google.
