Links Not Opening opening to youtube App
Are YouTube links refusing to open directly in the YouTube app and instead opening in your mobile browser? You’re not alone. This is a frustrating issue that many users face on both Android and iPhone. Whether you’re clicking a YouTube link from a message, browser, or another app, and it’s not opening to YouTube directly, there are multiple reasons why this might happen — and thankfully, multiple ways to fix it.
In this article, we’ll walk through all possible causes and solutions to make sure your YouTube links are opening in the YouTube app as they should. This guide covers both Android and iOS (iPhone).
Why Are YouTube Links Not Opening to YouTube App?
There are several common reasons this issue happens:
Default app settings are misconfigured
The YouTube app is outdated
YouTube app is disabled or restricted
Browser is forcing in-app viewing
Link format or redirection is incorrect
App permissions or OS settings are blocking behavior
Now let’s go platform by platform and tackle how to fix this.
How to Fix YouTube Links Not Opening in App on Android
Table of Contents
1. ✅ Set YouTube as Default for YouTube Links
Sometimes your Android device might be set to open YouTube links using Chrome or another browser. You can reset and reassign the YouTube app as default:
Steps:
Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps
Tap “Opening links”
Scroll down and tap on YouTube
Enable: “Open supported links”
Select: “Open in this app”
This ensures that any supported YouTube URL opens directly in the app.
2. 🔄 Clear Defaults from Your Browser
If your browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) is overriding default behavior:
Go to Settings > Apps > Chrome
Tap Open by default
Tap Clear defaults
This removes the browser’s control over the links, letting YouTube reclaim them.
3. 📥 Update or Reinstall the YouTube App
Outdated apps may not register properly with your phone’s link handling system.
Go to the Play Store
Search for YouTube
If there’s an Update button, tap it
If issues persist, uninstall and reinstall the app
4. 📵 Disable Instant Apps (If Using Chrome)
Google Chrome’s “Instant Apps” can sometimes hijack links.
To disable:
Open Chrome
Tap the three dots > Settings
Scroll to Google Services
Disable: “Open links with Instant Apps”
5. 🚫 Remove Battery Restrictions
Battery optimization settings can block the YouTube app from operating correctly.
Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube
Tap Battery
Set to Unrestricted
6. 🔗 Check for Shortened or Indirect Links
Links shared through social media apps (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) may be shortened or redirected. These might not always trigger the YouTube app.
Tip: Long-press the link, copy it, and paste it directly into your browser to test.
YouTube Links Not Opening in App on iPhone (iOS)
If you’re using an iPhone and facing the same issue, here are the steps to fix it.
1. ✅ Reinstall or Update the YouTube App
This is the first and most reliable step.
Open the App Store
Search for YouTube
Tap Update (if available), or Reinstall the app
2. 🌐 Check Safari Settings
Safari may default to in-browser playback.
Open Settings > Safari
Scroll down to “Open Links”
Make sure it’s set to “In App” (if available)
Note: iOS doesn’t have as much flexibility as Android for default apps unless you jailbreak or use deep links.
3. 📲 Use YouTube’s Mobile App Directly
If links aren’t opening, you can bypass it:
Copy the YouTube link
Open the YouTube app
Tap the search bar and paste the link
This ensures it loads inside the app.
4. 🔗 Convert to YouTube App Link Format
Standard YouTube links look like:
However, some links may use formats like:
In some cases, changing the format back to youtube.com/watch?v= format can trigger app opening.
🔧 Universal Solutions for Android & iPhone
These steps apply to both platforms if you’re still having issues:
🌍 Use Deep Link Format
YouTube deep links open directly in the app:
Some app developers and marketers use this method to force opening in the app. Unfortunately, you can’t always use this manually, but it’s something app creators can embed.
🛠️ Check App Permissions
Ensure the YouTube app has all necessary permissions:
Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Permissions
Grant all essential permissions like Storage, Network, Display over other apps
🧹 Clear App Cache and Data (Android)
Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube
Tap Storage & Cache
Tap Clear Cache and then Clear Storage
This resets the app without deleting your account.
💡 Pro Tips
Try opening links in incognito mode to test if extensions or ad blockers are interfering.
If clicking from Gmail, Messenger, or WhatsApp, make sure those apps allow link handling (some apps open links in internal browsers).
If you’re a developer or marketer, use app association metadata in your shared links to enforce opening in the native app.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I force all YouTube links to open in the app by default?
A: On Android, yes — via default app settings. On iOS, this is limited due to system restrictions.
Q: Why do links from apps like Facebook or Instagram open in the browser?
A: These apps often use their own internal browser to keep users on-platform. Tap the three-dot menu and choose “Open in YouTube” when available.
Q: Does this happen more with shortened links?
A: Yes. Links like youtu.be/… or tracking URLs can confuse your device and prevent direct opening.
Q: Will uninstalling the browser fix the issue?
A: Not necessarily. Android will just choose another app to handle the link. It’s better to reset defaults instead.
Conclusion: Get Your YouTube Links Opening to YouTube App Again
If you’re tired of YouTube links opening in browsers instead of the app, you’re not alone — but you’re also not stuck. By adjusting default app settings, updating your YouTube app, and making sure you’re not blocked by browser behaviors, you can fix the opening to YouTube problem quickly on both Android and iPhone.
Still having trouble? Consider switching to apps that respect native link handling or copy/paste the URL directly into the YouTube app.
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