Are you getting a blurry, fuzzy, or grainy screen while streaming Youtube TV? Are you streaming on the phone or on your laptop? Did you test your internet connection and cleared your cache? If so, there are other solutions you can try.
If your video is blurry, fuzzy, or grainy while streaming on YouTube TV, first test your Internet connection. Then restart the device you are streaming from. Finally, manually change the quality setting to a higher resolution. You may also need to update your YouTube TV app or the software on your device.
You may need to have the wiring or bulbs repaired in your device. However, with the information below, you’ll likely resolve your issue without spending a dime.
Why Is My YouTube TV Blurry, Fuzzy, Grainy?
If you are experiencing a blurry, fuzzy, or grainy video picture while streaming from YouTube TV, chances are you’re experiencing one of the common issues that cause this type of problem.
Quality is Low
Some videos will stream low quality, even if you have a brand new TV and a remarkable internet connection. This is due to the quality of the video itself.
If the video is uploaded to the streaming platform in a compressed quality, it will only be able to stream at that quality, regardless of the capabilities of your TV or the platform itself.
Internet is Bad
A slow or unstable internet connection could easily cause reduced video quality. If you have low bandwidth or intermittent internet connection, resolving the connectivity issues will likely improve your video quality.
Your bandwidth relates to the speed of your internet. If you have a download speed below 25 Mbps, it is considered low bandwidth and generally will not permit good streaming quality. One of the most common reasons for a low bandwidth is having too many devices connected to the network.
An intermittent connection refers to a connection that randomly drops its signal. These issues can usually be resolved by troubleshooting your router.
Outdated App
Many people don’t understand how important it is to keep apps up to date. However, app updates commonly come with several benefits, including:
- Bug and glitch fixes
- Improved security for the user
- Newly added perks and features
When a company catches wind of a bug within their app, they start working to eliminate the issue to keep their users happy with their product. Once the issue is resolved, they allow you to download an updated version that operates more efficiently.
If you are streaming videos on an outdated version of the YouTube TV app, it could be the cause of your poor video quality. In fact, you’re likely experiencing the bug that created the need for an update in the first place.
Additionally, when an app update is released, corresponding updates have likely been made to the servers that allow the app to function. This means that older app versions may no longer be fully compatible with the new server updates.
If the YouTube app is not working on your TV altogether, check out this guide.
App Is Malfunctioning
If you use any type of app regularly, you’ve probably noticed that they all have minor glitches from time to time.
While the exact causes for each minor glitch aren’t usually known, there are some common reasons behind experiencing regular glitches. Some of these reasons include:
- Too many things are taking up storage space on the device you’re using to run the app.
- The software on the device you are using is not up to date. This is even more likely the cause you started experiencing the glitches shortly after an app update.
- There is corrupt data within the app’s data or your device’s software.
- Poor network quality is not allowing the app to run correctly.
The Stream Itself Is of Bad Quality
When using services like YouTube TV that provide Live TV options, the quality of the video displayed to the viewer will be highly dependent on the quality of the live stream.
If a stream is of low quality, it is likely due to the equipment or network quality of whoever is proving the stream. For a broadcaster to present a high-quality stream, they must have a stable internet connection and high-quality equipment.
If the live stream is the reason for your poor video quality, there aren’t any options for fixing it. With this issue, it is up to the network to enhance their internet connections and the quality of their equipment.
Conflict in Stored Data
Your device and the apps downloaded to it each store their own cache data. Cache files are temporary files that sometimes provide quicker and more convenient use. However, if one of the two ends up with invalid data stored, it can create more issues than convenience.
If your device or YouTube TV app has corrupt data lurking within, it’s likely to cause low video quality and frequent freezes while trying to use the app. It can also cause the app to close unexpectedly.
Clearing these cache files can help clear up any issues they are creating.
Firestick Issue
Blurry video quality and frequent buffering are common issues for YouTube TV users that stream using their Firestick. This is usually due to a slow or unstable Internet connection. A speedy and reliable connection is critical when streaming video content.
This problem also commonly occurs when your device has outdated software.
Issue With Smart TV
If you are experiencing streaming quality issues on your smart TV, the visual settings may not be set correctly on your TV. Adjusting the Picture Mode setting could improve your overall picture quality.
Your TV’s firmware could also play a role. If your TV’s firmware is out of date or there are bugs in the stored data within the TV, it’s likely to interfere with your video quality. A quick reboot will usually fix this, but sometimes a factory reset may be required.
Additionally, an issue with your TV display, such as inadequate wiring or faulty bulbs, could create an insufficient resolution. This would require a repair to fix.
The Channel Maxs Out at 720p
YouTube has streaming capabilities of up to 1080p. However, videos from most channels only stream up to 720p, which is standard HD quality.
If the video were uploaded to the platform at a frame speed under 60 fps, its max resolution would only be 720p. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything that can be done on your end to fix this.
The number of pixels in the video is one of the main factors determining how the video will appear. Therefore, the more pixels, the better your resolution will be.
While the difference isn’t noticeable to most, those who are attentive to the details when watching a video will notice that 1080p is more precise and smoother than 720p.
Google Cloud Service is Down
Google Cloud now powers many services used on YouTube TV. If the Google Cloud servers go down, any services powered through it will also experience issues.
How to Fix Bad Quality YouTube TV
Now that you have an idea of what could be causing your poor video quality when streaming YouTube TV let’s look at the best ways to improve it.
1. Manually Adjust Picture Quality
YouTube TV automatically displays videos at the best quality available. However, there can sometimes be glitches in this automated system, so it’s best to adjust the picture quality manually.
Follow the steps below to change your picture quality on your phone or smart TV:
- Open the YouTube TV app.
- Select a channel or video.
- Select More.
- Select Quality.
- Select the video quality of your choice.
If you are using a computer:
- Go to YouTube TV.
- Select a channel or video.
- Click on the Settings option located on the video player.
- Click Quality.
- Select your desired video quality.
Once the settings have been adjusted, your video should appear more vivid.
There is a common glitch with YouTube TV where your video claims that it is playing in HD, even though the video is blurry.
If this happens, you can switch your picture quality settings to a lower setting, then back to the higher option. This will clear the glitch and improve the video quality.
2. Clear YouTube Cache
The YouTube TV app stores cache and cookies when you use the app in the same way that other apps and websites do. They are meant to create a better experience for the user by remembering their preferred settings and saving a prebuffer for recently watched videos.
The cache consists of temporary files that make load times quicker and remembers your preferred settings.
Unfortunately, it’s common for the app to save information that conflicts with other stored information, which can create glitches, including poor video quality.
To remove any data that may be causing errors, you’ll need to clear the app’s cache.
To clear your YouTube TV cache:
- Go to Settings on the device you are experiencing issues with.
- Select Apps.
- Select YouTube Tv from the list.
- Select Clear Data or Clear Cache. (Clear both if the options are available.)
The steps may vary slightly depending on your device but should look similar to the steps above.
3. Fix Internet Issues
If manually adjusting the picture and clearing the cache doesn’t work, your internet connection could be the issue.
To improve your internet connection:
- Test your internet speed. To stream video in HD, you will need a download speed of at least 25 Mbps.
- Unplug your router for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in. This will reboot your router and is the best way to quickly resolve any glitches that could be causing connection issues.
- Remove any extra devices that are connected to the network. Having too many devices connected can bog your router down and result in slower speeds.
- Bring the device used for streaming and the router closer together. If your router is too far away from the device it’s powering, it can cause unstable connections.
If the things above fail to improve your connection, you can try using a wired connection if you are streaming from your smart TV or computer. Connecting the internet with an ethernet cord plugged directly into the device will provide a faster and more stable connection.
4. Update App
If you are running an outdated version of the YouTube TV app, there may be bugs in the dated version that interfere with your video quality. You will need to update to the most current version of the YouTube TV app to fix this problem.
To update your YouTube TV app:
- Go to the app store that you use on your device.
- Go to My Apps. (Some may say “App Library” or something similar.)
- Find and select YouTube TV.
- Select Update.
Once the update has been completely installed, reboot your device.
The updated version of the app will likely contain bug fixes that could be causing your videos to stream poorly. It could also have other benefits, including improved security.
If you do not see an Update option, you already have the most current version of the app.
5. Change the Stream
Sometimes the stream itself can be impaired due to many different factors on the steamer’s end of things. Sadly, there is nothing you can do to fix this issue, given that it falls on whoever is providing the stream.
The best way to find out if your issue is related to the stream that you are watching, try switching to a different stream. Once the new stream is playing, if the video quality is better, you’ll know that there is nothing wrong with your side.
If the new stream is also poor quality, it’s very likely that you can fix the issue.
6. Reinstall YouTube
There’s a chance that there could be corrupt data within the app that runs a bit deeper than clearing the cache or updating the app will be able to resolve. In this case, uninstalling the app and then redownloading it is the best option.
When you uninstall the app, it will remove any data that the app has stored. This will give you a fresh slate when you redownload the app.
To remove the app:
- Go to the settings on your device.
- Find your list of apps.
- Select YouTube TV.
- Select Uninstall/Remove/Delete
Once the app is removed from your device, reboot your device to ensure all data from the app has been cleared.
To reinstall the app:
- Go to the app store relevant to your device.
- Search for YouTube TV and select the app.
- Select Install.
This process removes any data the app stored on your device, so you will likely need to enter your login information before testing to see if the picture is better.
7. Reboot Fire TV Stick
If you are experiencing issues with your video quality while streaming on your Firestick, it could be a glitch within your device. If you have tried the steps above and your software is up to date on the Firestick, a quick reboot is likely to fix the issue.
When you simply turn the power off using the power button on your remote, it doesn’t fully power the TV down. Instead, it leaves it in more of a sleep mode. Unless your TV fully powers off, it will not provide the type of refresh needed to clear errors.
There are a few different methods that you can use to reboot. The simplest way is to unplug the device from its power source for about 30 seconds.
Another way to reboot your Firestick is to:
- Hold down the Home button on your remote.
- When the options appear, Select Settings.
- Select My Fire TV.
- Select Restart.
8. Change Quality to Auto
If the Auto quality setting is enabled, YouTube will automatically select the best video quality based on your streaming capabilities and the quality of the video you’re watching.
If this setting is not enabled, it sometimes leads to bad video quality.
To enable this setting:
- Click your profile photo.
- Select Settings.
- Select Video Quality Preferences.
- Select Auto if the option is not already selected.
9. Restart Internet Connection
A bad internet connection is one of the most common reasons for poor video quality. Restarting your connection will refresh your equipment and clear up most any issue that’s causing a slow or unstable connection.
To restart your internet connection:
- Power off any devices that are connected to your network.
- If you have a separate modem and router, it’s vital that you unplug the router first, then the modem. If the modem is unplugged first, it could send signals to the router that will cause issues even after the router has been rebooted.
- Allow the modem and router at least 60 seconds before you plug them back in. This will give them time to lose temporarily stored data that can bog the system down and create glitches.
- Plug the modem back in first and allow it to fully regain connectivity before plugging your router back in. You’ll need to give your modem up to 2 minutes and ensure that the indicator lights appear as they should before you repower the router.
- Allow your router up to three minutes to fully reconnect before testing the connection. The time it takes to reconnect properly will vary based on the type of router you have.
10. Restart The Device
Your device could have corrupt or conflicting data stored in its RAM, which can create several streaming issues. Restarting your device will clear the RAM and remove the incorrect data.
To restart your device:
- Power the device off completely.
- Leave it off for 30-60 seconds.
- Power back on and test your streaming quality.
11. Unplug Smart TV
Your smart TV stores information much like your other devices. Power cycling your smart TV to clear the stored data could provide a quick and simple fix.
Simply unplug your TV from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Once the TV has booted back up, you can test your video quality.
12. Update Smart TV
If you’re experiencing video quality issues on your smart TV, you may need to update the software.
To update the software on your smart TV:
- Go to the settings on your TV.
- Locate the software update option and select Check for Updates.
- Install any available updates.
- Once the update is complete, restart your TV.
13. Wait for Google Cloud Service to Go Back Up
If you are experiencing issues due to Google Cloud services being down, all you can do is wait for Google to fix the issues and get things back up and running.
You can check the status of specific services on the Service Health page by selecting your region.
Watching in 4K on YouTube TV
YouTube TV now has 4K streaming capabilities. 4K streaming provides a higher quality video than standard high definition. Videos in 4K are often much smoother with more detail.
The upgrade also allows you to have unlimited streams, meaning that you can watch on as many different devices at the same time as you desire, and watch your recorded content offline on your mobile device.
While you do have to upgrade and pay the additional fee per month, most users feel that the enhanced experience is worth the extra cost. You can add this upgrade by going to your settings and selecting Membership.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered all of the common reasons you may experience lousy video quality with YouTube TV and the best ways to resolve them, you should be back to watching your favorite content in high quality.
The troubleshooting steps covered above are the best way to improve any settings, glitches, or device malfunctions creating the issue.
However, if you are still experiencing issues, you may need to factory reset the device you are using to stream or have your device repaired or replaced.
You can find additional support on the YouTube TV support page. If you need further assistance, you can contact YouTube TV support.
