YouTube Full Screen Not Working [on PC, Mobile, TV]

Troubleshoot and fix YouTube full screen issues with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to resolve problems on desktop and mobile devices with easy-to-follow steps.

Watching videos in full screen is a fundamental part of the YouTube experience, allowing users to immerse themselves in their favorite content without distractions. However, for many users, this seamless experience is disrupted when YouTube fails to go full screen. Whether you're using a desktop browser or a mobile device, encountering issues with full-screen mode can be frustrating.

In this guide, we'll explore the common causes behind YouTube's full-screen issues and provide step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem, ensuring you can enjoy your videos in the intended full-screen format.

Why Isn't YouTube Going Full Screen?

YouTube not going full screen can be due to:

• Outdated Browser or App: Accumulated cache and cookies can interfere with YouTube's full-screen mode.
• Cache and Cookies Issues: Accumulated cache and cookies can interfere with YouTube's full-screen mode.
• Conflicting Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions can conflict with YouTube's full-screen functionality.
• Device Settings: On mobile devices, the screen rotation lock can prevent YouTube videos from going full screen.
• Hardware Acceleration Problems: Hardware acceleration is designed to improve video playback performance but can sometimes cause glitches.

The following are some basic troubleshooting methods, and you can try them first to see if your problem is solved.

• Refresh the page by pressing F5 or the refresh button.
• Restart your browser or simply use another browser.
• Restart your device or play full-screen videos on another device.
• Click the full-screen icon at the bottom right corner of the video player.

If the above basic steps are not working, proceed to the next method.

YouTube Full Screen Not Working on Desktop

Suppose you are experiencing issues with YouTube fullscreen while using Google Chrome, Firefox, etc. Fortunately, there are some troubleshooting steps you can take.

Update Browser

An outdated browser may not be compatible with YouTube's features. Therefore, you should update your browser to the latest version.

Step 1. Click the three dots in your browser to access the menu.

Step 2. Go to the 'Help' section and choose 'About Google Chrome.'

Step 3. If an update is available, install it and restart Google.

Clear Cache and Cookies

Corrupted caches or cookies can cause YouTube not to go full screen. Follow the steps below to clear your cache.

Step 1. Click the three dots at the top right of your browser and select Settings at the bottom of the menu.

Step 2. Choose 'Privacy and Security'> 'Clear Browsing Data'.

Step 3. Ensure you have checked the box for 'Cached Images and Files' and the box for 'Cookies and Other Site Data.'

Disable Extensions

Some extensions, like ad blockers, can interfere with YouTube. You need to remove them first.

Step 1. Click the three dots > Settings > Extensions.

Step 2. Disable extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

Step 3. Reload YouTube and test full screen.

Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration can sometimes cause your YouTube videos not to show on full screen. Hardware acceleration uses your computer's GPU to improve performance, but it can sometimes conflict with browser functions. Here's how to disable it:

Step 1. Click the three dots > Settings > System. You can also search for Hardware Acceleration in the settings search bar.

Step 2. Toggle off the option for 'Use hardware acceleration when available.'

Step 3. A prompt will appear asking you to restart the browser. Click Relaunch.

Enable Full Screen API in Firefox

If YouTube's full screen mode isn't working in Mozilla Firefox, it could be due to the Full Screen API being disabled or restricted. The Full Screen API allows websites like YouTube to enter full screen mode. Here's how to enable it:

Step 1. Go to Firefox Settings > Privacy & Security > Permissions.

Step 2. Locate the option labeled 'Block websites from automatically entering full screen.' Ensure the option is unchecked to allow websites to use the Full Screen API.

If you want to allow full screen mode only for specific sites like YouTube, click the Exceptions button next to the full screen option. In the dialog box, enter https://www.youtube.com and click Allow > Save Changes. Then, you need to close and reopen Firefox.

YouTube Full Screen Not Working on Mobile

If YouTube full screen mode is not working on your mobile devices, such as iPhone, Android, iPad, tablets, etc., you can restart and update the YouTube app on your device. And there are more methods for mobile phone users who have downlaoded the YouTube app on their phones.

• Rotate Device: Ensure screen rotation is enabled.
• Use Full-Screen Icon: Tap the full-screen icon in the video player.
• Zoom In: Double-tap to zoom in if the video doesn't fill the screen.
• Check Display Settings: Ensure display settings like Zoom are set to default.
• Clear App Data and Cache: For Android users, go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage > Clear Cache. Restart the app and test the full screen mode.

YouTube Full Screen Not Working on Smart TVs

If YouTube is not going full screen on your Smart TV, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

• Check TV Display Settings: Ensure the aspect ratio is set to 16:9 or Audio in your TV settings.
• Check Internet Connection: Ensure your TV has a stable internet connection.
• Power Cycle Your TV: Turn off your TV, unplug it from the power source, wait for 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.

Bonus: Download YouTube Videos for Offline Watching

While troubleshooting YouTube's full screen issue, you may find yourself wanting to watch your favorite videos offline without worrying about playback problems. This is where EaseUS Video Downloader comes in handy. With this powerful tool, you can easily download YouTube videos to your device and enjoy them in full screen mode anytime, even without an internet connection.

Main Features of EaseUS Video Downloader

• It supports up to 4K resolution for crystal-clear video playback.
• It works with YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and many other platforms.
• You can download multiple videos at the same time, which means you can save YouTube playlists.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Video Downloader on your PC. Click "Download" to select the output format and press "Quality" for the resolution.

Step 2. Copy and paste the URL of the video you want to download and click "Paste Link" to proceed.

Step 3. After the downloading process finishes, you can check the downloaded video in the option "Finished."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for personal use. EaseUS is in no way collaborated or affiliated with the video-sharing site and will never approve any copyright infringement action. The end-user should be solely responsible for their behavior.

Conclusion

Dealing with YouTube's full screen not working can be frustrating, but you've collected all the workable methods above to solve your problem. Whether adjusting browser settings, updating your app, or checking your device's rotation settings, there's usually a quick fix to get you back to enjoying your videos in full screen mode. If all else fails, tools like EaseUS Video Downloader offer a convenient way to download and watch your favorite videos offline without any playback issues.

FAQ

What should I do if YouTube's full screen is zoomed in or cropped?

Check your browser or device's zoom settings and reset them to 100%. Also, ensure your display settings are configured correctly.

Why does YouTube full screen work on some videos but not others?

This could be due to video-specific settings, such as embedded player restrictions or issues with the video itself. Try playing the video on YouTube instead of an embedded player.

How do I fix YouTube full screen not working on Safari?

Ensure Safari is updated, disable any extensions, and clear your browser cache. You can also try resetting Safari's settings.