Ever tried downloading a video and suddenly see a message saying, “The video download was cancelled, please try again”? It’s frustrating, right? You’re all set to watch your favorite content, and boom—it’s gone before it even starts!
Don’t worry. You’re not alone, and the good news is, this issue can usually be fixed pretty easily. Let’s walk through it together in a fun, simple way!
Why Does This Happen?
There are a few common reasons.
- Slow internet connection
- Not enough storage space
- App or browser crash
- Video file is broken or removed
- Software bugs
Now that we know the villains, let’s bring in our heroes—the fixes!
Fix #1: Check Your Internet Connection
This is the big one. If your connection is weak or keeps dropping, the download will cancel itself.
- Open another website or app. Does it load fast?
- If it’s super slow, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router.
- Still slow? Restart your router. Just unplug it, wait 30 seconds, and plug it in again.
If you’re using mobile data, make sure you have enough data balance and a strong signal.
Fix #2: Free Up Storage Space
Your phone or computer needs room to save the video. If there’s no space, your download will stop halfway.
To check your space:
- On Android: Go to Settings > Storage
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- On PC: Open File Explorer > This PC
Delete unused apps, photos, or old videos to make space.
Fix #3: Update Your App or Browser
Sometimes, the app or browser you’re using is just outdated. Old versions might have bugs that cancel downloads.
Here’s how to fix that:
- On phones: Visit the App Store or Google Play. Search your app and see if there’s an update.
- On PC: If using a browser, like Chrome or Firefox, update it to the latest version.
After updating, try downloading the video again.
Fix #4: Try a Different App or Browser
If one app isn’t working, try another. It’s like changing vehicles when one breaks down.
- Instead of Safari, try Chrome.
- Instead of a YouTube app, try watching on a browser.
- Use a trusted video downloader instead of a sketchy plugin.
Sometimes one app just doesn’t like certain videos. So switch it up and you might have better luck!
Fix #5: Reboot Your Device
We know, it sounds too simple. But restarting your phone or PC can really solve a lot of weird problems.
It clears up temporary glitches and gives your device a fresh start. So go ahead—hit that restart button and breathe new life into your download!
Fix #6: Check If the Video Is Still Available
If the video was taken down by the website or removed by the uploader, you simply can’t download it. You may see the message:
This video is no longer available
In that case, there’s nothing wrong on your side. Try finding another copy or ask the uploader to re-upload.
Fix #7: Disable Battery Saver Mode
Battery saving settings can mess with downloads. They try to “pause” background activity to save energy.
But guess what? Downloads happen in the background!
Turn off battery saver and try again:
- Android: Swipe down and tap the Battery Saver icon
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Battery and toggle off Low Power Mode
Fix #8: Use a Download Manager
These apps are built to handle download problems. They have pause/resume functions and are smarter at handling interruptions.
Popular download managers include:
- Internet Download Manager (IDM) for PC
- Advanced Download Manager for Android
- Documents by Readdle for iOS
These tools can save the day!
Fix #9: Clear Cache and Data
Apps collect junk files over time. This can mess with downloads.
Clear them out:
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Choose the app > Storage > Clear cache
- Chrome (PC or phone): Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data
Then restart the app and try again.
Fix #10: Turn Off VPN or Proxy
If you’re using a VPN, it might slow things down or cause download blocks.
Try turning it off and downloading the video again. Some websites don’t play nice with VPNs!
Fix #11: Disable Antivirus or Firewall (Temporarily)
Sometimes your antivirus or firewall is a little too protective. It might think you’re downloading something sketchy—even when you’re not.
Turn it off for a minute, just to test. If the download works, you’ve found the culprit. Just remember to turn your protection back on afterward!
Fix #12: Download One at a Time
Don’t overload your device by downloading multiple videos at once. It can slow down everything and cause errors.
Download one video, wait for it to finish, then start the next. Patience is key!
Fix #13: Use a Reliable Source
Some sites just aren’t stable. They may remove videos quickly, or not support reliable downloading in the first place.
Stick to popular sites you trust. They’re less likely to break your spirit (and your download).
Bonus Tip: Keep Your Device Updated
Always keep your phone, computer, and apps up to date. New updates fix bugs that might be causing download cancellations.
Set your device to update automatically, if possible!
Final Thoughts
Downloading videos should be easy and fun. But when things go wrong, don’t panic. One of these 13 fixes is bound to help you out!
To recap, the most common solutions are:
- Check your internet
- Free up space
- Update your app or browser
- Try a different tool
- Restart your device
Now you know exactly what to do if you ever see that annoying message again: “The video download was cancelled. Please try again.” You got this!
Happy downloading!
