HACKER Q&A
📣 zekyl314

Seeking Advice: Google Workspace and YouTube Issue


I'm seeking the advice / input from others here on a very bizarre Google Workspace YouTube issue.

I have spent time with Google Support and YouTube support chat with no success in resolving this issue.

The issue:

  - Accessing YouTube while on the my home ISP when using an Apple Device (iPhone or iPad) and the YouTube App, while logged in with a Google Workspace account, all videos come up as "content not available".
Testing performed:

  - I have tried three different sites that utilize my ISP (My Home, Legion, and a School) to eliminate the issue of my local network or firewall.

  - I have tried three different Google Workspace accounts.  One of them has never been on my ISP network before I attempted it.
Workarounds:

  - If I logout of my Google Workspace account and login with a @gmail.com account on the Apple Device and use the YouTube app, it works fine.

  - If I use the Chrome Browser on the same Apple device (iPhone or iPad) logged into the same Google Workspace account it works fine.

  - If I use my Roku device and their YouTube app with the same Google Workspace account, it works fine.

  - If I VPN to another network outside my local ISP, the iPhone and YouTube app, logged into my Google Workspace account, it works.

  - If I disable my Wi-Fi on my phone and use Verizon, it all works fine as well.

  - I have tried 4 different Apple devices with the same results.
I am completely stumped, I have been going over network packet captures and can't see anything standing out either. I have restarted my router, removed and reinstalled the app as well.

I just can't see how my ISP would be able to see if I am logged into a YouTube app with a specific account, so it has to be something on the YouTube side with the Apple YouTube App, but I have no good way to actually troubleshoot with anyone at YouTube.

I was hoping someone here on HN has had this issue before and found a solution.


  👤 not_your_vase Accepted Answer ✓
Random thought: if the Youtube app contacts a server that's selected depending on your logged in status, than it might affect it.

Have you checked your DNS? Just for a test, I would set 8.8.8.8, restart the whole device, and try to watch some cat videos.