Cannot adjust playback speed in iOS YouTube app

By Justin_B, 12 April, 2025

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

iPhone SE third generation
iOS version 18.3.2
YouTube version 20.14.2
For the past couple weeks, across a couple updates of the app, I’ve noticed I cannot change the playback speed of YouTube videos anymore using the app. I can still do this on the desktop website. With a video loaded, I double tap on the “player settings” icon in the upper right hand corner of the screen and Double tap “playback speed” from the menu that appears. Here, I only find two elements focusable with VoiceOver in the dialogue box – the text “1X” and the control to dismiss the dialogue. Double tapping on the “1X” text does nothing.
I’m going to submit feedback to YouTube, but I thought I’d check here first to see if others were experiencing anything similar. Sometimes it’s helpful to be able to say that multiple users are having the same problem. If you are, please also consider submitting feedback directly through YouTube.

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Comments

By burak on Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 19:14

I don't automatically update apps, but swiping through the dialog works for me. Don't explore by touch.

By Justin_B on Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 19:22

Hi burak,
Thanks for the reply. Yes, when I single finger swipe left or right in the playback speed dialogue box, that’s where I only hear those two options, the “1X” speed option, and the button to dismiss the dialogue. Just to be clear, it sounds like you are still getting options for different playback speeds?

By Minionslayer on Saturday, April 12, 2025 - 19:49

Can confirm I'm facing the exact same issue on YT 20.14.2, though I can't say I'm surprised. For the last few versions it seems to have been Google's hobby to mess with the VO a11y of this dialogue. One version it works; the next it doesn't. Pathetic.
My workaround for now is to just use Screen Recognition to click either the - and + buttons or one of the video speed presets.