Windows
PC users often face YouTube slowdowns. The site loads, but many times videos won’t start even on the lowest quality. Several fixes exist, with a few being simpler than others.
The quickest option is to use a utility that restores previous network behavior with just a few clicks. This tool is free and can be downloaded from a public repository. After downloading, unzip the archive and run the setup script named 1_russia_blacklist.cmd. If security prompts appear, allow the program to run by selecting Run anyway. A successful result is shown by the message Filter enabled, GoodbyeDPI is working now in the command line.
Some users suggest tweaking experimental browser flags to replicate prior performance. In Chrome, navigate to chrome://flags, or in Yandex Browser to browser://flags, and locate the TLS related option that affects hybrid Kyber support, ensuring it is set to Disabled. In this scenario, YouTube tended to return to normal operation. Reports from various outlets indicate this step isn’t always necessary, but it can help in stubborn cases.
There are other methods to mitigate PC YouTube slowdowns, though they require more steps than the above. A universal approach across Windows, macOS, and Linux involves adjusting browser settings connected to YouTube usage.
Open the browser and enter chrome://flags for Chrome, browser://flags for Yandex, edge://flags for Edge, or opera://flags for Opera. Look for the Experimental QUIC protocol and set it to Enabled. Then enable TLS 1.3 hybridized Kyber support. After applying changes, restart the browser. If done correctly, YouTube upload speeds should improve to a normal level.
In Mozilla Firefox, type about:config in the address bar and set network.http.http3.enable and security.tls.enable_kyber to True, then restart the browser to regain typical YouTube performance. If issues persist, try Disabled or False for one or both settings. Different combinations may work depending on the device and network conditions.
Some users have found that switching the User Agent helps by making the browser appear as if it runs on a mobile device. This involves adding a browser extension such as User Agent Switcher, then configuring a permanent spoof for www.youtube.com to Android KitKat and restarting the browser. This can reduce perceived speed constraints in certain scenarios.
Another workaround is to share a video link through a chat in a messaging app like Discord. This method is inconvenient because it bypasses YouTube subscriptions, playlists, and other features, and requires reloading the next video link manually.
Mac OS operating system
Mac users can apply the same browser adjustments described above, but there is a native alternative named SpoofDPI. This free utility is documented on public repositories. It can be installed by running a terminal command tailored to the device’s processor family, followed by adding SpoofDPI to the user path and invoking the tool.
For Intel-based Macs, the installation uses a specific curl command, while Apple Silicon machines require a different command. After setup, the user simply invokes spoof-dpi from the terminal to apply the changes.
Android and iOS
The slowdown issue primarily affects desktop sources, while mobile devices generally stream YouTube normally. Some users report connectivity-related hiccups on Wi-Fi, yet problems are usually absent when using mobile data.
When slowdowns do occur on mobile devices, there is no guaranteed fast fix. The common approach mirrors PC steps: adjust browser flags and related security settings to enable or test the QUIC protocol and TLS improvements. A browser restart is often necessary for changes to take effect.
Smart TV and set-top boxes
Streaming in high quality on smart TVs, set-top boxes, and virtual reality headsets can also dip. The practical workaround tends to be distributing a mobile network’s Wi-Fi to devices, which helps in many cases. If YouTube worked poorly on a smartphone before changes, sharing the internet from a mobile device may not fix access on other devices.
It should be noted that these methods do not guarantee results for every user. Some have had success with the two DPI tools, while others see no benefit. If new restrictions arise, the effectiveness of these methods can change over time, but as of now they often enable higher quality viewing.
VPN
Using a VPN can seem like a straightforward way to regain speed, but it carries caveats. Not all paid services deliver the needed performance for high-resolution video, and free options often come with data privacy risks. Personal data could be exposed to third parties, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN for speed and privacy.
Additionally, VPNs may still show ads since the viewer appears to be in another country, such as Russia, where monetization and ads typically remain active. In practice, this means a VPN might not deliver the expected speed or clean experience.
Some users turn to alternative content platforms like VK or Rutube for faster access without the same slowdowns, though this shifts away from the YouTube ecosystem.