A new bug in the YouTube app is causing an unexpected issue for many users—whenever they open the app, Shorts start playing automatically by default, instead of the homepage loading as expected.
For users who prefer watching full-length videos, this glitch has become annoying and disruptive, making navigation frustrating. If you’re facing this issue, here’s what’s happening, why it’s occurring, and how to fix it.
🔍 What’s Causing the YouTube Shorts Bug?
YouTube has been pushing Shorts aggressively as part of its TikTok-style content strategy. Shorts now have:
✔ A dedicated tab in the YouTube mobile app
✔ Prominent placement in the Home and Subscription feeds
However, a bug in the latest YouTube app update is forcing the app to open directly to Shorts, even if users didn’t last watch a Short before closing the app.
📱 Affected Devices & User Reports
Reports on Reddit and other platforms indicate that the bug is affecting:
✔ Multiple Android devices, including the Nothing Phone (3a) and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
✔ Users who have previously opened Shorts in their session
Once the YouTube app is launched, Shorts override the homepage, showing up as the first screen. Going back manually returns users to the homepage, but the problem persists.
It’s unclear if iOS users are affected, as reports so far have been mainly from Android users.
🛑 Fix: How to Stop YouTube from Auto-Opening Shorts
If you’re experiencing this issue, here are some fixes that can help:
1️⃣ Clear YouTube App Cache & Storage
✔ Go to: Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage & Cache
✔ Tap: Clear Cache
✔ If the issue persists, tap: Clear Storage (Data)
🛑 Note: Clearing storage will log you out, so make sure to remember your credentials.
2️⃣ Uninstall YouTube App Updates
Since YouTube comes pre-installed on Android, a full uninstall isn’t possible, but you can remove recent updates:
✔ Open Play Store
✔ Search for YouTube
✔ Tap “Uninstall Updates”
✔ Restart the app and check if the issue is resolved
This reverts YouTube to its factory version, and in most cases, removes the bug.
3️⃣ Use a Third-Party YouTube Client (Advanced Users)
Some advanced users prefer using third-party YouTube clients like YouTube Vanced (Android) or other modded apps that allow:
✔ Disabling Shorts completely
✔ Customizing the homepage experience
However, these methods require sideloading APKs and may not be officially supported by Google.
🔎 Is YouTube Aware of the Issue?
As of now, there is no official acknowledgment from YouTube regarding this bug. However, with increasing user complaints, it’s likely that YouTube will address and fix the issue in a future update.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
