Complaints are piling up on the Web worldwide, including such people here. It suggests that the YouTube Playback Speed Broken Android bug is denying them the option of altering the speed of the video.
Adjusting the rate of playback has proven to be a universal headache. The people are asking what is happening and when it will be fixed.
YouTube speed control glitch affects Android users
Users report that they cannot change the speed at playing they video on YouTube Android. The typical method of tapping the gear icon, and choosing a different rate simply isn’t functioning as expected. They either make the option default back to the standard 1x speed, or the slider stops working altogether.
It is affecting the capacity to read long videos, a feature that many depend on daily. There is even a report that the same happens on the stable and beta versions of the YouTube Android application. However, not even users running Android 15 versions are out of this issue.
Platform Comparison: A Problem Specific to Android
Users have confirmed that the playback speed controls are functioning normally on the YouTube website accessed. This is possible through a browser, as well as on the YouTube app for iOS devices.
People who want to change the speed of the playback will find that using a mobile browser. It aims to access YouTube would not be a lasting solution, though it is less convenient.
Playback Speed is a problem that you can temporarily work around
In the meantime, a few temporary workarounds were proposed, but they are rather limited in functionality:
- Tap-and-Hold 2x Trick: It turns out that at least some users have reported that the tap-and-hold 2x video trick continues to work. But this is not a lasting measure to enjoy a full video at a chosen customized speed.
- Force-closing and Back on App: Some people are saying they force close the app and go back to the app sometimes, partially (over 1 or 2 vids), resolve the playback speed problem. However, it can come back again.
- Rolling Back to an Earlier Version: This would be a solution to consider, especially by the technically minded users. This is to roll back the YouTube app to an older version. It could provide a temporary fix to the situation.
What Google Says About the Broken Playback Speed
The problem is actively under investigation, and the fix is in development and will be released in the upcoming release.
The recognition provides relief that a lasting solution is going to be realized to solve the problem for the affected user
Conclusion
The fact that the YouTube Android application has broken playback speed makes a very irritating problem for countless users.
The solution is hopeful that a more permanent solution will be available shortly, following the official acceptance of the problem at Google.
You can keep updated on how the fix is going by checking the official YouTube Community forums. You can also aid Google in collecting more data in their investigation by submitting a report of the bug.
FAQs
Does this problem occur to all users or just devices?
The bug appears to hit stable (v20.28.39). Beta (v20.29.39) releases of the YouTube app on Android 15.
What are the ad hoc solutions?
A minority of users on Reddit have complained that restarting the app could temporarily turn the functionality back on in one or two videos. The two times fast forward tap-and-hold still works as well.
Does it happen on other platforms?
No, it seems to be something particular to the YouTube app on Android.
Has Google confessed about the bug, or given us a roadmap to the fix?
Yes, Google acknowledged the issue on August 5, 2025. They are doing an investigation on the issue and a solution to be available in a subsequent update.
