YouTube Shorts sometimes stop playing on Android Smart TV or Samsung Smart TV even though the internet is working fine. Many users think this is a network or app problem, but the real reason is often hidden inside YouTube settings. When Watch History and Search History are paused, YouTube cannot generate recommendations, and Shorts stop appearing or playing. This simple setting directly affects Shorts playback on Smart TVs. This guide shows the exact fix that works without reinstalling or resetting anything.
[Check also: How to Clear YouTube Watch History on Smart TV]
Why YouTube Shorts Stop Playing on Smart TV
YouTube Shorts depend on your activity history to recommend short videos. If Pause Watch History or Pause Search History is turned on, YouTube recommendations are disabled. Without recommendations, the Shorts section becomes blank or does not play videos. This issue is very common on Android TVs, Samsung TVs, LG TVs, and other Smart TVs after privacy setting changes. The good news is you can fix this in less than a minute from YouTube settings.
Fix YouTube Shorts Not Playing Issue from YouTube Settings
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Open YouTube app on your Smart TV, go to the left sidebar and open Settings.
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Scroll down, open Pause Watch History, make sure this option is Turned Off.
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Go back, open Pause Search History, make sure this option is Turned Off.
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Now completely close the YouTube app from recent apps and reopen it again.
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Open YouTube Shorts, videos will start playing normally with recommendations.
What This Setting Actually Does
When watch and search history are paused, YouTube cannot track what you watch. Because of this, the recommendation engine stops working. Shorts are fully recommendation-based, so they fail to load or play. Turning these options off allows YouTube to refresh your activity and instantly restore Shorts playback. This fix works without clearing data, reinstalling the app, or resetting the TV.
Common Problems & Fixes
• Shorts tab is blank → Check Pause Watch History is Off.
• Shorts not loading → Restart YouTube app after changing settings.
• Recommendations not showing → Turn Off both history pause options.
• YouTube working but Shorts not playing → This setting is the main reason.
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This is the easiest and most effective way to fix YouTube Shorts not playing on Android Smart TV, Samsung Smart TV, or any Smart TV.
