How To Fix YouTube New Tab Not Working Or Missing

Are you an avid YouTube user who loves opening videos in new tabs for a seamless viewing experience? If you've encountered any issues with the new tab functionality on YouTube, you're not alone. Many users face the frustration of videos not opening in new tabs or even the option to do so missing altogether. But fret not! In this detailed guide, we will walk you through various troubleshooting steps to help you fix the problem and get back to enjoying your favorite videos hassle-free.

Use Keyboard Shortcut 'CTRL + Left Click':

One of the simplest ways to open YouTube videos in new tabs is by using the keyboard shortcut "CTRL + Left Click." Here's how you can do it:

1. Navigate to the video you want to open in a new tab.

2. Press and hold the 'CTRL' key on your keyboard.

3. Perform a left-click on the video title (not the thumbnail) to open it in a new tab.

This keyboard shortcut works on most browsers and is a convenient way to overcome any issues related to the new tab functionality on YouTube.

Toggle off 'Inline Playback' Setting:

YouTube offers a feature called 'Inline Playback' that allows videos to play within the same page. However, this feature can sometimes interfere with the new tab functionality. Here's how you can disable it:

1. Go to the YouTube website and log in to your account.

2. Click on your profile picture on the homepage to access the account menu.

3. Look for the 'Inline Playback' setting and toggle it off.

By turning off the 'Inline Playback' setting, you may be able to resolve any conflicts that were preventing YouTube videos from opening in new tabs.

Check Your Mouse Functionality:

Sometimes, the issue may not be with YouTube but with your mouse's functionality. To ensure that your mouse is working correctly, follow these steps:

1. Open a different application or website where you usually use the middle-click function (the scroll wheel button on most mice).

2. Try middle-clicking on a link or any other interactive element.

3. If the middle-click function works fine outside of YouTube, then the issue is likely specific to YouTube.

If your mouse is not functioning properly, you may need to troubleshoot or replace it to resolve the new tab issue on YouTube.

Update Your Browser:

Outdated browser versions may cause compatibility issues with YouTube's features, including the new tab functionality. To ensure a smooth experience, make sure your browser is up to date by following these steps:

1. Open your browser and navigate to the settings menu.

2. Look for the "About" or "Help" section, which will provide information about your current browser version.

3. Check if there are any updates available and follow the prompts to install them.

Updating your browser will not only enhance compatibility but also ensure you have the latest security fixes and features.

Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:

Cache and cookies stored in your browser can sometimes cause conflicts and prevent certain functionalities from working correctly. Clearing them can help resolve the issue. Here's how you can do it on popular browsers:

1. Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your browser window (Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).

2. From the dropdown menu, select "Clear browsing data" or a similar option.

3. In the subsequent window, choose "Cache" and "Cookies" as items to clear.

4. Click on the "Clear" or "Delete" button to remove the selected data.

Clearing your browser cache and cookies will not only potentially fix the new tab issue on YouTube but also improve overall browsing performance.

Disable Browser Extensions:

Certain browser extensions can interfere with YouTube's functionalities, including the ability to open videos in new tabs. Temporarily disabling these extensions may help resolve the issue. Here's how you can do it:

1. Open your browser's settings menu.

2. Navigate to the "Extensions" or "Add-ons" section.

3. Disable any extensions that you suspect might be causing conflicts with YouTube.

4. Restart your browser and try opening YouTube videos in new tabs again.

If disabling the extensions resolves the issue, you can selectively enable them one by one to identify the problematic extension.

By following these friendly step-by-step instructions, you should now be able to fix any issues related to YouTube's new tab functionality. Opening your favorite videos in new tabs will once again be a seamless experience, allowing you to enjoy an uninterrupted viewing journey. Remember to try these troubleshooting steps sequentially, as each one targets a specific aspect that may be causing the problem. Happy watching!