Internet Download Manager (IDM) is widely used to download videos, but many users face issues when trying to download from YouTube. Sometimes, IDM fails to detect YouTube videos, the “Download This Video” button disappears, or IDM downloads only a webpage instead of the video.

This guide explains why IDM may not work on YouTube and provides step-by-step solutions to fix the problem on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Why IDM Is Not Working on YouTube?

IDM may fail to detect YouTube videos for several reasons:

• YouTube updates its website frequently, which can break IDM’s video detection.
• Browser integration issues can prevent IDM from capturing video links.
• The IDM extension might be disabled or outdated in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
• Some YouTube videos are DRM-protected, making them impossible to download.
• Outdated IDM versions may not support the latest YouTube formats.

If IDM is not working on YouTube, updating IDM and checking browser settings can often fix the issue.

How to Fix IDM Not Detecting YouTube Videos

IDM may not capture YouTube videos due to disabled browser integration, outdated software, or incorrect settings. Here’s how to fix it.

1. Enable IDM Integration in Your Browser

If IDM is not detecting YouTube videos, ensure browser integration is enabled.

1. Open IDM and go to Options > General.
2. Check the box for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge under “Capture downloads from browsers.”
3. Click OK, restart the browser, and try playing a YouTube video.
4. If IDM still doesn’t detect the video, reinstall the IDM extension.

2. Update IDM to the Latest Version

IDM must be updated to stay compatible with YouTube’s latest changes.

1. Open IDM, click Help > Check for Updates.
2. If an update is available, download and install it.
3. Restart IDM and your browser.
4. Clear browser cache and cookies, then retry YouTube downloads.
5. If IDM still fails, reinstall IDM completely

3. Check If IDM Extension Is Disabled

The “Download This Video” button may disappear if the IDM extension is disabled.

1. Open the Extensions page in your browser:
   • Chrome: Type chrome://extensions/ and press Enter.
   • Firefox: Go to about:addons.
   • Edge: Open edge://extensions/.
2. Locate the IDM Integration Module and ensure it is enabled.
3. Restart your browser and recheck YouTube.

4. Reset IDM Settings for YouTube

If the extension is not enabled, reset IDM settings to fix missing detection.

• Open IDM and go to Options > File Types.
• Ensure that MP4, WebM, and FLV formats are listed.
• Click OK, restart IDM, then restart your browser.
• Try playing a YouTube video and check if the Download This Video button appears.

IDM Says “Cannot Download This Video” – What to Do?

If IDM detects the video but fails to download it, try the following:

1. Restart your browser and refresh YouTube.
2. Try changing the video resolution or format—some YouTube videos are protected.
3. Copy and paste the video URL manually into IDM’s “Add URL” section.
4. Disable VPN or Proxy settings, which may interfere with IDM’s detection.
5. Switch to a different browser and check if IDM works there.

Some YouTube videos have restrictions that prevent downloading, so trying different video formats may help.

Alternative Ways to Download YouTube Videos

If IDM still does not work, you can use other methods to download YouTube videos.

• Use YouTube video downloader websites (such as SaveFrom.net or YT1s).
• Try browser extensions like Video DownloadHelper (compatible with Chrome and Firefox).
• Use free software like 4K Video Downloader, which supports YouTube downloads.

These methods provide alternative ways to download videos if IDM is malfunctioning.

Legal & Ethical Issues of Downloading YouTube Videos

Downloading YouTube videos without permission violates YouTube’s terms of service unless using YouTube Premium’s offline download feature. Some videos are also protected by copyright laws, meaning unauthorized downloads may not be legal.

If you need to save videos for offline use, consider using YouTube Premium or downloading only content that is allowed by the video owner.

Conclusion

If IDM is not working on YouTube, the issue is usually caused by browser integration problems, outdated IDM versions, or YouTube format changes. Updating IDM, enabling the IDM extension, and checking browser settings can often fix the problem.

If IDM still doesn’t work, alternative download methods may be necessary.

Have you faced issues with IDM on YouTube? Share your experience in the comments!