Introduction
Experiencing an issue where YouTube Shorts are scrolling by itself? This frustrating bug, often called "ghost-swiping," can completely disrupt your viewing experience. You might be halfway through a video when the app suddenly skips to the next Short, leaving you confused and searching for a fix.
This unwanted auto-scrolling is a common problem reported by users on both mobile and PC. It can be caused by a new app feature, a software bug, conflicting third-party applications, or even hardware issues.
This comprehensive troubleshooting guide will walk you through 5 proven methods to stop YouTube Shorts from scrolling automatically and regain control of your feed.
Why Do My YouTube Shorts Keep Scrolling? (Common Causes)
Before diving into the solutions, it's essential to understand why this is happening. The YouTube Shorts auto-scroll bug isn't just one problem: it's a symptom with several possible causes:
- A New Autoplay Feature: YouTube frequently tests new features, and a "hands-free" autoplay toggle may have been enabled by default.
- Conflicting Extensions/Apps: Third-party auto-scroller apps (for TikTok or Reels) or browser extensions can interfere with YouTube.
- Corrupted Cache: A bloated or corrupted app cache can cause erratic behavior, including unwanted scrolling.
- Phantom Touches: A malfunctioning screen, faulty Bluetooth device, or even a misaligned screen protector can send false "swipe" commands.
Method 1: Check for Conflicting Apps or Extensions
If you've ever installed an app to auto-scroll other platforms, it is likely the culprit.
- For PC (Chrome, Firefox, etc.):
- Go to your browser's "Extensions" or "Add-ons" menu.
- Carefully review your installed extensions. Look for any tool related to scrolling, automation, or accessibility (e.g., "Auto-Scroller," "Shorts Scroller," "Auto-Swipe").
- Disable or Remove any suspicious extension.
- Restart your browser and test YouTube Shorts.
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For Mobile (Primarily Android):
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Installed apps (or "Downloaded services").
- This page lists all apps that have permission to control your screen.
- Look for any auto-scroll or auto-swipe apps you may have installed.
- Tap on the app and toggle its permission OFF. This will prevent it from "swiping" on your behalf.
Method 2: Clear the YouTube App Cache (The "Glitch Fix")
A corrupted cache is a primary source of app misbehavior. Clearing it is a safe and effective step.
Go to your phone's Settings app.
Navigate to Apps > See all apps > YouTube.
Tap on Storage & cache.
Tap the "Clear Cache" button. (Note: Do not tap "Clear Storage," as this will log you out and reset all your settings).
Restart the YouTube app and check if the Shorts scrolling issue is resolved. (ads)
Method 3: Diagnose Hardware or "Phantom Touch" Issues
If the app still keeps scrolling, the problem might not be with the software, but with the hardware.
- Clean Your Screen: A smudge, a particle of dust, or a drop of water can register as a "touch" on highly sensitive screens.
- Check Peripherals: Disconnect all Bluetooth devices (headphones, smartwatches, speakers). A malfunctioning "next track" button on your headphones can be misinterpreted by the app as a "next video" command.
- Remove Case/Screen Protector: As a test, remove your phone's case and screen protector. A poorly fitted one can apply pressure to the screen, causing "phantom touches" that mimic a swipe.
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Method 4: Update or reinstall the YouTube App
If all else fails, you may be on a buggy version of the app.
Update: Go to the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and check for an update to the YouTube app. Developers constantly release patches for known bugs.Reinstall: As a final resort, uninstall the YouTube app from your phone (or its updates, if it's a system app on Android). Then, reinstall it from the app store. This provides a completely fresh installation and is the most definitive way to fix a persistent software bug.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Why are my YouTube Shorts skipping to the next video? A: This is most likely due to a new, built-in "Autoplay" feature in the Shorts player. Tap the screen and look for an autoplay icon in the top corner to disable it. It can also be caused by a software bug or a conflicting third-party app.
Q: How do I turn off autoplay on YouTube Shorts? A: Unlike regular videos, the main "Autoplay" in YouTube's settings doesn't always control Shorts. You must look for the separate Autoplay toggle within the Shorts player itself. Tap the screen while a Short is playing to find it.
Q: Is the YouTube Shorts auto-scrolling a bug or a feature? A: It's both. YouTube is actively testing an "autoplay" feature for hands-free viewing. However, if it's happening without your consent or you can't turn it off, it's behaving as a bug.
Q: Will clearing my YouTube cache delete my subscriptions or downloads? A: No. Clearing the cache is safe. It only removes temporary files. It will not delete your account, subscriptions, watch history, or downloaded videos.
Conclusion
Having your YouTube Shorts scrolling by itself is a major annoyance, but it is almost always fixable. By systematically checking for the built-in autoplay feature, disabling conflicting apps, clearing the cache, and diagnosing hardware issues, you can stop the unwanted auto-scroll and get back to enjoying your content uninterrupted.
If this guide helped you, consider sharing it so others can fix this frustrating YouTube bug.