8 Fixes to Can’t Middle Click YouTube Videos

If you’ve found yourself frustrated by the inability to use the middle click function while watching YouTube videos, you’re not alone. 

The middle click is a convenient way to open links in new tabs and it seems to be acting up specifically on the YouTube platform. 

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you resolve this issue and get back to enjoying your favorite content.

In this article, we will explore various reasons why the middle click might not be functioning as expected on YouTube and provide step-by-step solutions to address each potential cause. 

Whether you’re an avid user or a casual viewer, these fixes are designed to cater to different scenarios so that you can regain control over your browsing experience on the world’s most popular video-sharing platform – YouTube.

So, let’s dive in!

What is the Middle Click Button Used For?

The middle click button – often overlooked but incredibly versatile, serves a range of functions that enhance the browsing experience. 

Also known as the scroll wheel click, this button is typically found on computer mice. While its primary purpose is to act as a third button, complementing the left and right clicks, its functionalities extend beyond simple navigation such as: 

• Open in New Tab: One of the most common uses of the middle click is to open links in a new tab. Whether you’re browsing articles, links, or, in our case, YouTube videos, a quick middle click on the desired item allows for multitasking without disrupting your current page.
• Smooth Scrolling: In many web browsers and applications, the middle click transforms into a handy scrolling tool. By clicking and holding the scroll wheel, you can effortlessly navigate up and down pages, providing a smoother and more precise scrolling experience.
• Closing Tabs: Some users leverage the middle click to close tabs. Hovering over a tab and clicking the scroll wheel quickly shuts down the tab, streamlining the process of managing multiple open pages.
• Quick Navigation in 3D Environments: In certain applications, the middle click can be utilized to pan, tilt, or rotate in 3D environments, making it an essential tool for graphic designers, architects, and professionals working with 3D modeling software.

Understanding the versatility of the middle click button makes it evident that when it malfunctions, as experienced on YouTube, it can disrupt the user’s workflow. 

Read on further to explore the possible reasons behind the middle click issue on YouTube to restore its functionality to its fullest.

Reasons Behind Middle Click Not Working on YouTube

Encountering issues with the middle click on YouTube can be a perplexing experience that disrupts your usual fluidity when navigating through videos. Understanding the potential reasons behind this hiccup is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Here are some common causes that might be hindering your middle click from opening YouTube videos in a new tab:

1. Mouse Settings and Configuration

Ensure that the middle button on your mouse is enabled in your system’s mouse settings. If it’s disabled, you won’t be able to use the middle click function, leading to the inconvenience on YouTube.

2. Outdated Mouse Driver

Running an outdated mouse driver can be a culprit. Make sure your mouse driver is up to date to ensure compatibility with YouTube’s functionalities. Manufacturers often release driver updates to address performance issues and enhance compatibility.

3. Excessive Browser Cache and Cookies

Corrupted browser cache and cookies may be contributing to the middle-click problem. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies can refresh the browsing environment, potentially resolving any conflicts that might be affecting the middle click function on YouTube.

4. YouTube-Specific Elements

YouTube itself may intentionally trigger middle-click issues, particularly when dealing with specific elements like video players or buttons. In some instances, certain features on the platform may restrict the middle click from opening a new tab.

5. Mouse Hardware Issues

It’s crucial to rule out any potential hardware problems with your mouse. A malfunctioning middle button due to physical damage or wear and tear could be the root cause of the issue.

6. Third-Party Extensions and Add-ons

Third-party extensions or add-ons installed on your browser might interfere with the middle click function. Disable or uninstall these extensions to see if they are causing the problem, and consider using the browser in its default state for troubleshooting.

Next, let’s dive into how you can address these potential issues systematically and apply the appropriate solution to restore effortless navigation.

8 Quick Fixes of Middle-Click Not Working on YouTube Issue

The middle-click function not working on YouTube can be frustrating. To overcome the challenge of the middle click not opening videos in a new tab, let’s explore practical solutions step by step.

Fix 1: Verify Middle Mouse Button Settings

Begin by confirming whether your middle mouse button is enabled in your device settings. The process differs depending on your operating system:

On Windows:

1. Press the Windows key and I simultaneously open “Settings”.

2. Navigate to Devices, then click on Touchpad.

3. Select the Advanced Gestures option and, under Three-finger gestures, choose the Middle-mouse button in the Tap section.

4. Ensure that the middle mouse button is now activated.

On Mac:

1. Click on the Apple menu and go to System Preferences.
2. Choose Security & Privacy, then click on Privacy.
3. Under Accessibility, check the box next to Middle Click.
4. Confirm if the middle mouse button is operational on YouTube.

This initial fix ensures that the middle mouse button is active and ready to perform its designated tasks. If the issue persists, proceed to the next solutions to troubleshoot and resolve any underlying problems affecting the middle click on YouTube.

Fix 2: Ensure Browser Compatibility

An often-overlooked factor in the middle-click malfunction on YouTube is the compatibility of your chosen web browser. If the browser doesn’t integrate with middle-click functions, it can lead to disruptions in your video navigation. Here are a few simple ways to address this potential issue:

1. Check Browser Compatibility:

Begin by verifying if the browser you’re using is compatible with middle-click functions. Generally, the latest versions of web browsers are designed to support these functionalities without causing interference.

2. Confirm Browser Updates:

Ensure your browser is up to date. An outdated browser version might lack the necessary compatibility for smooth middle-click operations. Check for updates and install them if available.

3. Try an Alternative Browser:

Test the middle mouse button on a different web browser to determine if the issue is specific to your current browser. If it works seamlessly on an alternative browser, it suggests that the problem may lie within the original browser’s settings.

4. Clear Chrome Cache and Cookies:

If you’re using Chrome and suspect browser-related issues, follow these steps to clear cache and cookies:

• Launch Chrome and press Ctrl+Shift+Delete to open the clear browsing data screen.

• Check all the boxes next to browsing history, cookies, and cache.

• Select the Time Range as “All Time” and click “Clear data.”

Wait for the process to complete, then relaunch Chrome and open YouTube. Check if the middle mouse button now functions as expected.

By ensuring your browser is compatible and clearing cache and cookies if necessary, you can eliminate potential obstacles to the middle-click functionality on YouTube, creating smoother video browsing.

Fix 3: Check Your Mouse’s Middle Click Functionality

In the quest to resolve the middle-click hiccup on YouTube, a crucial step involves examining the functionality of your mouse’s middle-click button. Hardware-related issues might be at the heart of the problem, so conducting a thorough assessment is essential:

1. Check Mouse Functionality:

Begin by testing the middle mouse button on other applications or websites. This step helps determine whether the issue is exclusive to YouTube or a broader hardware concern.

2. Confirm Middle Click on Other Sites:

Verify if the middle mouse button operates correctly on websites other than YouTube. If it functions elsewhere, this suggests that the problem is specific to YouTube, and you can proceed with the next steps to troubleshoot the issue.

3. Follow-Up Solutions:

• If the middle mouse button works on other sites > Move on to the next solution in the troubleshooting process.
• If the middle mouse button malfunctions on other sites > Consider testing a different mouse to rule out hardware issues.
• Inspect the physical condition of the mouse, checking for any damage or wear.
• If available, connect the mouse to another computer to further isolate the problem.

Fix 4: Temporarily Disable Browser Extensions

In the intricate dance of web functionality, third-party browser extensions can sometimes disrupt the fluid performance of the middle mouse button, preventing the seamless opening of links in new tabs. To troubleshoot this interference, consider temporarily disabling extensions, particularly on the Chrome browser:

• Launch the Chrome browser and locate the three dots in the upper right corner.

• Click on “Settings” and scroll down to find and click on “Extensions.”

• Disable all installed extensions by toggling the respective switches.

• After disabling the extensions, check if the middle mouse button now operates as intended on YouTube.

How to identify the problematic extension? 

• If the middle mouse button works on YouTube after disabling extensions, it confirms that one of the extensions is causing the problem.
• To pinpoint the culprit, re-enable each extension one by one, checking for the middle-click functionality after each activation.
• Once you identify the problematic extension, you can remove the extension completely to ensure a lasting solution.

Fix 5: Deactivate Inline Playback Feature on YouTube

Diving deep into the intricacies of YouTube settings, Solution 5 targets the Inline Playback feature, known to automatically play videos when hovered over on the home or search page. Disabling this feature can potentially restore the middle-click functionality for opening links in new tabs. Follow these steps to navigate through your YouTube settings:

• Open YouTube on your preferred browser.

• Click on your Profile Picture, typically located in the top right corner.

• Navigate to Settings.

• Select the “Playback and Notifications” option.

• Under the Browsing section, locate the Inline Playback option and toggle it off.

After deactivating Inline Playback, check if the middle mouse button now successfully opens links in new tabs on YouTube.

Sidenote: This solution offers a targeted adjustment within YouTube’s settings, addressing a specific feature that might be causing interference with the middle-click function. 

Fix 6: Keep Your Mouse Driver Updated

This solution advocates for ensuring your mouse driver is up to date, providing a smoother interface between your mouse and the digital realm. Follow these steps for a hassle-free update:

• Press the Windows + X key to access the quick access menu and open the Device Manager.

• In Device Manager, locate and double-click on the “Mice and Other Pointing Devices” option.

• Right-click on your Mouse driver from the list and choose the “Update Driver” option.

• Opt for “Search automatically for the driver” to allow Windows to find and install the updated driver.

• Wait for Windows to complete the scan and installation process.
• Once the update process is finished, reboot your Windows system.
• Confirm if the middle click now functions seamlessly on YouTube.

Fix 7: Run Mouse Hardware Troubleshooter

When all else fails, and the YouTube middle click issue persists, the inbuilt hardware troubleshooter can come to the rescue. This feature is designed to scan, detect, and resolve problems with your mouse, potentially unleashing its full functionality. Follow these steps to run the troubleshooter:

• Type “Control Panel” in the Windows Search box and open it.

• Click on “Hardware and Sound.”

• Navigate to “Devices and Printers.”

• Right-click on your Mouse and select “Troubleshoot.”

Allow the troubleshooter to scan for issues and follow any prompts for recommended fixes.

Fix 8: Seek Assistance from YouTube Support

In the rare event that none of the aforementioned solutions prove successful, the issue may be intricately tied to the YouTube player itself. Take the following steps:

• Reach out to YouTube support through their official channels or community threads.

• Describe the issue in detail, and they will provide guidance to troubleshoot or resolve the problem.

Bonus Tip: Utilize Keyboard Shortcuts

As a workaround, leverage keyboard shortcuts for a seamless browsing experience:

• On Windows OS: Press the Ctrl + left key on a link to open it in a new tab.
• On MacOS: Press CMD + left key on a link for the same result.

This bonus tip offers an alternative method to achieve the desired result without relying on the mouse’s middle-click function.

Wrapping Up! 

So, there you have it! By incorporating the above-mentioned targeted solutions of the middle click YouTube not working issue, you can troubleshoot and resolve it, reclaiming control over your navigation.