How to Fix YouTube Access Error in OBS

Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a powerhouse for streamers and content creators, offering a wide range of customization options and broadcast capabilities. However, one common obstacle many users face is the “YouTube Access Error” when trying to stream directly to YouTube. This issue can be extremely frustrating, especially when you’re about to go live. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several proven methods to detect, understand, and resolve the YouTube Access Error in OBS.

TLDR

The YouTube Access Error in OBS usually stems from incorrect stream settings, expired stream keys, permission conflicts, or authentication issues between OBS and your Google account. To fix it, start by ensuring your YouTube stream key is correct and not expired. Re-authenticating your account, checking for permission scopes, and keeping OBS up to date can also resolve common problems. If all else fails, creating a new stream event or resetting stream permissions in your Google and YouTube settings can help resolve stubborn errors.

1. Understand the Root Cause

The YouTube Access Error typically occurs due to one or more of the following reasons:

• Expired or incorrect stream key
• OBS is not synced correctly with your YouTube account
• Permissions or access scopes denied in Google account settings
• YouTube Live streaming not enabled or restricted
• Outdated software version or miscommunication between YouTube API and OBS

Before you begin troubleshooting, you should understand what kind of error message you are receiving. OBS might display a message such as “Failed to connect to server” or “YouTube returned error: unauthorized”. This will help you diagnose the issue more accurately.

2. Update and Restart OBS

Confirm that you are using the most recent version of OBS. OBS regularly releases patches and updates to fix bugs impacting streaming stability and platform support.

• Go to Help > Check for Updates from the OBS menu.
• If an update is available, install it and restart OBS.

This seemingly small step has resolved connectivity issues for many users, especially those using older builds incompatible with YouTube’s most recent API permissions.

3. Reconnect Your YouTube Account

OBS allows users to connect directly to their YouTube accounts via OAuth. If you get an access error, it may be due to the token used by OBS expiring or being revoked. Follow these steps to reconnect:

1. In OBS, go to Settings > Stream.
2. Select YouTube – RTMPS as your service and click on Connect Account (recommended).
3. A new browser window will open. Sign in to your Google account.
4. Allow all requested permissions, especially access to YouTube Studio and Live Streaming features.

After reconnecting, restart OBS to let all changes take effect.

4. Verify and Replace Stream Key

If you’re not using the connected account method, double-check your stream key to rule out any input mistakes.

1. Log in to your YouTube Studio.
2. Navigate to Go Live and either use an existing stream or create a new one.
3. In the control panel, locate your Stream Key.
4. Copy the Stream Key and return to OBS.
5. In OBS, go to Settings > Stream, select ‘YouTube’ as your service, then paste the key in the box labeled Stream Key.

Click Apply and OK to save the settings.

5. Check YouTube Live Streaming Eligibility

You can’t stream to YouTube if your account doesn’t meet eligibility requirements. Ensure that:

• Your account is verified
• You’ve enabled the Live Streaming feature (this may take up to 24 hours after activation)
• You’ve not received any community guideline strikes

To enable live streaming:

1. Go to YouTube Verify to confirm your phone number.
2. Once verified, go to YouTube Studio > Go Live where you’ll be prompted to enable live streaming.

6. Reset OBS Authorization in Google Account

Sometimes, OBS loses its authorization due to Google changing token permissions. Here’s how to reset OBS access in your Google account:

1. Go to your Google Account Permissions page.
2. Look for OBS (or “Open Broadcaster Software”) in the list of connected apps.
3. Click on it and select Remove Access.
4. Return to OBS and reconnect your YouTube account as explained above.

This ensures OBS receives a fresh token with the most recent API scopes and avoids any issues related to expired or partially revoked permissions.

7. Firewall and Antivirus Exceptions

Security software can block OBS from connecting properly to YouTube’s servers. Consider creating firewall exceptions for OBS:

• Open your Windows Firewall settings.
• Choose Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
• Locate OBS Studio and ensure both Private and Public boxes are checked.
• If using an antivirus, make sure it’s not blocking OBS or ports used (typically port 1935 for RTMP).

8. Use Custom RTMP Settings as a Backup

If all else fails, bypass the native YouTube integration and manually configure OBS to stream via custom RTMP settings. This gives you more control and sometimes helps avoid embedded authentication bugs.

1. In YouTube Studio, go to Go Live > Stream Settings.
2. Copy both the Stream URL and Stream Key.
3. In OBS, go to Settings > Stream and set:

• Service: Custom
• Server: Paste the Stream URL
• Stream Key: Paste the Stream Key

Click Apply and OK to save changes.

9. Monitor Stream Health

Once you’ve fixed the access error and successfully started streaming, make sure your stream is healthy:

• In YouTube Studio, open the Stream Health tab while live.
• Watch for any warnings such as Low Bitrate or Not Receiving Data.
• Use these metrics to fine-tune your bitrate, encoder settings, and resolution in OBS.

10. Final Thoughts and Prevention Tips

Here’s how you can reduce the chances of encountering access errors in the future:

• Always update OBS to the latest version
• Use the connected account method rather than manual stream keys when possible
• Check permission scopes whenever changing Google account settings
• Periodically review your stream keys and permissions in YouTube Studio

Errors during live streaming are never ideal, and the YouTube Access Error in OBS can derail your plans, especially at critical moments. However, by following these detailed, step-by-step methods, you should be able to fix the issue for good and return to creating consistent, high-quality content.

Stay proactive, keep your software configurations updated, and always double-check your permissions to keep your streaming workflow uninterrupted.