YouTube download network issues — how to fix them?

When using the Meowload desktop app to download from YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, etc., you may run into errors like:

• Request timeout
• Network connection error
• Connection timeout

These usually mean the computer's network can't reach those sites directly. Follow these steps to diagnose and fix.

Step 1: Run the network test

On the download page, click the Network test link in the message. The app opens the Settings → Network page and starts checking connectivity to major sites.

Step 2: Read the result

In Settings → Network, click Start test. The app checks YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Baidu, etc. one by one:

• ✅ Connected
• ❌ Can't reach

If YouTube / Twitter show ❌, your network can't access them and you likely need a proxy.

Step 3: Configure a proxy

Meowload defaults to System proxy, following the OS proxy settings. Confirm:

1. A proxy tool is installed and running
2. The proxy is set to System proxy mode (so all system traffic goes through it)
3. After configuring, return to the network test page, click Start test again, and confirm every site is ✅

tip

If the proxy is on but the test still fails, verify the proxy works (e.g. open YouTube in your browser) or try a different node.

Proxy is set but downloads still fail?

• Make sure the proxy is in System proxy mode (not just rule mode)
• Try switching nodes and retest
• Confirm the proxy can reach YouTube (verify in the browser)