yt-dlp Error 403

• if you get this error you need to update yt-dlp

How to Update yt-dlp

For Executable/Binary Users

• Direct Update Command: If you are using the standalone executable, you can update by running:

  yt-dlp -U

  in your command prompt or terminal. "The same place where you enter yt-dlp "URL", you would instead enter yt-dlp -U"

• Navigate and Update: For Windows users, go to the folder where YT-DLP.exe is located, type cmd in the address bar, and press Enter to open a command prompt in that directory. Then, run the update command. "Go to the folder where you keep the YT-DLP.exe and type “cmd” near the top of the folder then press enter."

For Pip Users

• Standard Update: If you installed yt-dlp using pip, use the following command to update:

  python3 -m pip install -U "yt-dlp"

  "You installed yt-dlp with pip or the wheel from PyPi; Use that to update"

• Nightly Build: To update to the nightly build, which includes the latest fixes and features, use:

  python3 -m pip install -U --pre "yt-dlp[default]"

  "To install/upgrade to nightly with pip: python3 -m pip install -U --pre "yt-dlp[default]""

For Homebrew Users

• Uninstall and Reinstall: For Homebrew users, the process involves uninstalling and then reinstalling with the --HEAD option to get the latest master build.

  brew uninstall yt-dlp
  brew update && brew install --HEAD yt-dlp

  "brew uninstall yt-dlp brew update && brew install --HEAD yt-dlp"

• Upgrade Master Build: If you have already installed with --HEAD, you can upgrade using:

  brew upgrade --fetch-HEAD yt-dlp

  "To upgrade to latest master with homebrew if you've already installed with --HEAD: brew upgrade --fetch-HEAD yt-dlp"

For Git Users

• Clone and Build: If you installed yt-dlp from Git, you need to clone the repository, navigate to the directory, and then build and install.

  git clone https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp.git
  cd yt-dlp
  make
  sudo make install

  "After uninstalling from your package manager (assuming you have git installed): git clone https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp.git"

Additional Tips

• Check Python Version: Ensure you have a compatible version of Python installed, as yt-dlp frequently updates its requirements. "Python 3.9 is end-of-life."

• Use Cookies: For some websites, especially YouTube, using cookies can help bypass sign-in errors. "I find I've got to use cookies for everything now or I get the sign-in error, even on my first attempt."

• Nightly Builds: If you encounter persistent issues, consider updating to the nightly build for the latest fixes. "The nightly release channel is strongly recommended for most users, as it gets all important fixes sooner."

Communities for Further Help

• r/youtubedl

• r/TubeArchivist

• r/fossdroid

These communities are great places to ask for help and stay updated on the latest developments.