Introduction

Clipgrab is a popular video downloader tool that many users rely on for saving videos from various platforms, usually easily. However, there are instances where Clipgrab experiences issues and fails to work in the right way. 

Even in 2025, ClipGrab not working again. May users post these error messages on social media and wait for a fix from ClipGrab. But just waiting is not a good solution. We write this article based on the information we searched online and our own in-personal test. Hope this article can help you when these not-working errors appear.

clipgrab not working

Troubleshooting ClipGrab Not Working

Several general troubleshooting tips can help resolve the ClipGrab 'not working' problems. Even when you contact ClipGrab support, they will suggest you follow these general tips first:

General tips for ClipGrab errors
  • Check the internet connection, to ensure a stable, reliable connection for using Clipgrab
  • Check for updates and install the latest version of ClipGrab to address any bugs or compatibility issues that may have been fixed by now 
  • Sometimes, re-install and restart the software can also solve some of the errors

While these methods can solve some minor issues, if you run into large-scale errors, you usually still have to wait for the development team to fix them. This is why ClipGrab's instability has always been a major drawback for me.

1. ClipGrab Error Downloading 403: How to Fix

403 Error downloading messages appear repeatedly when trying to use ClipGrap to download videos from YouTube. This specific HTTP status code, it indicates that access to the desired content is not permitted.

clipgrab not working: clipgrab error downloading 403

First, please make sure that the URL is valid, without any excessive affixes or parameters. See the below comparison pic to get the difference. The 403 error code that appears on ClipGrab is probably just caused by a wrong URL. 

clipgrab not working

If the URL is valid, but the ClipGrab 403 error still exists, it is, perhaps, caused by streaming services updates. Considering that Clipgrab is an independent development, it is vulnerable to disruptions when popular platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, or Facebook update their download systems.

This has occurred on a few occasions in the past. The ClipGrab team needs time to fix this error and update their technology to follow streaming services. So, just calm down and wait, or use an alternative to ClipGrab

2. ClipGrab Error Messages 'Cannot Retrieve Videos': How to Fix

Another issue that really bothered me was the “Cannot Retrieve Videos” error. Initially, I thought it was a broken link, but later I realized, no, the issue was with ClipGrab itself.

The root technology of ClipGrab relies on youtube-dl for the downloading process. When youtube-dl has errors, Clipgrab can be affected, and error messages like 'cannot retrieve videos' occur.

clipgrab not working: clipgrab could not retrieve video

You need to keep a close eye on ClipGrab's official account and website to see if there's a new release and bug fix update. One thing that needs to be noticed is that ClipGrab has no auto-update feature, which means you have to un-install and then re-install ClipGrab manually. 

This error will, generally, be fixed in the next release version. The only thing we can do is wait. For me, encountering this situation frequently has seriously affected my user experience.

clipgrab not working

Use Stable Alternative: StreamFab Video Downloader

After ClipGrab repeatedly complained about errors, I couldn't stand it and started trying some alternatives. The one that finally stuck was StreamFab Video Downloader.

Over ClipGrab, StreamFab's biggest advantage is stability. Whether it's streaming media (like YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Netflix, or Disney+), it can almost always download smoothly, and its download speeds feel much faster than ClipGrab.

ClipGrab not working: choose streamfab

StreamFab Video Downloader

StreamFab is a versatile and, importantly, reliable alternative downloader that can help you download your favorite videos from many platforms without any hassle.
Features:
  • 100% safe and clean, verified by 80M+ users.
  • Get ad-free downloads from any country for an unlimited period.
  • Unlimited video downloads with up to 8K resolution & EAC3 5.1 or AAC 2.0 audio track.
  • Save YouTube HDR and VR 360° videos
  • Free trial to unlock Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon downloaders
Win Download
100% safe&clean
Mac Download
100% safe&clean

Compare: StreamFab vs ClipGrab

The following information we've confirmed as accurate and reliable. We did individual tests on ClipGrab and StreamFab to identify the big distinctions between the two. Based on our hands-on experience and evaluation of key features, StreamFab just emerges as the clear preferred choice over ClipGrab.

  StreamFab ClipGrab
Supported website 1000+ >Lists YouTube, Vimeo, Dailymotion, and more (not listed)
Output quality up to 8K up to 1080p
Format MP4/MKV/MP3 MP4/WMV/OGG/MP3
YouTube playlist download YES NO
Subtitles YES NO
Free trial/Free version Yes. Lifetime free version Yes. For free to use

Operation Steps

Next time ClipGrab lets you down, turn to StreamFab as your alternative downloader. With its user-friendly interface, compatibility with many platforms, and fast download speeds, StreamFab is sure to become your new favorite downloading tool. 

Step 1

Download the video downloader

Install StreamFab downloader on your device and open the interface.

Step 2

Choose the streaming service

Find the streaming service from the left column or simply copy the video URL and paste it on StreamFab.

ClipGrab not working: choose streamfab

Step 3

Customize the file

When you hit play, a pop-up window will show your video options. Here, you can pick the video quality—it'll depend on the original file, but it might go up to 8k.

ClipGrab not working: choose streamfab

Step 4

Click the download button

After you've customized it, you can download it right away or just add it to your queue.

Conclusion

So, if you run into problems with Clipgrab, don't worry. You have plenty of options to get it running smoothly again. You can try updating it, reinstalling for a fresh start, or even just exploring other downloaders—there's almost always a fix.

Technology can be unpredictable, but you can usually get past these snags by staying informed and knowing what steps to take. Don’t get discouraged if Clipgrab isn't working as expected; solutions are available to help troubleshoot and resolve any issues, usually efficiently.