To use this method, the YouTube app must have been downloaded at least once in the past using your current Apple ID. Step-by-Step Instructions Open the on your iOS 12.5.7 device.
temporarily on that newer device's App Store, or add your account to their Family Sharing group.
Method 2: The Family Sharing Workaround (For Clean Apple IDs)
Installing YouTube on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 12.5.7 can be challenging because the official YouTube app in the App Store now requires a newer iOS version. As of 2026, many older devices (like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and original iPad Air) are stuck on this legacy software, but you can still access YouTube. Install Youtube Ios 12.5.7
If you search for YouTube on the App Store on a device running iOS 12.5.7 today, you will likely be met with a message saying the app requires iOS 13 or higher. To get YouTube working, you have to use the .
Sometimes, installing an older version of the YouTube app results in a hard lock when you open it. The app opens but displays a message saying: "Update Required. You must update to continue." Since you cannot update past iOS 12.5.7, you are stuck. You can bypass this restriction by tweaking the app's info file using a computer tool called (no jailbreak required) or via a jailbreak file manager. The 3uTools Fix (Computer Required) Download and install 3uTools on your Windows PC.
Tap the to download the last compatible version as detailed in Method 1. To use this method, the YouTube app must
Tap the (with the downward arrow) next to the YouTube logo.
. Because devices running iOS 12.5.7 (like the iPhone 5s, 6, or iPad mini 2/3) cannot be updated further, you cannot install the latest version of the app. Apple Support Community
If you have previously downloaded YouTube with your Apple ID, you may be able to install an older, compatible version from your purchase history. Method 2: The Family Sharing Workaround (For Clean
Tap the (download button) next to the YouTube logo.
If you have downloaded YouTube in the past using your Apple ID—or if you have another newer Apple device using the same account—Apple allows you to download the "last compatible version" of the app. This is the easiest and safest method because it uses the official App Store. Step-by-Step Instructions: on your iOS 12.5.7 device.
On the newer device, go to and scroll down to tap Sign Out . (Ensure they back up their data if prompted, though a simple sign-out is safe).
or another browser. You can add it to your Home Screen for easier access by tapping the Share button and selecting "Add to Home Screen." Jailbreak Solutions (Advanced)