If the app is not in your Purchased history, the cloud icon will not appear. To fix this, borrow a newer Apple device (running iOS 14 or later), log into your Apple ID temporarily, and download YouTube. Once registered to your account history, return to your iOS 12.5.7 device and follow the steps above. Method 2: Create a Safari Web App (Most Reliable)
These browsers are optimized for older architecture and load the YouTube mobile site faster than stock Safari on older chips. Troubleshooting "Update Required" Errors
Don't worry; we've found a few workarounds to help you install YouTube on your iOS 12.5.7 device. Here are the methods:
If you can grab an older version of Brave via your Purchased history, it automatically blocks YouTube ads, saving processing power and making videos load faster on an iPhone 6 or iPad Air.
Installing the official YouTube app on iOS 12.5.7 is challenging because the current version requires iOS 14.0 or later . Devices restricted to this firmware, such as the iPad mini 2/3 , no longer receive official app updates from Google. Apple Support Community Installation Methods for iOS 12.5.7 The "Purchased" Section Loophole Install Youtube Ios 12.5.7
📱 You can still get YouTube on your iPhone 5s or 6!
If you have never downloaded YouTube on your Apple ID, the app won't appear in your "Purchased" list. You can fix this by using a newer device. Borrow a newer iPhone or iPad running iOS 14, 15, or 16. Sign in to your Apple ID on that newer device. Download the YouTube app from the App Store.
If you successfully installed an older version of the app but get this error, YouTube may have severed server-side connections to that specific app version. If this happens, delete the app and switch to Method 3 (The Web App) .
Notes:
If you strictly want a native application experience and the App Store trick fails, you can manually sideload a legacy YouTube .ipa file using a computer. Tools Needed: A Mac or Windows PC. A sideloading utility like or AltStore .
: For the most reliable experience without system modifications, use m.youtube.com . You can create a "Home Screen" shortcut by tapping the button and selecting Add to Home Screen , which provides an app-like icon for quick access. Apple Support Community Advanced & Unofficial Fixes
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 .
The easiest, safest, and most reliable way to watch YouTube on your iOS 12.5.7 device is through a web browser. If the app is not in your Purchased
The fundamental issue is a simple version mismatch. Your device runs iOS 12.5.7, but the current version of the YouTube app available on the App Store requires iOS 14.0 or later to run. Since your device cannot be updated to any newer version of iOS, you are faced with what seems like an impossible task.
YouTube will now appear in your history. Tap the to download the older, compatible version.
Running an iPhone 5s or 6? Here is how to install YouTube on iOS 12.5.7