Since iOS 12.5.7 is the latest release for older devices like the iPhone 5s, 6, and 6 Plus, installing YouTube on this operating system in 2024 is a bit of a "hack." The App Store no longer offers the modern YouTube app for this firmware.
Here is a long-form, detailed review of the process and the resulting experience of running YouTube on iOS 12.5.7.
If the YouTube app fails to work properly, you can use the mobile website, which performs surprisingly well on iOS 12.5.7:
This creates a home screen icon that works like a standalone app.
Final Verdict: Yes, you can install a functional older version of YouTube on iOS 12.5.7 via the App Store’s compatibility system. While it lacks modern features, basic video watching and searching will work reliably.
Installing and running YouTube on iOS 12.5.7 (common on iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and older iPads) is currently difficult because the official app now requires iOS 14.0 or later
. However, you can still access YouTube using several workarounds depending on whether you want to jailbreak your device. Official Workarounds (No Jailbreak)
These methods use official App Store features to get the last compatible version. The "Purchased" List Method
: If you have downloaded YouTube before on any Apple device using your current Apple ID, go to App Store > Profile > Purchased . Search for YouTube and tap the cloud icon
. You should receive a prompt asking to "Download an older version of this app". Web Browser Access : This is the most stable non-jailbreak method. Open YouTube.com
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) Install Youtube Ios 12.5.7
If you have the app installed but see an "Update Required" or "Error Loading" message, a jailbreak is often necessary to bypass these blocks.
Installing YouTube on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.5.7 can be tricky because the current version of the app requires iOS 14.0 or later. Since your device (likely an iPhone 5s, 6, or 6 Plus) cannot update further, you have to use a "legacy" download method.
Here is the most reliable way to get YouTube working on your device. 1. The "Purchased" App Store Method
If you have downloaded YouTube in the past using your Apple ID, you can still grab a compatible version. Open the App Store on your iOS 12 device. Tap on your Profile icon (top right) and select Search for "YouTube" in the list of apps you own. Cloud icon to download it. A pop-up will appear saying:
"The current version requires iOS 14.0 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." 2. Using a Secondary Device (If not in "Purchased")
If YouTube isn't in your purchase history, the App Store won't even show you the "Download" button. You can fix this using a newer device: Sign in with your on a newer iPhone or iPad (running iOS 14+). Download the YouTube app on that newer device. Go back to your iOS 12.5.7 device Open the App Store > Profile > Purchased.
YouTube will now appear there, allowing you to download the "last compatible version." 3. The Safari Web Solution (Best Performance)
The iOS 12 app version is very old and often suffers from "Update Required" loops or playback errors. For a smoother experience, use the web version: youtube.com Share button (the square with an up arrow). Scroll down and select Add to Home Screen
This creates an icon on your home screen that functions almost exactly like the app but stays updated via the web. Troubleshooting the "Update Required" Error
If you manage to install the app but it tells you to update (with no way to skip), the app is essentially blocked by Google. In this case, the Safari method Since iOS 12
mentioned above is your only functional option without jailbreaking the device. bypass the update pop-up
using advanced tools, or is the Safari shortcut enough for your needs?
Here are a few options for a post about installing YouTube on iOS 12.5.7, tailored for different platforms like Twitter/X, Facebook, or a tech blog.
Use Safari to watch YouTube on iOS 12.5.7. It's safer and requires no workarounds. Just open Safari, go to youtube.com, and you can watch most videos normally.
Installing YouTube on iOS 12.5.7 is essentially a "rescue mission" for legacy devices like the Go to product viewer dialog for this item. iPad mini 2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. iPad Air 1 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
. Because the official YouTube app now requires iOS 14 or later, your experience will depend entirely on which "workaround" path you choose. Performance & Experience Review Browser Workaround Jailbreak Tweaks Ease of Setup 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (Immediate) 🌟🌟 (Complex/Risky) Video Quality Limited (often 360p) Full HD (if supported) Stability Low (frequent crashes) Features No native player features Comments/Shorts may crash Method 1: The "Safe" Web Workaround
For most users, the official recommendation is to stop using the app entirely and use Safari.
The Good: No risk of bricking your device or compromising security. It works immediately without downloads.
The Bad: You are often capped at 360p resolution. You also lose the smooth interface of a native app.
Pro Tip: Tap the "Share" button in Safari and select "Add to Home Screen" to create a YouTube shortcut that looks like an app icon. Method 2: The "Legacy" Download (No Jailbreak) Alternative: Use YouTube in Safari If the YouTube
If you have previously downloaded YouTube on your Apple ID, you can sometimes trigger a "Download Last Compatible Version" prompt.
How to do it: Go to the App Store > Updates > Purchased. Search for YouTube and tap the cloud icon.
The Review: While this installs the app, many users find it immediately displays an "Update Required" pop-up that blocks all usage. Method 3: Jailbreak Fixes (Advanced)
For those comfortable with technical modding, tweaks like YouTube Legacy or TubeFixer from repositories like PoomSmart can bypass the "Update Required" screen. The Good: Restores the native app interface.
The Bad: It's a "cat and mouse" game; Google often breaks these bypasses. Users report that Shorts and Comments frequently cause the app to crash on iOS 12. Final Verdict
Ipad mini 2, ios 12.5.7 -- Can no longer update or use YouTube
Important note: iOS 12.5.7 is an old version (final update for iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPad Air 1, etc.). The current YouTube app requires iOS 14 or newer. You cannot install the latest YouTube app directly from the App Store on iOS 12.5.7.
However, you can install the last compatible version.
Result: YouTube will appear on your home screen. Remember: after 7 days, you must reconnect to your computer and refresh the app. If you jailbreak your iOS 12.5.7 device (using Chimera or unc0ver), you can install a tweak to bypass the 7-day limit.