Tap the (the square icon with an upward-pointing arrow) at the bottom or top of the screen. Scroll through the options and tap Add to Home Screen . Name the shortcut "YouTube" and tap Add .
This method is universally accessible and requires no special software. It's the most reliable way to access YouTube on your older device:
If you're using an older device like an , iPhone 6 , or iPad Mini 2 stuck on iOS 12.5.7 , you've likely noticed the official YouTube app no longer updates or even fails to open, often showing a frustrating "Update Required" message. download youtube ios 1257 link
Older Apple devices like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPad Air, and iPad mini 2/3 are locked out of modern iOS updates. Their final operating system is iOS 12.5.7. If you try to download YouTube from the App Store on these devices, you will see a frustrating error message stating that the app requires iOS 14.0 or later.
If you cannot download it via the App Store, specialized community-driven solutions can sometimes allow installation via a third-party profile, though this requires caution. Tap the (the square icon with an upward-pointing
If you’d like, I can suggest a few other ways to extend the life of your iOS 12 device, such as finding alternative browser apps that still get updates.
iOS 12.5.7 is the "end-of-the-line" update for several classic iPhone and iPad models. If you have one of the following devices, you are officially stuck on this version and cannot update to a newer iOS like 14 or 15: This method is universally accessible and requires no
Some features of the newer YouTube app might not work, or the app might be slower than on modern devices.
How to Download YouTube on iOS 12.5.7: A Complete Guide (2026 Updated Link)
Now, let's address the first word in your search: "download." Your keyword suggests you might not only want the app, but also want to save videos directly to your device. This is an entirely different and more complex task.
Apple allows users to download the last compatible version of an app if it is already in their account history. If you have ever downloaded YouTube in the past using your Apple ID, follow these steps: on your iOS 12.5.7 device. Tap your Profile Picture in the top right corner. Select Purchased (or My Purchases ). Use the search bar to look for YouTube . Tap the Cloud Icon next to the YouTube logo.