Roll back to YouTube v17.09.37 (Sept 2022). It's the last version that works with Lollipop's WebView.
has largely ended, with most current versions requiring Android 9.0 or higher. While the official app may show "This version of YouTube is out of date," you can still access YouTube using legacy APKs, third-party clients, or mobile browsers. Working Methods for Android 5.1.1 Official Legacy APKs
Log into your Google account to access your subscriptions and history.
Older hardware running Android 5.1.1 can suffer from lag, buffering, and crashes while playing high-definition video. Use these tips to optimize your device:
—which were the last to semi-function on older hardware before the "Update" wall became mandatory. Lightweight Clients
Given that Android 5.1.1 is very old (released in 2015) and official YouTube app support has long since moved on, I have written this from the perspective of a .
If you do not want to install any APKs, you can simply use a modern browser. The mobile web version of YouTube is surprisingly capable.
Users attempting to launch the pre-installed YouTube app on Android 5.1.1 often encounter persistent errors:
When the app fails, the mobile browser is your best friend. Android 5.1.1 can usually still run lightweight browsers like Opera Mini or an older version of Google Chrome How to do it: Navigate to m.youtube.com The Benefit:
The app demands an update, but redirecting to the Google Play Store reveals that your device is no longer compatible with the latest version.