Do not waste time installing “1257” – it won’t work properly.
If you need an old version for jailbreak tweaks, specify your iOS version and device model. Otherwise, sideload a modern modified YouTube or use a browser-based blocker.
For further help, clarify:
To install YouTube on iOS 12.5.7, you must download the "Last Compatible Version," as modern versions of the app require iOS 15.0 or later. 📲 Step-by-Step Installation
If you have downloaded YouTube before on any Apple device using your current Apple ID, follow these steps: Open the App Store on your iPhone. Profile Icon (top right corner). Search for in your list of apps. Cloud Icon ☁️ next to the YouTube entry. A pop-up will appear: "Download an older version of this app?" 🛠️ Solutions if the App Won't Download
If you have never "purchased" YouTube on your account before, the App Store may block the download entirely. Try these workarounds: Use a newer device
: Log into your Apple ID on a newer iPhone/iPad, download YouTube there, then return to your iOS 12 device. It will now appear in your "Purchased" list. YouTube Mobile Web m.youtube.com button, and select Add to Home Screen
. This creates a shortcut that works almost exactly like the app. Third-party Browsers : Browsers like
often provide a better video experience on older iOS versions than the native Safari app. 💡 Important Limitations Performance
: Older versions of the app may be slower or lack features like "Shorts" or "Ambient Mode." Login Issues
: If the old app version forces an "Update Required" screen, you may be unable to bypass it without using the Safari web version instead.
Check out this guide to downloading older app versions on legacy iOS devices:
Installing YouTube on iOS 12.5.7 (which powers older devices like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPad mini 2/3) is tricky because the official app now requires iOS 14 or later. However, you can still get it running using the "Last Compatible Version" method or a few workarounds. Method 1: Download the Last Compatible Version
If you have ever downloaded YouTube on your Apple ID before, you can download a version that works with iOS 12. Open the App Store on your iOS 12 device.
Tap on your Profile/Account icon and go to the Purchased section. Search for YouTube.
Tap the Cloud icon to download it. A popup will appear saying, "The current version requires iOS 14.0 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." Tap Download.
Note: if you have never "purchased" YouTube on your account, you will need to briefly sign into your Apple ID on a newer device (iOS 14+) and download it there first. Then, it will show up in your "Purchased" list on the old device. Method 2: Fix the "Update Required" Error
Even after installing, YouTube may show a screen saying an update is required.
The Browser Workaround: Instead of the app, use Safari to go to m.youtube.com. You can tap the "Share" button and select "Add to Home Screen" to create a shortcut that looks like an app icon. install youtube ios 1257
Advanced Fix (Jailbreak Required): Users on forums like Reddit's LegacyJailbreak suggest using tools like Filza to manually change the app's version number in the Info.plist file to a newer string (e.g., changing "17.39.4" to "19.02.3") to bypass the update prompt.
These tutorials provide visual steps for installing the app and fixing the 'Update Required' screen on iOS 12 devices:
Installing the official YouTube app on iOS 12.5.7 can be tricky because the current version of the app requires iOS 16 or later. Since your device cannot be updated further, you must use a workaround to download the last compatible version. The "Purchased" Workaround
If you have previously downloaded YouTube on your Apple ID, you can still install it: Open the App Store on your iOS 12 device. Tap your Profile icon (top right) and select Purchased. Search for "YouTube" in your list of apps. Tap the Cloud/Download icon.
A pop-up will appear saying, "The current version requires iOS 16.0 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." Tap Download. If You've Never Downloaded YouTube Before
If the app isn't in your "Purchased" list, the App Store will simply say it's incompatible. To fix this:
Sign in with your Apple ID on a newer Apple device (running iOS 16+) or a Mac/PC with an older version of iTunes that supports apps.
"Purchase" (download) YouTube there so it is linked to your account.
Return to your iOS 12 device and follow the "Purchased" steps above. Alternative: Use the Mobile Browser
If the app remains unavailable or performs poorly, the most reliable method for iOS 12 is using Safari: Go to m.youtube.com in Safari. Tap the Share button (square with up arrow). Select Add to Home Screen.
This creates an icon that functions much like the app without the compatibility restrictions.
This guide shows how to locate and download apps from your account history in the App Store: How to Install YouTube App on iPhone Gauging Gadgets YouTube• May 20, 2025 How to Install YouTube App on iPhone
Installing the official YouTube app on iOS 12.5.7 (the final update for devices like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPad Air 1) is no longer possible through the standard App Store "Get" button because the current app version requires iOS 14.0 or later
However, you can still access YouTube by following these workarounds: 1. Download an Older Compatible Version
If you have downloaded YouTube in the past using your Apple ID, you can still install the last compatible version: on your iOS 12 device. Profile Icon (top right) and go to Search for "YouTube" in your list of previous downloads. Cloud icon to download. A pop-up will appear saying,
"The current version requires iOS 14.0 or later, but you can download the last compatible version." Apple Support Community 2. Use the "Family Sharing" or "Secondary Device" Trick
If you have never "purchased" YouTube on your Apple ID before, the app won't show up in your Purchased list. Log into your Apple ID on a newer device (running iOS 14+) and "Get" the YouTube app. Do not waste time installing “1257” – it
Return to your iOS 12 device. The app will now appear in your
history, allowing you to trigger the "download older version" prompt described above. 3. Create a Home Screen Web Shortcut (Recommended)
Since older app versions often lack newer features or may eventually stop loading videos due to API changes, the most reliable method is using the mobile website: m.youtube.com button (the square with an upward arrow). Scroll down and select Add to Home Screen
This places a YouTube icon on your home screen that functions similarly to an app but runs through the browser, ensuring it stays updated with YouTube's latest site changes. Important Compatibility Notes Performance
: iOS 12.5.7 devices may experience lag or overheating when streaming high-definition video.
: Certain features like "Picture-in-Picture" or "YouTube Create" are restricted to much newer versions of iOS (iOS 15-17+) and will not work on your device. Hardware Limit
: If the web version becomes too slow, it may be time to consider a hardware upgrade, as iOS 12 is now significantly outdated. specific ad-blocking browser to improve your YouTube experience on this older device? How to Picture In Picture on Youtube | iPhone (PiP) 2025
Installing the official YouTube app on iOS 12.5.7 (common for iPhone 5s, 6, and iPad Air/mini 2/3) is tricky because the App Store now requires iOS 14 or later.
However, you can still get it working using one of these three solid methods, depending on how much "tinkering" you want to do. Method 1: The "Purchased" Trick (No Computer/Jailbreak)
This is the easiest and safest way if you have ever downloaded YouTube on your Apple ID before.
Open the App Store and tap on your Profile Picture in the top right. Go to Purchased (or "My Purchases"). Search for YouTube. Tap the Cloud icon to download.
A prompt will appear: "Download an older version of this app?" Tap Download.
Pro Tip: If you've never "bought" YouTube on this account, log in to your Apple ID on a newer device (iOS 14+), download YouTube there once, then come back to your old device. It will now show up in your "Purchased" history. Method 2: Use the Web Version (Easiest Workaround)
Since the iOS 12 app often shows an "Update Required" error that can't be bypassed, the web version is actually more stable. Open Safari and go to m.youtube.com. Tap the Share icon (square with an up arrow) at the bottom. Select Add to Home Screen.
This creates an icon that looks like the app but runs the mobile website, which is always up to date and won't crash.
Method 3: Fix the "Update Required" Error (Advanced/Jailbreak)
If you already have the app but it says you must update to continue, you can "trick" the app into thinking it’s a newer version. This usually requires a jailbreak. To install YouTube on iOS 12
The Fix: Using a file manager like Filza, navigate to the YouTube app folder and find Info.plist. Change the CFBundleShortVersionString and CFBundleVersion to a current version number (e.g., 19.02.3).
Alternative: Some users install YouTube Legacy via Cydia to restore functionality on older firmware.
How to Get YouTube Working on iOS 12.5.7 (2026 Guide) If you are using a legacy device like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, or iPad mini 2/3, you’ve likely hit a wall: the App Store says YouTube requires iOS 14.0 or later. Even if you have the app, it might show a persistent "Update Required" message that blocks all videos.
Here are the most effective ways to bring YouTube back to your iOS 12.5.7 device today. 1. The "Purchased" Workaround (No Jailbreak)
If you have previously downloaded YouTube on your Apple ID (even on a different device), you can often trigger a "Legacy Version" download. Step 1: Open the App Store on your iOS 12 device. Step 2: Tap your Profile Icon in the top right. Step 3: Go to Purchased. Step 4: Search for YouTube and tap the Cloud icon.
Step 5: If a popup appears saying the current version is incompatible, select "Download an older version of this app". 2. The Browser Shortcut (Most Reliable)
The official app often fails even after installation due to API changes. Using the mobile website is the most stable, non-invasive method. Step 1: Open Safari or Google Chrome. Step 2: Navigate to m.youtube.com.
Step 3: Tap the Share button (the square with an upward arrow). Step 4: Select "Add to Home Screen."
This creates an icon on your home screen that functions like an app but uses the web engine, bypassing version restrictions. 3. The Jailbreak Solution (Advanced)
For those comfortable with technical tweaks, jailbreaking allows you to "spoof" your app version so YouTube thinks it’s running on a newer iOS.
| Issue | Details | |-------|---------| | Security | No security patches for 4+ years. | | Broken features | Google’s backend blocks old clients. You’ll see “Update required” or black screen. | | No iOS 17/18 support | Crashes on modern iOS versions. | | Missing features | No Shortcuts, Picture-in-Picture (official), 4K HDR, or community posts. |
Unless you have a specific need (e.g., testing on an old iPad with iOS 12), it’s not useful.
Cause: You have the latest YouTube data files cached.
Fix: Delete the app entirely, then go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > YouTube > Delete App (not offload). Then reinstall using one of the methods above.
Apple does not allow downgrading through the App Store. You need alternative methods:
Attempting to install an older version of an iOS app is not as simple as clicking “download.” Apple’s App Store only serves the latest compatible version. To get version 1257, you need one of the following:
Limitation: Free sideloading requires re-signing every 7 days. To avoid this, jailbreak your device (Method 4 below).