Installing the official YouTube app on iOS 12.5.7 is no longer supported directly, as current versions of the app require iOS 14.0 or later

. To get it working on legacy devices like the iPhone 6 or iPad mini 3, you typically need to use a "jailbreak" or a workaround involving your Apple ID. Apple Support Community Method 1: The "Purchased" Section (No Jailbreak)

If you have previously downloaded YouTube on any Apple device using your current Apple ID, you can sometimes download a compatible older version: on your iOS 12 device. Profile icon at the top right, then select Search for Cloud icon appears, tap it. You should see a prompt: "Do you want to download the last compatible version?"

If it's not in your history, log into your Apple ID on a newer device (iOS 14+) and download YouTube there first. It will then appear in your "Purchased" history on the older device.

Method 2: Fixing the "Update Required" Error (Jailbreak Required)

Even if you install an older version, you may be blocked by a message saying "Update Required" with no option to skip. your device using a tool like and add the following repository:

Installing YouTube on an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12.5.7 can be tricky because the official YouTube app currently requires iOS 14.0 or later. Since iOS 12.5.7 is the final update for devices like the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPad Air 1, you cannot simply download the latest version from the App Store. 

However, you can still access YouTube using the three reliable methods outlined below.  1. Download an Older Version via "Purchased" History 

If you have downloaded YouTube in the past using your Apple ID, you can often download a compatible older version.  Open the App Store on your iOS 12 device. Tap on your Profile icon (top right) and select Purchased. Search for "YouTube" in your list of apps. Tap the 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." Tap Download.  2. The "Add to Home Screen" Shortcut (Recommended) 

This is the most reliable "exclusive" workaround. It provides an app-like experience without needing to bypass Apple's software restrictions.  Open Safari and go to youtube.com.

Tap the Share button (the square with an upward arrow) at the bottom of the screen. Scroll through the options and select Add to Home Screen. Name it "YouTube" and tap Add.

This creates an icon on your home screen that opens YouTube directly in a dedicated browser window, bypassing the "update required" app blocks.  3. Use a Third-Party Browser 

Sometimes the older version of Safari on iOS 12 may struggle with newer web features. If the mobile site feels slow: 

Download Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge from the App Store (using the "Purchased" trick mentioned in step 1 if necessary).

Use these browsers to access the YouTube website. They often handle video playback and site layouts slightly better than the legacy version of Safari.  Important Note on App Errors 

If you manage to install an older version of the app but see a message saying "Update Required" with no way to skip it, the app's version is likely too old to communicate with YouTube's servers. In this specific case, Method 2 (the Home Screen Shortcut) is your best and only permanent solution for iOS 12.5.7. 

4. What you might have seen

Searching for "youtube ios 1257" leads to:

• Jailbreak tweaks (requires a jailbroken iPhone)
• Sideloaded IPAs (e.g., uYou+, YouTube Reborn) – these are unofficial and break Apple’s rules
• Fake "exclusive" version numbers used to trick users into downloading profiles or clicking ads

Method 1: Sideloadly (The Easiest for Beginners)

Sideloadly is a free desktop tool that lets you install unsigned IPAs onto your iPhone.

1. Find the IPA: Search for "YouTube v17.39.4" (This is the actual build number correlating to iOS version 1257. Be wary of fake downloads).
2. Download Sideloadly: Get it from the official website (not a third-party mirror).
3. Connect your iPhone: Trust the computer when prompted.
4. Drag and Drop: Drag the YouTube 1257 IPA file into Sideloadly.
5. Enter your Apple ID: This is required to sign the app (Sideloadly uses a free developer certificate).
6. Start Install: Click start. The app will appear on your home screen.
   • Limitation: You must "Refresh" the app every 7 days by reconnecting to your computer.

Step 2: Locate Your YouTube 12.57 IPA File

• Download the YouTube.12.57.ipa file to your desktop.
• Pro Tip: Rename the file to something simple, like YT1257.ipa to avoid path errors.

The Risks You Must Accept:

• No Automatic Security Updates: You are using an app from 2019. No security patches.
• Potential Instability: Google's APIs change constantly. One day, version 12.57 might stop playing videos entirely. This is called an "API deprecation."
• Revoked Certificates: Sideloaded apps require a developer certificate. Free certificates expire every 7 days. You will need to reinstall or refresh the app weekly.
• iCloud Sync Issues: History, search suggestions, and "Watch Later" may not sync perfectly.

Disclaimer: Sideloading apps violates YouTube's Terms of Service. Use at your own risk. Your author is not responsible for account bans or data loss.

Method 3: AltStore (Alternate Free Method)

AltStore works similarly to Sideloadly but works wirelessly via Wi-Fi sync. It allows 3 active apps at once (with a free Apple ID). It is reliable but requires AltServer to be running on your home network.

Part 5: Post-Installation – Maintaining Your YouTube iOS 1257 Exclusive

You did it! You successfully installed the old version. But your work isn't over. Remember the 7-day certificate rule.