: If you own an old iPad or iPhone running an outdated iOS version, delete the YouTube app. Go to your Purchased history and redownload it. Apple will pop up a prompt offering to download the "Last Compatible Version."
iOS does not allow installing arbitrary old app versions without jailbreaking; Android can use APKs.
If you hate a new update, you can roll back to the app that came with your phone.
This guide covers every functional method to downgrade YouTube on Android, iOS, and desktop browsers. Method 1: Downgrade on Android (APK Mirrors) how to get old version of youtube
Visit a reputable APK repository like APKMirror or APKPure .
: YouTube periodically updates its API. If you go back to a version that is too old (such as Android apps from 2018 or earlier), the app will throw a connection error or state "You must update to continue," even if your internet works.
When trying to get the old version of YouTube, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions: : If you own an old iPad or
If you are on a computer and just want the "classic" look back, browser extensions are your best tool. They modify the existing site to look and feel like previous versions without requiring a true downgrade.
Before diving into the retrieval process, it's essential to understand why one might want an older version of YouTube. Some common reasons include:
: This is one of the most versatile tools, allowing you to choose layouts from specific years like 2008, 2013, or 2021. You can find it on the Chrome Web Store or Firefox Add-ons. If you hate a new update, you can
If you dislike the modern web interface, you can use browser extensions or userscripts to force a classic look.
For those who prefer to keep their browser lightweight, you can use a script manager like TamperMonkey alongside the "OldYTPlayer" userscript, which reverts the YouTube player to its pre-2025 look. Alternatively, power users can add specific filters to their uBlock Origin ad blocker to force the old layout.