Recommend: APKMirror (owned by Illogical Robot, verified signatures). Search term: “YouTube 17.09.37 APK”
Before proceeding, understand that older app versions may lack modern features (like advanced editing tools or new UI changes) and may contain unpatched security vulnerabilities. Proceed at your own risk.
YouTube version 16.40.36 (released in late 2021) is generally recognized as the last official build to support Android 5.0 and 5.1.
Search GitHub for "NewPipe Legacy" or check the official NewPipe website for older releases (such as version 0.21.x or specialized community forks backported for Lollipop). These forks modify the user-agent string to trick YouTube into serving video streams to old hardware. 2. Browser-Based Playback via Modern WebView
Update the YouTube app for Android 5.0 and 5.1 - Google Help youtube apk android 511
To choose the correct alternative package, you must understand your device architecture.
If you are technical, you can root your device and edit the build.prop file to spoof a newer Android version (e.g., changing 5.1.1 to 9.0). Note: This is advanced and can cause system instability. Conclusion
For devices with lower RAM, this 2019 version is much lighter and sometimes more stable on older hardware. Top 3 Alternatives to the Official App
The official YouTube app no longer supports . As of April 2026, modern versions of the YouTube APK require Android 9.0 (Pie) or later to function. If you are using an older device with Android 5.1.1, you will likely encounter "update required" prompts that cannot be fulfilled through the Google Play Store. 🛠️ Status for Android 5.1.1 YouTube version 16
Once the download finishes, pull down your notification shade and tap the completed download notification. Alternatively, open your device's app and look inside the Downloads folder. Tap the com.google.android.youtube...apk file.
Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), released in 2015, is considered a legacy operating system. While it powered iconic phones like the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Nexus 5, it has not received official security updates from Google for several years.
The final official YouTube app version built with native support for Android 5.0 and 5.1 Lollipop is (released in late 2021). Newer versions require Android 6.0 or higher. Step 1: Prepare Your Device for Sideloading
Settings → Security → Unknown Sources (enable for browser/file manager). NewPipe (Legacy Extended Build)
Click your profile icon on the mobile site and select Send feedback .
Go to Settings > Security and check the box for "Unknown Sources" (Allow installation of apps from unknown sources).
Because the Google Play Store will not serve newer, unsupported versions to Lollipop devices, users must look to manual installation (sideloading) or third-party clients. Finding the Last Compatible YouTube APK
: Provides background playback and ad-blocking capabilities. 2. NewPipe (Legacy Extended Build)