If you install the app but it won't play videos, you can often "trick" YouTube into working by editing its version number. : Use a tool like Phoenix to jailbreak iOS 9.3.5. Install Filza : Get the Filza File Manager from Cydia. Edit Info.plist :
Find CFBundleShortVersionString and change its value to a modern version (e.g., 17.01.1 ). Save the file and restart the YouTube app. Method 2: Sideloading a Custom YouTube IPA (No Jailbreak)
Fortunately, you can bring your older Apple devices back to life by using a specific YouTube .IPA file (the iOS application archive format) along with legacy installation tools. This comprehensive guide walks you through the safest methods to download, install, and fix the YouTube app on iOS 9.3.5. Understanding the Challenges on iOS 9.3.5
If app modification fails, skip the application entirely. The mobile web version of YouTube still functions well on vintage hardware. Open the browser on iOS 9.3.5. Navigate to the YouTube Mobile Website. Tap the Share button in Safari. Select Add to Home Screen .
Because the official legacy YouTube app is broken, the vintage iOS community relies on modified IPA files or specific older versions that can be edited to trick Google's servers. youtube ipa file for ios 9.3.5
Tap the button (the box icon with an upward arrow) in the Safari toolbar. Select Add to Home Screen .
If the app installs but won't load videos, you can "trick" it into thinking it's a newer version. Jailbreak your device (e.g., using for iOS 9.3.5). Filza File Manager from Cydia. Navigate to: /var/containers/Bundle/Application/YouTube/YouTube.app/ Info.plist CFBundleShortVersionString CFBundleVersion Change both values to a newer version number, such as Save and restart the YouTube app. Method 3: Third-Party Repairs (Recommended for 2024+)
For iOS 9.3.5, you want to search specifically for YouTube version 12.11.6 or version 13.01.4 . These are the most stable legacy versions that still feature a UI layout compatible with server workarounds.
You can find historical IPA files (e.g., version 10.x and 1.x) on the Internet Archive : Sideloading these requires a tool like Sideloadly Cydia Impactor If you install the app but it won't
Open Safari, navigate to ://youtube.com , tap the Share button, and select Add to Home Screen . This creates a zero-maintenance shortcut that bypasses app restriction limits.
Then, the thumbnails loaded.
Save the changes in the top right corner of Filza and exit the app.
Click . Enter your Apple ID password if prompted (this sends the app signature to Apple's servers). Wait for the status bar to show "Done." 4. Trust the Developer Certificate Edit Info
Ensure you have the desktop version of installed (on Windows, download it directly from Apple's website, not the Microsoft Store).
Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
Older Apple devices like the iPad 2, iPad Mini 1, and iPhone 4s are permanently locked out of modern app updates. If you restore one of these devices today, downloading YouTube from the official App Store usually results in an error stating that the app is incompatible with iOS 9.3.5.