The last official build of the native YouTube application that maintained explicit compatibility with Android 5.0/5.1 belongs to the or early v17.x release cycles, depending on the specific micro-architecture of the target system. Specification Details Final Stable Version YouTube 16.40.36 (approximate final stable branch) Minimum SDK API 21 (Android 5.0) Architecture Support armeabi-v7a, arm64-v8a, x86, x86_64 Target SDK API 30 / 31
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: Users on legacy versions often encounter a full-screen banner blocking interaction, which is part of YouTube's push to move users off unsupported software. Ways to Use YouTube on Android 5 youtube android 5 version
Despite being released over a decade ago, Android Lollipop still powers a small but dedicated user base. As of early 2025, approximately 0.92% of all Android devices still run Lollipop, split almost evenly between version 5.0 (0.47%) and version 5.1 (0.45%). While these numbers may seem insignificant, they represent millions of devices still in active use. Google Play Services support for Lollipop officially ended in July 2024, marking a significant turning point for users of this aging operating system. The official YouTube app currently lists Android 5.0 or higher as a technical requirement on Google Play, but the reality is much more complicated.
However, there are several ways to continue watching videos on your older device by using mobile browsers, specific legacy APKs, or third-party clients. The last official build of the native YouTube
YouTube officially in October 2021 . While the official app may no longer function on these devices, specific older versions and workarounds exist to maintain access. Official Support Status
If you are determined to keep your legacy tablet or phone running, you have three primary options to continue watching content. Use a Mobile Browser Ways to Use YouTube on Android 5 Despite
YouTube Developer: Google Inc. Category: Media & Video Current Version: Varies by device (Typically 5.x - 10.x series) Requires Android: Varies by device