: Tap your Profile Icon in the top right corner.
If the App Store method fails, or if the old app version glitches, the mobile website is your best alternative. It requires zero storage space and never crashes. Step-by-Step Instructions Open the browser. Go to youtube.com .
If you prefer an app-like experience and the official app is still too slow, try these third-party players available on the App Store that are often more compatible with older iOS versions: ProTube (if available) install youtube ios 1257 best
A prompt will appear stating: "Do you want to download the last compatible version? This version of YouTube is not compatible with this device." Tap .
This is the official, safest, and most straightforward workaround. It forces the Apple App Store to offer you the last compatible version of YouTube designed for iOS 12. Prerequisites : Tap your Profile Icon in the top right corner
If you want a dedicated app experience but cannot use the official App Store version, several alternative video players can pull YouTube content directly into a clean, lightweight interface. Recommended Alternative: VLC for Mobile
If your Apple ID has never downloaded YouTube, the cloud icon will not appear. You can bypass this by borrowing a newer iOS device (iPhone running iOS 14+): Log into your Apple ID on the . Step-by-Step Instructions Open the browser
If the native app crashes or runs slowly on your older hardware, the best alternative is using YouTube's mobile website via Safari. Modern mobile browsers handle video rendering exceptionally well, often putting less strain on older processors and batteries than the outdated native app. Step-by-Step Instructions Open on your iOS 12.5.7 device. Navigate to youtube.com .
Log into your Apple ID on a newer iPhone, iPad, or Mac running a current iOS/macOS version.
Sign in with your Apple ID on a newer iPhone or iPad (running iOS 14+) and download the official YouTube app once. If you don't have one, ask a friend or family member to use their device temporarily. Go to your old iPhone (iOS 12.5.7): Open the App Store . Navigate to "Purchased":