How to Continue Using the YouTube App on Android 6.0 to 7.1

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Last Updated: March 25, 2025

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YouTube is the most popular video platform, with about 2.7 billion users in 2024. Despite this, in 2022 Google dropped support for devices running Android 6.0-7.1 in YouTube app version 17.35.35 onwards. Currently, devices running Android 6.0-7.1 now show a prompt asking the user to switch to the website to use YouTube. Luckily, there is a workaround that will allow you to continue using the YouTube app.

This article has been marked as historical. The workaround no longer works. Home tab only show "Switch to YouTube.com" and other functions in YouTube app now show a 400 error. See images under the Steps section below. (Posted 2025-03-25).

Steps

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1. 
   1
   Update the YouTube app to the latest available version. On the Play Store app, tap Update and wait a moment to update.

   • If you don't have the app, you can install it by searching the Play Store and tapping INSTALL NOW.
     
2. 
   2
   Open the YouTube app. You can find it in your app list, or by searching. The app icon looks like a red rectangle with a white triangle.
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3. 
   3
   Verify YouTube isn't working. If YouTube loads as normal, you're good to go! If you see a prompt like the one above, continue with the steps to get YouTube working again.
4. 
   4
   Return to home screen. Press the home buttom at the bottom of your device to return.
5. 
   5
   Open Settings app. This is found near the bottom of apps and have a cog icon.

   • You can also find it by searching your phone's installed apps.
6. 
   6
   Tap Apps in the Settings app. This is typically at the middle of the settings menu.

   • You can use the search feature in the settings menu instead.
7. 
   7
   Tap YouTube. The list is sorted alphabetically, so it should be at the bottom of the menu.
8. 
   8
   Tap Storage. It's the first option of the menu.
9. 
   9
   Tap CLEAR DATA. A popup will appear asking you want to clear the data of YouTube app.

   • This will log you out, remove your settings, remove any downloaded videos, and effectively completely reset the app. Unfortunately there's no other work around that keeps the app working as before.
10. 
    10
    Tap OK to confirm. This will clear the data of the YouTube app, effectively resetting it.
11. 
    11
    Go back to YouTube and enjoy!

    • If the prompt re-appears, follow the steps of this article to get YouTube working again.
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• This workaround makes YouTube work temporarily, but unfortunately there is no permanent fix because Google has ended support for Android 6.0 to 7.1.
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