For , don’t rely on the official YouTube app. Use Firefox + YouTube website + uBlock Origin – it’s the most stable, secure, and feature-complete method today.
As of April 2026, the official YouTube app is on devices running Android 7.1.1 Nougat . Google officially dropped support for Android versions below 8.0 (Oreo) in late 2022, and currently, the YouTube app requires Android 8.0 or higher to function. Compatibility Status youtube android 7.1.1
: Accessing YouTube.com through a modern browser (like a recently updated version of Chrome or Firefox) remains the most reliable method, as it does not rely on the outdated app framework. For , don’t rely on the official YouTube app
Official support for Android 7.1 ended in October 2019, with security updates ceasing completely by September 2021. Consequently, the latest versions of the YouTube app often require or higher. Users frequently encounter an "Update Required" banner that cannot be bypassed because the Play Store lacks a compatible newer version for their hardware. How to Keep YouTube Running Google officially dropped support for Android versions below
As of , the official YouTube app experience for Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) has transitioned into a "legacy" phase. While the operating system itself was a milestone release in 2016, modern application requirements have largely moved beyond it, creating hurdles for users of older devices like the Nexus 6P or Moto Z Play . Current Support Status (2026)