If the native app is broken, you can use these alternatives:
For the pure purist: Uninstall all YouTube apps. Download (still supports Android 5.1.1 as of v1.54). Go to m.youtube.com . Add to home screen.
The YouTube app for Android 5.1.1 offers several benefits, including: app youtube android 5.1.1
NewPipe is a lightweight, open-source client that still supports Android 5.0 and above as of April 2026. No ads, background playback, and video downloads.
Support for Lollipop-era devices officially ended in July 2024 , meaning these devices no longer receive critical security updates or guaranteed compatibility with modern Google apps . If the native app is broken, you can
Don't worry—a lack of official support doesn't mean no support at all. Here are your primary options to get YouTube working again.
: YouTube’s API deprecation. The v3 Data API used by old apps is being phased out. Add to home screen
Standard browsers like Chrome may no longer update on Android 5.1.1, but alternative browsers still maintain lightweight compatibility.
Features built-in data compression algorithms that reduce data usage and lower the CPU load when rendering complex video sites.
Is anyone still daily-driving Android 5.1.1? What app are you using for YouTube?
Running YouTube on Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop): Complete Guide Android 5.1.1 Lollipop launched in 2015. Today, running the official YouTube app on this version presents significant compatibility challenges. Google has dropped support for older operating systems, meaning the standard Play Store version will no longer log in or play videos.