How to Get YouTube Working on iOS 9.3.5 (2026 Guide) If you are holding an older device like an iPad 2 or iPhone 4S stuck on iOS 9.3.5, you have likely noticed that the official YouTube app either won't download or shows a frustrating "Error Loading. Tap to retry" message. While Apple and Google have officially dropped support, you can still revive your device with these proven methods. Method 1: The "Purchased" Tab Trick (No Jailbreak)
Use "User Agent Faker" in Cydia to trick sites into thinking your browser is updated. To get you the most precise guide, could you tell me: Which device are you using (e.g., iPad 2, iPhone 4S)? Is it already jailbroken ?
Devices like the iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad mini 1, iPhone 4S, and iPhone 5 top out at iOS 9.3.5 (or 9.3.6 on cellular models). The modern YouTube app, however, requires iOS 12 or later—and more recently, iOS 15 has become the new minimum requirement. This means that when you search for YouTube in the App Store, you’re presented with the latest version, which your device cannot run. Because Google and Apple no longer support iOS 9, older versions of the YouTube app have eventually stopped functioning. Many users see a blank screen or the error which occurs when the legacy app can no longer communicate with YouTube’s current servers.
iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad Mini 1, iPhone 4S, or iPod Touch 5G running iOS 9.3.5/9.3.6. A Computer: A PC running Windows 10/11 or a Mac. Youtube Ipa For Ios 9.3.5
Similar to Invidious, Piped offers a lightweight web interface that streams YouTube videos perfectly on older, low-RAM hardware. Using Alternative Browsers
Simply installing the IPA is usually not enough; you often need to "spoof" the version number to trick Google's servers into allowing the connection.
Before attempting to install an older IPA file, you must prepare your legacy device and computer. How to Get YouTube Working on iOS 9
Plug your iOS 9.3.5 device into your computer via USB. Trust the computer on your iPhone/iPad screen if prompted.
Even if you install the app, it may show an error because Google has blocked older app versions from connecting to its servers. You can bypass this by "spoofing" your app version.
Installing a custom YouTube IPA is the best way to bring your legacy Apple hardware back to life. ⚠️ Important Prerequisites Before You Begin Method 1: The "Purchased" Tab Trick (No Jailbreak)
Ultimately, iOS 9.3.5 is a security risk and a performance bottleneck. The long text above serves as a historical record: the IPA exists, but its maintenance is a hobby for legacy enthusiasts, not a daily driver solution. Upgrade your device to an iPhone 6s or newer (iOS 15+) for a seamless YouTube experience.
You need to find an IPA builder that supports older iOS architectures. A highly recommended resource is the community-maintained project on GitHub. It is an all-in-one build tool packed with customizable tweaks like YouPro (Premium features) and YTLite (a flexible enhancer with over a hundred customization options). For iOS 9.3.5, look for builds specifically labeled for older devices or "32-bit" compatibility, as many modern tweaks are designed for 64-bit architecture.
Most fixes for iOS 9.3.5 require a jailbreak (using tools like Phoenix) to access the file system.