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Level 1

8 points

Original ipad, can't connect to YouTube app anymore

Since the YouTube app shipped with my original iPad quit connecting in Jan 2015, I can't reach YouTube.

Some say Safari will connect, but when I click on a YouTube link in Safari, I get the same "can't connect".

New YouTube app on App Store only works with iOS 6 or better, which of course will not run on original iPad.

Is there no official Apple mention of this huge take-away? I know the excuse that it's Google/YouTube who dropped support of the original YouTube app, but Apple owes us at least an FAQ, no?

So what is the best YouTube app now that will run on iOS 5.1.1 on original iPad?

iPad, iOS 5.1.1, original

Posted on Feb 1, 2015 7:36 AM

25 replies

g_enetor

Level 1

5 points

Mar 17, 2015 12:16 PM in response to DougInAmbler

Hey everyone. I finally did it. My Youtube app is back, it's as fast as I remember and as ad-free as ever. Here's the steps of what I did:

1) Back up your iPad on the iCloud.

2) Connect your iPad to your computer and open iTunes.

3) Restore your iPad. (It will eventually ask you if you want to use one of your backups. Select the backup you made in step 1)

I was able to use my app right away. Credits go to Julian Greigh that helped me on stackexchange. His steps included to install Legacy OS, but I didn't do it since I had no idea what it was and it still worked. For the thread in which he helped me, go here: http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/173482/native-youtube-app-suddenly-stop ped-working-on-ipad-1.

I hope you guys are still around, it really is satisfying to get my old app back, and I'd like if you fine folks could finally get closure as well.

Mar 20, 2015 7:26 PM in response to DougInAmbler

Recommend player for YouTube by TapMedia, works well on iOS 5.1.1

DougInAmbler Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 21, 2015 4:07 AM in response to g_enetor

g_enetor, thanks for sharing that discovery.

I have not yet backed up to iCloud, I'm a little concerned about what side effects might occur upon restore. But I will probably try this.

I wonder if there is any explanation of how a Restored YouTube app fixes a broken one, and if there is any other path to do this.

Meanwhile I am very happy using Russian hh's solution of installing "Player for YouTube" by MediaTap. It's free and seems to work fine.

DougInAmbler Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 21, 2015 4:09 AM in response to Russiann hh

Thank you very much. I installed the free app "Player for YouTube" from App Store and it works great.

I may be content with this solution since it was so easy.

GM2012

Level 1

0 points

Mar 30, 2015 5:08 PM in response to DougInAmbler

Interesting approach to this issue by Apple: Disable one of the most useful apps without any advance notice, any official acknowledgment, any solution offered. While the YouTube site that shows up in Safari will play videos, its sidebar with related videos is useless without showing complete titles. The iPad tablets work fine when new, but wait a coupleyears and you won't even be able to update your apps, if they will work at all.

GM2012

Level 1

0 points

Mar 30, 2015 5:25 PM in response to DougInAmbler

Fabrique

Level 1

8 points

Apr 13, 2015 12:57 PM in response to g_enetor

It IS getting old the way Apple is forcing original iPad users to get a new iPad, just so apps work. First Safari started flaking for me on videos, now the YouTube app is broken. I did DL another YouTube app from the app store, and this works well, BUT... any link to YouTube defaults to the old, broken app, and I can't find a way to delete the original YouTube. Anyone know how to do that?

EllynM

Level 1

8 points

Apr 20, 2015 9:15 AM in response to kayejaye10

Thanks for this! It worked and was very easy :-)

May 25, 2015 11:27 AM in response to DougInAmbler

download google chrome and play youtube video from there. stuck on I.O.S. version 5.1.1.

Dec 26, 2015 4:50 AM in response to tonylai-at-hotmail.com

Thanks so much. This was by far the easiest solution!

Original ipad, can't connect to YouTube app anymore