Prefer installing apps via Play Store. If sideloading, choose an APK from a reputable source, pick a build from ~2016–2018 for best compatibility, verify integrity, and keep Play Services updated.
Even after installing a compatible APK, Google may trigger a "Switch to YouTube.com" block. If this happens, you have three primary alternatives: YouTube (Android 6.0+) APKs - APKMirror youtube apk android 6.0.1
As of late 2023, the official Google Play Store has stopped updating the native YouTube client for Android 6.0.1. If you are using a device like the Samsung Galaxy S5, Note 4, or an older LG or HTC phone, the Play Store will likely offer you a deprecated version of YouTube that might crash, lack features like the comment section overhaul, or fail to play Shorts properly. Prefer installing apps via Play Store
Enable to allow installation from your browser. Download the specific version from a reputable mirror site. If this happens, you have three primary alternatives:
The final Vanced build that supported Android 6.0.1 was (before the project was shut down by Google in March 2022). That APK still runs beautifully on Marshmallow. It is the definitive YouTube experience for old devices—faster, lighter, and more respectful of your attention than anything Google offers today.
But Vanced is dead. Its manager app no longer works. Newer patches (ReVanced) require Android 8.0+. The old Vanced APK still functions, but every day, more of its internal APIs break. Comments stop loading. Search fails. A silent expiration date ticks forward.