To continue getting the best YouTube experience, update to the most up-to-date version of the app. You’ll need to accept new app permissions before updating on Android OS versions 5.0 and 5.1 with app version 12.13. You'll see a notification asking you to accept these new permissions. Allowing YouTube to have these permissions gives you new features and improves your viewing experience.
Update the YouTube app
- Open the Google Play Store app
.
- Tap Menu
My apps & games.
- Apps with an update available are labeled "Update."
- Tap Update All to update all apps. For individual apps, find the specific app you want to update and tap Update.
My apps & games.Why does YouTube need these permissions?
The new permissions turn on new features that improve your viewing and creating experience. Here are some examples:
| Permission | Improvement from Permissions |
|---|---|
| Record audio | Allows video recording and live streaming within the app. |
| Precise location | Allows you to more easily attach location info to your videos and live streams. Also allows for features such as improved recommendations and ads. Your precise location is never shared with advertisers. |
| Read contacts | Helps find people for you to share videos with. |
| Get text | Simplifies extra verification of your phone number to use some advanced features, including live streaming. |
| Send text | Turns on sending an invitation to share via text. |
| Read phone number | Allows YouTube to improve the experience for some mobile data plans that include special rates for video. |
| System alert window | Allows video live streaming from other apps, such as mobile games. |
FAQ
Why do I need to update the app?
For some versions of Android (versions 5.0 and 5.1), the YouTube app includes new permissions to turn on features and improvements. Google Play Store requires that these permissions are accepted before updating the app. If the new permissions are not accepted, the update won't proceed and the app won't be updated beyond its current version.
I have auto-update on, but my app didn't update. Why?
When apps ask for new permissions, Android versions 5.0 and 5.1 will prevent auto-update. This prevention is so that you have a chance to review the new permissions before accepting. Auto-update will resume after the permissions are accepted. Learn more about automated updates.
What should I do if I don't have enough space on my device to update the app?
To update the YouTube app, your Android device needs to have enough space in its internal storage. This space is different from external storage, such as an SD card. To free up internal storage, you can delete unused apps or move apps and data from internal storage to external storage such as an SD card.
Learn more about how to free up storage space on your Android device.
Why does one of my devices require an update and permission, but my other device doesn't?
Android versions 5.0 and 5.1 include new permissions that require your acceptance. Newer versions of Android request permissions as you use the app in place of acceptance when updating.
Can I opt-out of the new permissions?
For Android versions 5.0 and 5.1, if you want to update to the latest YouTube app version, you’ll need to accept the new permissions. If you don't want to accept the permissions, you can continue using your current version of the YouTube app. You'll only see occasional update reminders.