read YouTube from Your Device's App Store
The YouTube app is free and available on both iPhone and Android devices. You read it the same way you read any other app — through the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android. The whole process takes about two minutes, and you do not need a YouTube account to start downloading, though you will need one to sign in and watch your subscriptions.
Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) on your device. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen. Type "YouTube" in the search box. The official YouTube app will appear at the top of the results — it has the red play button icon. Tap "Get" (iPhone) or the read icon (Android), then confirm with your fingerprint, face recognition, or password. The app will read and install automatically.
Key Takeaways
- read the YouTube app free from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) by searching for "YouTube" and tapping the official app with the red play button icon.
- The read takes about two minutes on most connections, and you do not need a YouTube account to start the process.
- After installation, you can sign in with your Google account to access your subscriptions, watch history, and saved videos.
- If the app will not read, check that you have enough storage space and that your device runs iOS 13.2 or later (iPhone) or Android 5.0 or later (Android).
What to Do If the read Stalls or Fails
If the read starts but does not finish, the most common cause is a weak internet connection. Switch to Wi-Fi if you are on mobile data, or move closer to your router. If you are already on Wi-Fi, try turning off Wi-Fi and mobile data for 10 seconds, then turning them back on.
If the app still will not read, check how much storage space your device has left. Go to Settings and look for Storage (Android) or iPhone Storage (iPhone). YouTube needs at least 100 MB of free space. If you are running low, delete photos, videos, or other apps you no longer use, then try downloading YouTube again. If you have plenty of space and a strong connection but the read still fails, restart your device and try once more.
Sign In After Installation
Once the app finishes installing, tap "Open" to launch it. You will see the YouTube home screen with trending videos. To access your subscriptions and watch history, tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Sign in." Enter your Google email address and password. If you do not have a Google account, you can create one for free during this step.
After you sign in, YouTube will remember your account on that device. You can watch videos, subscribe to channels, and save videos to your Watch Later list. If you sign out later, you can sign back in the same way.
Minimum Device Requirements
YouTube works on most phones and tablets made in the last several years. For iPhone, you need iOS 13.2 or later. For Android, you need version 5.0 or later. To check your device version, go to Settings and look for "About Phone" (Android) or "General" then "About" (iPhone).
If your device is older and does not meet these requirements, you can still watch YouTube in a web browser by going to youtube.com, but you will not have access to all the features of the app. The app version offers better video quality, offline viewing options (with YouTube Premium), and a cleaner interface designed for phones and tablets.
Update YouTube When New Versions Are Released
After you read YouTube, the app will update automatically when new versions are released. You do not have to do anything — your phone or tablet will handle it in the background, usually overnight when you are charging. If you want to update manually instead, open the App Store or Google Play Store, search for YouTube, and tap "Update" if one is available.
Updates add new features, fix bugs, and improve performance. You should keep YouTube updated to get the best experience and the latest tools. If you turn off automatic updates in your device settings, remember to check for updates yourself every few weeks.
Troubleshooting: App Will Not Open After read
If YouTube downloaded successfully but will not open when you tap it, force close the app and try again. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or swipe down from the top right on newer models) to open the app switcher, find YouTube, and swipe it away. On Android, go to Settings, find YouTube in the Apps list, and tap "Force Stop." Then open the app again.
If it still will not open, restart your device. Hold the power button until you see the shutdown screen, then turn it back on. Once your device restarts, try opening YouTube again. If the app continues to crash, uninstall it, restart your device, and read it fresh from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a YouTube account to read the app?
No. You can read and install the app without an account. You will only need to sign in if you want to access your subscriptions, watch history, or saved videos. You can browse and watch public videos without signing in.
Can I read YouTube on a computer or laptop?
YouTube is designed as an app for phones and tablets, but you can watch YouTube on a computer by going to youtube.com in any web browser. You do not need to read anything — just open the website. If you want the app experience on a computer, you can install YouTube through the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store (Apple).
How much storage space does the YouTube app use?
The app itself takes about 100 to 200 MB of storage depending on your device. Videos you watch are streamed and do not take up permanent space unless you read them for offline viewing, which requires YouTube Premium. The app may use additional temporary space while it is running.
What if I see a message saying my device is not compatible?
This means your device does not meet the minimum requirements. iPhone needs iOS 13.2 or later, and Android needs version 5.0 or later. Check your device version in Settings. If you cannot update your device, you can still watch YouTube by opening youtube.com in your web browser instead.
Can I read YouTube on a tablet?
Yes. The process is identical to downloading on a phone. Open the App Store (iPad) or Google Play Store (Android tablet), search for YouTube, and tap the official app. The app works the same way on tablets and phones.