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How to Update YouTube Vanced: A Deep Dive for the Savvy User

YouTube Vanced, the unofficial champion of ad-free YouTube viewing, unfortunately, is no longer actively developed or supported. This means there are no official updates available. However, fear not, because while you can’t update Vanced itself, you can transition to its spiritual successor and keep enjoying an enhanced YouTube experience. Let’s delve into how.

The short answer? You can’t directly update YouTube Vanced. Because the project has been discontinued, official updates are impossible. However, the method you use to move on to the next best thing depends on the kind of device you are using. For Android users, there is a good alternative and for iOS users, a different set of considerations applies.

The Resurrection: Migrating to ReVanced (Android)

The most common and highly recommended path forward is to migrate to ReVanced. ReVanced is essentially a community-driven patcher that lets you create a modified YouTube app with similar features to Vanced (ad-blocking, background playback, etc.). It’s not quite as seamless as a direct update, but it’s the closest you’ll get. Here’s a breakdown:

Step 1: Uninstall YouTube Vanced and Vanced MicroG

This is crucial. Before you even think about ReVanced, completely remove YouTube Vanced and Vanced MicroG from your device. Failing to do so can cause conflicts. Go to your phone’s settings, find the Apps section, locate Vanced and MicroG, and uninstall them.

Step 2: Install ReVanced Manager

This is your control center for creating the modified YouTube app. You can download the ReVanced Manager APK from a trusted source. (Do your due diligence and make sure you’re getting it from a reputable site to avoid malware.) Install the APK like you would any other Android app. You may need to enable “Install from Unknown Sources” in your device settings.

Step 3: Install YouTube APK (Specific Version Recommended)

The ReVanced Manager needs a specific version of the official YouTube APK to work its magic. The ReVanced community will usually recommend a specific version. Download this APK from a reliable source like APKMirror. Make sure you download the APK suitable for your device’s architecture (ARM64-v8a is the most common). Don’t install the APK yet.

Step 4: Patch the YouTube APK with ReVanced Manager

Open the ReVanced Manager. It will guide you through the patching process. You’ll need to select the downloaded YouTube APK. The Manager will then present you with a list of patches you can apply (ad-blocking, background playback, etc.). Select the patches you want, and the Manager will create a modified YouTube APK.

Step 5: Install the Patched YouTube APK

Finally, install the newly created, patched YouTube APK. This will be your new, ad-free YouTube experience.

Step 6: Install ReVanced MicroG

ReVanced MicroG is necessary for signing into your Google account within the patched YouTube app. Download and install ReVanced MicroG from the ReVanced Manager or a trusted source.

Important Considerations for ReVanced

Constant Vigilance: ReVanced relies on patching official YouTube APKs. YouTube constantly updates its app, so you’ll need to keep an eye out for new recommended YouTube versions and re-patch as necessary to maintain functionality.
Community Driven: ReVanced is maintained by a community of developers. This means things can change, and documentation might not always be perfect. Be prepared to troubleshoot and seek help from the ReVanced community if you encounter issues.
Source Trustworthiness: Always download APKs and the ReVanced Manager from trusted sources to avoid malware.

The iOS Landscape: Alternatives to Vanced

For those of you on iOS, the situation is a bit trickier. There’s no direct equivalent to ReVanced for iOS due to Apple’s more restrictive ecosystem. However, you have a couple of options:

Option 1: YouTube Premium

The most straightforward, albeit paid, option is YouTube Premium. This gives you ad-free viewing, background playback, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing. It’s the official solution from YouTube and provides a seamless experience.

Option 2: Third-Party Apps with Ad-Blocking

The App Store has some third-party YouTube clients that offer ad-blocking capabilities. However, finding reliable and trustworthy apps can be challenging. Read reviews carefully and be wary of apps that request excessive permissions. Keep in mind that YouTube actively tries to block these apps, so they might not always work reliably.

Option 3: Using a Content Blocker in Safari

You can install a content blocker extension in Safari. These extensions can block ads on websites, including YouTube. While this won’t provide background playback, it will at least remove the annoyance of ads while watching YouTube in your browser.

Important Considerations for iOS

App Store Restrictions: Apple tightly controls what apps are allowed in the App Store, making it difficult to find reliable alternatives to YouTube Vanced.
Sustainability: Third-party apps and content blockers might stop working if YouTube changes its code or Apple updates iOS.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about updating YouTube Vanced and its alternatives:

1. Can I still use YouTube Vanced if I don’t update it?

Yes, you can still use it, but expect increasing problems. Over time, the app will become more unstable as it’s no longer compatible with YouTube’s backend changes. Eventually, it will likely stop working altogether.

2. Is ReVanced safe to use?

Generally, yes, if you download it and the necessary APKs from trusted sources. As with any community-driven project, there’s always a small risk. Do your research, read reviews, and be cautious about where you download files.

3. Do I need root access to use ReVanced?

No, you do not need root access to use ReVanced. This is one of its major advantages over older patching methods.

4. Can I install ReVanced alongside the official YouTube app?

Yes, ReVanced is installed as a separate app, so you can have both the official YouTube app and the ReVanced patched version on your device.

5. How often do I need to re-patch YouTube with ReVanced?

It depends on how frequently YouTube updates its app. You’ll need to re-patch whenever a new YouTube version breaks the existing patches. Keep an eye on the ReVanced community for announcements.

6. What are the advantages of YouTube Premium over ReVanced?

YouTube Premium offers a seamless and officially supported experience. It also supports YouTube creators through ad revenue sharing (even though you’re not seeing ads). ReVanced is free but requires more technical know-how and maintenance.

7. Are there any risks associated with using third-party YouTube apps on iOS?

Yes, there are risks. Some apps might be malicious or collect your data. They also might be unreliable and stop working at any time. Be cautious and do your research before installing any third-party app.

8. Will YouTube ban me for using ReVanced?

It’s unlikely, but not impossible. YouTube’s terms of service prohibit circumventing ads, so technically, using ReVanced is a violation. However, there have been no widespread reports of users being banned for using ReVanced.

9. My ReVanced app is crashing. What should I do?

First, ensure you are using the recommended version of the YouTube APK. If the problem persists, try clearing the app’s cache and data. If that doesn’t work, try re-patching with the latest ReVanced Manager and recommended YouTube APK.

10. Can I use ReVanced on my smart TV?

No, ReVanced is designed for Android mobile devices. There’s no official support for smart TVs. You might be able to sideload it, but functionality is not guaranteed.

11. Is there an alternative to ReVanced for desktop computers?

For desktop computers, using a browser extension like AdBlock or uBlock Origin is the most common and effective way to block ads on YouTube.

12. I’m having trouble with ReVanced. Where can I get help?

The ReVanced community on platforms like Discord and Reddit is a great resource for troubleshooting and getting support. Search for “ReVanced” on these platforms to find relevant communities.

In conclusion, while directly updating YouTube Vanced is impossible, migrating to ReVanced on Android or exploring alternative options on iOS allows you to continue enjoying an enhanced, ad-free YouTube experience. Remember to prioritize security and stay informed about the latest developments in the ever-evolving landscape of YouTube modifications. Happy viewing!