Google has announced that YouTube and YouTube Music will no longer work on older Xiaomi devices running Android 8 or lower.
This change affects 19 Xiaomi smartphones, including some of the brand’s most popular models from past years.
Why Is This Happening?
Google’s decision is part of its effort to improve security, performance, and compatibility with newer Android features.
Older devices are no longer receiving software updates, making them less compatible with modern apps.
This move ensures that YouTube’s latest features are optimized for newer hardware and software.
Affected Xiaomi Devices
Several Xiaomi models that have reached their End of Life (EOL) status will lose YouTube support, including:
- Android 7.0 Devices: Mi 5, Mi 5s, Mi 5S Plus, Mi Max, Redmi 4, Redmi 4 Prime, Redmi 4X, Redmi Note 4, Redmi Note 4X, Redmi Note 5A/Y1, Redmi Note 5A Prime/Y1 Lite
- Android 7.1 Devices: Mi 6, Mi Max 2, Redmi Note 5A Prime/Y1, Redmi 5, Redmi 5A
Alternative Solutions
If you own one of these devices, you still have a few options:
- Third-party apps like NewPipe can let you watch YouTube videos, though the experience isn’t identical to the official app.
- Web browsers may still allow access to YouTube’s website.
Time to Upgrade?
This change is also a push for users to upgrade to newer Xiaomi devices that offer better security, improved performance, and full compatibility with modern apps like YouTube.
If you rely on YouTube daily, switching to a more recent Xiaomi model may be the best long-term solution.
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