YouTube ReVanced: Complete Setup Guide (2026)
Learn how to install YouTube ReVanced, the community successor to Vanced. This guide covers downloading, patching, installing MicroG, and configuring ReVanced for ad-free YouTube on Android.
Key Takeaways
- ReVanced is the spiritual successor to YouTube Vanced
- You patch the official YouTube APK yourself—it's not a pre-built app
- Requires ReVanced Manager and GmsCore (MicroG replacement)
- Features: ad blocking, background play, SponsorBlock, and more
- Installation is more complex than downloading an APK
- Using ReVanced violates YouTube's Terms of Service—use at your own risk
YouTube ReVanced is a community-developed patcher that adds features like ad blocking, background play, and SponsorBlock to the official YouTube app. Unlike Vanced, ReVanced requires you to patch the YouTube APK yourself using the ReVanced Manager app. This guide walks through the complete setup process on Android.
Key Takeaways
- ReVanced is the spiritual successor to YouTube Vanced
- You patch the official YouTube APK yourself—it's not a pre-built app
- Requires ReVanced Manager and GmsCore (MicroG replacement)
- Features: ad blocking, background play, SponsorBlock, and more
- Installation is more complex than downloading an APK
- Using ReVanced violates YouTube's Terms of Service—use at your own risk
What Is YouTube ReVanced?
ReVanced vs Vanced
| Feature | Vanced (Discontinued) | ReVanced |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Discontinued 2022 | Active development |
| Distribution | Pre-built APK | Patch-it-yourself |
| Updates | None | Regular patches |
| Setup | Easy (download APK) | Moderate (patching) |
| Security | Outdated | Up-to-date |
ReVanced Features
Core Features:
- Ad blocking (video ads, banner ads)
- Background playback
- Picture-in-picture
- Video downloading
- Return YouTube dislikes
- SponsorBlock integration
- Bypass age restrictions
- Custom playback speeds
- HDR auto-brightness
- Swipe controls
- Always repeat toggle
Requirements
Device Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Android version | 8.0 or higher recommended |
| Architecture | ARM64 (most modern phones) |
| Storage | ~500MB for files |
| YouTube app | Specific version (varies) |
Files Needed
- 1.ReVanced Manager - Patches YouTube
- 2.GmsCore - For Google account login
- 3.YouTube APK - Specific version to patch
Step-by-Step Installation
Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources
Before installing any APKs:
- 1.Go to Settings → Apps → Special app access
- 2.Find Install unknown apps
- 3.Enable for your browser (Chrome, etc.)
- 4.Or enable for file manager
Step 2: Download ReVanced Manager
Official source
revanced.app
- 1.Visit revanced.app on your Android device
- 2.Download ReVanced Manager APK
- 3.Open the downloaded APK
- 4.Tap Install
- 5.Open ReVanced Manager
⚠️ Warning
Only download from the official source. Fake versions contain malware.
Step 3: Download GmsCore (MicroG)
GmsCore enables Google account sign-in:
- 1.In ReVanced Manager, go to Settings
- 2.Find GmsCore download option
- 3.Or visit the official GmsCore repository
- 4.Download and install the APK
Step 4: Download YouTube APK
ReVanced Manager needs a compatible YouTube APK:
Option A: Auto-download (Recommended)
- 1.Open ReVanced Manager
- 2.Go to Patcher tab
- 3.Tap Select an application
- 4.Choose YouTube
- 5.Tap Suggested version
- 6.Manager downloads automatically
Option B: Manual download
- 1.Check ReVanced docs for compatible version
- 2.Download from APKMirror (arm64-v8a, nodpi)
- 3.Don't install—just download
Step 5: Patch YouTube
- 1.Open ReVanced Manager
- 2.Tap Patcher
- 3.Tap Select an application
- 4.Choose YouTube (downloaded or auto)
- 5.Tap Select patches
- 6.Enable desired patches (see recommendations below)
- 7.Tap Done
- 8.Tap Patch
- 9.Wait 5-15 minutes for patching
Step 6: Install Patched APK
After patching completes:
- 1.Tap Install in ReVanced Manager
- 2.If prompted, allow installation
- 3.Complete installation
- 4.Don't open yet
Step 7: Sign In (Optional)
If you want to use your Google account:
- 1.Ensure GmsCore is installed
- 2.Open YouTube ReVanced
- 3.Tap your profile → Sign in
- 4.Sign in with Google account
- 5.Your subscriptions and history sync
Without signing in:
- No subscription sync
- No watch history
- No personalized recommendations
- Anonymous viewing
Recommended Patches
Essential Patches
| Patch | Description |
|---|---|
| Video ads | Blocks all video ads |
| General ads | Blocks banner/overlay ads |
| Background play | Audio continues when screen off |
| MicroG Support | Enables Google sign-in |
Popular Optional Patches
| Patch | Description |
|---|---|
| SponsorBlock | Auto-skips sponsored segments |
| Return YouTube Dislike | Shows dislike counts |
| Swipe controls | Brightness/volume gestures |
| Hide watermark | Removes branding watermark |
| Custom playback speed | More speed options |
| Always repeat | Loop videos by default |
| HDR auto brightness | Better HDR handling |
| Remove player controls background | Cleaner UI |
Patches to Consider Carefully
| Patch | Notes |
|---|---|
| Download | May have legal implications |
| Age restriction bypass | Verify legality |
| Premium heading | Cosmetic only |
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
"App not installed"
- Uninstall original YouTube first
- Or use non-root patching method
- Check if APK architecture matches device
Patching fails
- Try different YouTube version
- Clear ReVanced Manager data
- Ensure enough storage space
Google sign-in not working
- Install/reinstall GmsCore
- Check GmsCore is running
- Disable battery optimization for GmsCore
Videos not playing
- Check internet connection
- Reinstall patched app
- Try different patches
App crashes
- Incompatible patch combination
- Repatch with fewer patches
- Use suggested patch defaults
Updating ReVanced
When YouTube updates break functionality:
- 1.Check ReVanced GitHub for new patches
- 2.Download updated ReVanced Manager
- 3.Download new compatible YouTube APK
- 4.Repatch with updated patches
- 5.Install over existing ReVanced
Note
You'll need to repatch occasionally as YouTube updates.
ReVanced Settings
Accessing ReVanced Settings
- 1.Open YouTube ReVanced
- 2.Go to Settings
- 3.Find ReVanced section
- 4.Configure patch-specific options
Key Settings
| Setting | Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| SponsorBlock categories | ReVanced → SponsorBlock | Choose what to skip |
| Playback speeds | ReVanced → Video | Custom speed options |
| Return YouTube Dislike | ReVanced → Layout | Show/hide dislikes |
| Swipe controls | ReVanced → Player | Configure gestures |
Risks and Considerations
Terms of Service
Using ReVanced violates YouTube's Terms of Service:
Potential risks:
- Google account restrictions (unlikely but possible)
- Loss of purchased content
- Channel issues (if you're a creator)
Reality:
- Google hasn't mass-banned users
- Focus has been on developers, not users
- But policies can change
Security Considerations
Positives:
- Open source (auditable)
- Active community review
- No pre-built binaries (you patch yourself)
Risks:
- Installing APKs bypasses Play Store safety
- Must trust GmsCore with Google credentials
- Fake versions exist—only use official sources
Ethical Considerations
Consider:
- Creators lose ad revenue from your views
- YouTube's free service is ad-supported
- Alternative: YouTube Premium supports creators
ReVanced vs YouTube Premium
| Feature | ReVanced | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-free | ✅ | ✅ |
| Background play | ✅ | ✅ |
| Downloads | ✅ | ✅ |
| SponsorBlock | ✅ | ❌ |
| Return dislikes | ✅ | ❌ |
| Price | Free | $13.99/mo |
| ToS compliant | ❌ | ✅ |
| All devices | ❌ Android only | ✅ All |
| Supports creators | ❌ | ✅ |
| Updates required | Manual | Automatic |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1Is YouTube ReVanced safe?
ReVanced itself is open source and auditable. The main risk is downloading from unofficial sources (malware) and violating YouTube's ToS. Only download from official revanced.app. The patching approach is safer than pre-built APKs.
Q2Is YouTube ReVanced legal?
Using ReVanced isn't illegal, but it violates YouTube's Terms of Service. This is a contract violation, not a criminal act. Google could theoretically restrict your account, though this is uncommon for individual users.
Q3How often do I need to update ReVanced?
When YouTube updates break functionality (every few weeks to months), you'll need to repatch. ReVanced Manager notifies you of available updates. The process is the same as initial installation.
Q4Can I use ReVanced without Google account?
Yes. Without signing in, you lose subscription sync, watch history, and recommendations. But ad blocking and all other features work. Import subscriptions via NewPipe for an alternative.
Q5Does ReVanced work on iOS?
No. ReVanced only works on Android. iOS doesn't allow sideloading apps in the same way. iOS users should consider YouTube Premium or Safari with ad blockers for limited functionality.
Q6Will I get banned for using ReVanced?
Mass user bans haven't occurred, and Google has focused on developers. However, it's technically possible. Using a secondary Google account reduces risk to your main account.
Q7What's the difference between ReVanced and NewPipe?
ReVanced patches the official YouTube app (keeps Google features). NewPipe is a completely separate app with no Google integration. ReVanced = YouTube with mods. NewPipe = YouTube alternative.
Conclusion
YouTube ReVanced continues Vanced's legacy with a more sustainable approach. While installation is more complex, the patching model reduces legal risk for the project and ensures you're always using updated patches.
Installation Summary:
- 1.Download ReVanced Manager (revanced.app)
- 2.Download GmsCore
- 3.Patch YouTube APK in Manager
- 4.Install patched APK
- 5.Configure settings and sign in
Consider carefully:
- ToS violation risks
- Ethical implications for creators
- Whether YouTube Premium makes more sense
Related Resources:
- YouTube Vanced Alternatives
- YouTube Premium Review
- NewPipe Setup Guide
Written By
NoteLM Team
The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.
AI/ML DevelopmentVideo ProcessingEducational Technology
Sources & References
Last verified: January 11, 2026
ReVanced is not officially affiliated with YouTube/Google. Use at your own risk and discretion.
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