YouTube Not Working on Android 6.0/7.1 Car Stereo/Headunits? Here’s the Fix

YouTube Not Working on Your Car Head Unit? Don’t Worry — We Have the Solution

Is YouTube not working in your Android car head unit? You’re not alone. Thousands of users with Chinese Android car stereos or outdated Android systems are facing the same problem — especially those running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), Android 7.0/7.1 (Nougat), or older firmware versions.

In this post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to fix YouTube issues, install YouTube APKs, and suggest YouTube alternatives that work perfectly without Google Play Services or the Play Store.

As of 2025, YouTube no longer supports devices running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or Android 7.0/7.1 (Nougat). Users on these outdated systems may encounter issues such as app errors or messages prompting them to switch to the web version of YouTube.

• To access the latest features and updates, your device must be running at least Android 8.0 (Oreo). This has been the minimum requirement since late 2024, with recent app versions no longer compatible with earlier Android releases.
• Additionally, upcoming changes in Android 15 are expected to enforce stricter app requirements, potentially blocking applications that don’t meet the updated minimum API level.
• For the best experience, users are encouraged to upgrade to a device with Android 8.0 or higher.
• Chinese Headunits come with custom installed ROM. Google is no longer updating old android versions. Many Chinese Android head units run Android 6.0 or earlier, or use custom builds like weird forks labeled “Android 8.1 Go” or “Android 10” that are really old versions underneath.

YouTube Installation Guide on outdated Android Car Headunits

If your head unit runs:

• Android 5.1 or earlier → Google Play Services no longer works.
• Android 6.0 or 7.1 → May still work, but with limited or reduced support

If your head unit is running a very old version, YouTube and many other apps may stop working properly until you upgrade the firmware (if available)

Want to Watch YouTube on Your Car Stereo Without Play Store?

Older version of android version YouTube application can be download from there

Click Here

After car stereo firmware you need to add your google account but with this application you can run youtube without google account, in chinese headunits google play and paly services will not updating bellow android version 9 or Plus.

You can also run YouTube on Android 6.0 Marshmallow car system with the help of this application.

YouTube Support on Older Android Versions in Chinese Headunits

Currently Supported (as of 2025)

Some Specific Issues:

• Black Screen in YouTube App: Some users have reported a black screen while playing a video, while the audio is still playing. This issue can often be resolved by enabling the “Allow video playback while driving” option in the head unit settings.
• YouTube not launching: If the YouTube app fails to open or crashes, try clearing the app’s cache and data through the device’s settings.
• Outdated Android Version: 

• Many Chinese head units run Android 5.1, 6.0, or modified “Go Edition” systems.

• Google (and YouTube) has stopped supporting Android 5.1 and earlier.

• Newer YouTube app versions require Android 8.0+ in many cases.

Youtube not working on car headunit can be fix after upgrade of version if you don’t have firmware you can run

If you want to play YouTube on your any car tablet without PlayStore and google play services,

Click Here

Thank you for reading! If you found this blog helpful, be sure to explore more on our blogs where we regularly update with the latest insights and reviews on tech gadgets and firmware updates. Don’t forget to check out our Firmwares for the best selections of Android Auto car stereos and more. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us. We’re here to help you get the most out of your tech experiences.