Installing the IPA is only the first step. To actually watch videos, you must fix the broken API connection.
You can find verified legacy IPA files on the Internet Archive , which hosts the original App Store packages for historical preservation.
This is required to install the necessary fixes. Use tools like Absinthe or Redsn0w for iOS 5.1.1. Install TubeFixer: youtube ipa for ios 511 verified
Enable "Custom API Key" and paste your unique key into the field. Modern Alternatives (No Jailbreak) If you prefer not to jailbreak or deal with API keys:
The standard Safari browser on iOS 5.1.1 is often too old to render the modern YouTube site. Use a lightweight alternative like Invidious (e.g., yewtu.be ) in Safari; these instances are designed to work on older hardware with fewer resources. Installing the IPA is only the first step
Some users find better compatibility by using Opera Mini if it is still available in your "Purchased" history. How to Get YouTube on The First Gen iPad (iOS 5.1.1)
Open Cydia and add this repository: https://invoxiplaygames.uk . This is required to install the necessary fixes
Getting YouTube to run on iOS 5.1.1 (the final firmware for the original iPad 1) requires more than just a verified IPA file; because Google deprecated the original APIs years ago, even a working installation will often show connection errors unless patched. Verified YouTube IPA for iOS 5.1.1