How to download YouTube videos on iPhone: the official way and the risks of unofficial methods
You’ve probably found a video on YouTube that you’d love to save to your iPhone and watch offline — or even keep in your gallery. But how can you do that without breaking any rules?
In this guide, we’ll explain how to download videos from YouTube to your iPhone, using YouTube’s official feature, YouTube Premium. We’ll also explain the unofficial methods that people use to save videos to their Camera Roll, and their risks.
🔄 Summary
Can you download YouTube videos to iPhone?
Yes — but with limits. YouTube’s terms of service only allow downloading videos through the download features that YouTube itself provides, such as YouTube Premium. In some countries and regions, YouTube also offers downloads in the mobile app without Premium. This is the safest and most legal option.
Downloading videos using third-party apps or websites goes against these terms, and can sometimes carry risks (ads, malware or copyright issues).
If you’re downloading videos for personal use (e.g. offline viewing), we’ll show you the official option first, and then explain the unofficial ones and their risks.
Method 1: YouTube Premium (best and legal way)
YouTube Premium allows you to officially download videos for offline viewing inside the YouTube app.
- Open the YouTube app
- Find the video you want
- Tap the Download button below the video
- Choose the quality and wait for it to finish
Access your video offline in the You tab, under Downloads
Note: These videos stay in the YouTube app and can’t be moved to your Camera Roll or shared outside the app.
Method 2: Save videos to gallery (Camera Roll)
If you want to save a YouTube video directly into your iPhone’s gallery, there are unofficial methods that people use. YouTube’s terms do not allow them and they carry risks, so we don’t recommend them. If you still want to know how they work, only use them for personal use and when the video is copyright-free or belongs to you.
Option 1: Using the Shortcuts app
- Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone
- Search for a shortcut such as “YouTube Video Downloader”. There is no official one, so be careful with what you install
- Install it only from a source you trust (for example, the RoutineHub community)
- Copy the YouTube video link
- Run the shortcut — it will ask where to save the file
- Choose to save it to Photos (your gallery)
Note: Apple may block some shortcuts in future iOS updates.
Option 2: Via third-party web tools (at your own risk)
There are websites like SaveFrom or Y2Mate that allow you to paste a video link and download the file. YouTube does not endorse them and using them goes against its terms. Be cautious:
- Never enter personal data
- Avoid sites with aggressive ads
- Always respect copyright
After downloading, use the Files app to move the video to your Photos.
Are video downloader apps safe?
Most apps on the App Store that offer YouTube downloads are either misleading or get removed: Apple’s App Store Review Guidelines don’t allow apps to save, convert or download media from sources such as YouTube without authorization.
If an app seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to trusted methods, especially when using a refurbished device where you want stability and safety.
FAQ ❓
📥 Can I download YouTube videos on my iPhone?
Yes. The official way is YouTube Premium. Unofficial methods, such as Shortcuts or web tools, exist but go against YouTube’s terms and carry risks.
📲 How do I save YouTube videos to my iPhone gallery?
YouTube Premium downloads stay inside the YouTube app. To get a file in your Photos app you need an unofficial method, such as a Shortcut or a web tool, with the risks explained above.
❌ Is it legal to download YouTube videos?
Downloading outside YouTube’s own download features goes against its terms of service, and downloading copyrighted videos without permission can infringe copyright. The safe way is YouTube Premium, or videos that you own or have permission to download.
📦 Are video downloader apps on the App Store safe?
Most are misleading or get removed, because Apple’s guidelines don’t allow apps that download media from YouTube without authorization. Use caution and check reviews before installing.
♻️ Can I download videos on a refurbished iPhone?
Yes. Refurbished iPhones work the same as new ones for downloading, saving and media apps.
