Is com.google.android.youtube apk version 20.12.46 arm64-v8a Safe to Download and Install?

[sophiadasy]

I found com.google.android.youtube apk version 20.12.46 arm64-v8a online and want to install it manually. Is this version stable and safe for Android devices, or should I avoid sideloading it?

 

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

Pretty much what I’d like to know too especially since the site I found it on isn’t one of the usual APK repositories. I always check the hash/signature first to see if it matches the official YouTube package from Google.

If it doesn’t match, that’s a huge red flag right there.

 

[rebeccareed]

I sideloaded an older YouTube APK before (not this exact one) because my phone had issues with updates. It worked fine, but I always grab APKs from APKMirror or APKCombo well-known and reputable mirrors.

If this version 20.12.46 arm64-v8a isn’t from those, I’d avoid it. YouTube updates rapidly and Google signs all releases, so mismatched signatures cause force closes or worse.

 

[jimmy]

Important distinction just because it’s labeled arm64-v8a doesn’t mean it’s safe. That’s just the CPU architecture it’s compiled for. You still need to verify:

The certificate signature matches Google’s
The download isn’t tampered with
It comes from a reputable source

If you install a tampered APK, it could have backdoors, spyware, or other malicious code. Always verify before sideloading.

 

[ethanwalker]

Question: did the site list a SHA256 checksum for the APK? If yes, compare that with a trusted version’s checksum.
I once sideloaded something that looked legit but was slightly modified ended up having to do a full factory reset.

 

[TaylorTravels]

From a stability standpoint, APK versions like 20.x are pretty old compared to whatever current release YouTube is on (likely 20.56 or newer in 2025). You’ll get weird bugs, missing features, and potential crash loops.

Also some versions don’t play nice with Google Play Services if they expect a newer API.

 

[Lisa]

For safety, use VirusTotal upload the APK there before installing. It’ll scan with tons of engines and flag anything malicious. Not 100%, but better than blind trust.

 

[ArthurMex]

If you absolutely need that specific version because of compatibility with an older phone/ROM, dig around on APKMirror. They archive old versions and guarantee signatures.

If you can’t find it there, I’d just skip it.

 

[AnnP111966]

Also, sideloading won’t auto-update itself like the Play Store version. So you’ll be stuck on that version until you manually update. Might be fine for testing, but not ideal for long-term use.