Looking for ad-free YouTube with background play on iPhone without jailbreaking your device? Here’s a safe, modern solution for privacy-focused users and digital professionals alike.
Why iPhone Users Still Miss YouTube Vanced
YouTube Vanced became the go-to app for Android users seeking an upgraded YouTube experience—free from ads, with background playback and OLED-friendly dark themes. But after it was discontinued in 2022, many users were left scrambling for alternatives.
For iPhone users, the situation was always trickier. iOS doesn’t allow the same level of app freedom Android does. Jailbreaking has been the only option for years—but it’s risky, voids warranties, and isn’t suitable for business owners or professionals relying on secure devices.
So what’s the solution in 2025?
Let’s break down how you can install a YouTube Vanced alternative on your iPhone without jailbreaking, using secure, legal, and easy-to-follow steps.
What Features Do You Actually Want From a YouTube Alternative?
Before we jump into installation, let’s clarify what most users are really looking for from a Vanced-like app:
- Ad-free video playback
- Background play while using other apps
- OLED dark mode
- Picture-in-picture (PiP)
- SponsorBlock or skip intros
- Download functionality
On iOS, achieving all of these without jailbreaking is challenging—but not impossible.
The Best YouTube Vanced Alternatives for iPhone in 2025
Let’s explore the best apps that replicate most (if not all) of Vanced’s features—available to install without jailbreaking your iPhone.
ReVanced via Safari Shortcuts + Safari Extensions
While ReVanced is technically Android-first, iPhone users can emulate a similar experience using Safari Shortcuts + extensions and a front-end app like Piped or Invidious.
- No jailbreak needed
- Ad-free playback via YouTube front-end
- Open-source and private
- Runs within Safari or as a web app
uYouPlus (via AltStore or Sideloadly)
This is the true successor for iOS power users. uYouPlus is a modded YouTube client for iOS that includes:
- No ads
- Background playback
- SponsorBlock support
- PiP
- Download videos
But it requires sideloading using tools like AltStore or Sideloadly.
How to Install uYouPlus Without Jailbreaking (2025 Edition)
Requirements:
- A Mac or Windows PC
- A Lightning cable
- Your iPhone
- Internet connection
- Your Apple ID (for signing)
Step-by-Step Guide Using Sideloadly (Preferred for 2025)
Step 1: Download Sideloadly
- Go to https://sideloadly.io/
- Download the version for macOS or Windows
- Install and launch the app
Step 2: Get the uYouPlus IPA
- Visit the GitHub releases of uYouPlus: https://github.com/qnblackcat/uYouPlus
- Download the latest .ipa file
- Save it on your desktop for easy access
Step 3: Plug in Your iPhone
- Connect your iPhone using a Lightning cable
- Ensure your device is trusted and visible in Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
Step 4: Enter Your Apple ID into Sideloadly
- This is required to sign the app before installing
- Don’t worry—it’s secure and only used locally
Step 5: Drag the IPA File into Sideloadly
- Sideloadly will prepare and sign the app
- Hit “Start” and wait for the installation to complete
Step 6: Trust the App in iOS
- Go to Settings → General → Device Management
- Find the profile with your Apple ID
- Tap Trust and confirm
Done! You can now open uYouPlus and enjoy an ad-free YouTube experience with background play.
Dynamic Comparison Table: YouTube Vanced vs. uYouPlus vs. Safari Method
| Feature | YouTube Vanced (Android) | uYouPlus (iPhone) | Safari + Piped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ad-Free Playback | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Background Playback | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (with PiP) |
| SponsorBlock Support | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Download Videos | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Picture-in-Picture (PiP) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Jailbreak Required | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Installation Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Very Easy |
| Requires Computer | No | Yes | No |
Real-World Use Case: Startup Founders in the Field
Take Sophie, a startup co-founder based in Austin, TX. She juggles business calls, investor Zooms, and late-night brainstorming sessions on the go. YouTube ads disrupt her concentration when watching tech talks or startup tutorials.
Sophie used uYouPlus on her iPhone 15 Pro Max via Sideloadly. Now, she can:
- Listen to YC interviews while using Slack
- Block intrusive YouTube ads
- Save videos for offline viewing during flights
In her words: “It saves me 2–3 hours of pure focus each week. For a founder, that’s everything.”
Important Note on Security and Apple Policies
Apple doesn’t officially endorse sideloading, but using Sideloadly or AltStore is completely legal and doesn’t void your warranty. It just requires re-signing the app every 7 days using a free Apple ID (or every 365 days with a $99/year Apple Developer account).
- Safe for business use
- No jailbreak = lower security risk
Make sure to download IPA files only from trusted open-source repositories like GitHub.
Bonus: Set Up uYouPlus Like a Pro
Once installed, configure it for best performance:
- Enable Background Playback
- Go to Settings → Background → Enable “Always on”
- Activate SponsorBlock
- Install the module inside uYouPlus settings
- Dark Theme Setup
- Toggle Dark Mode or OLED black theme for battery saving
- Pin to Home Screen
- For Safari-based methods, just add Piped as a Web App
Why Business Users Should Care
For professionals, the value of time is measurable. Imagine removing 5–10 minutes of unwanted ad interruptions per hour of video. Over a week, that could mean:
- Better focus during learning
- Fewer distractions in client presentations
- More productivity on the move
For $0 cost and no jailbreak risk, this is a digital upgrade worth the 10–15 minute install process.
Final Thoughts: Ad-Free YouTube on iPhone Is Possible (and Worth It)
While YouTube Vanced is no longer an option for Android—and never officially available on iOS—alternatives like uYouPlus and Safari-based front-ends bring a Vanced-like experience to iPhone users without compromising device security.
Whether you’re a business owner, product manager, or just someone who values their digital time, removing friction from YouTube can be a smart productivity move.
No jailbreak. No shady tweaks. Just smart sideloading or shortcut setups.
