YouTube Vanced Changelog: Complete Legacy Update History & Final Version Archive (2026)

YouTube Vanced changelog records are now a piece of Android modding history. The project shipped its final update in early 2022 and was formally discontinued months later. If you are looking for the definitive historical changelog, the exact final version number, or a trustworthy path to modern alternatives, this guide contains the verified legacy timeline as of June 2026.

Final YouTube Vanced Changelog: v17.03.38 (February 17, 2022)

The last official YouTube Vanced changelog entry belongs to v17.03.38. These are the verified changes, features, and known issues from the final release. citeweb_search:2#10web_search:2#3

New Features

• ReturnYouTubeDislike integration — Restored dislike counters via the RYD API (closes #1394).
• Channel whitelisting for video ads — Allow ads on specific creator channels to support them while blocking others.
• Tablet-style swipe controls — Added a tablet UI mode under swipe controls to partially disable recommended videos in landscape and enable legacy tablet layouts.
• Themed icon support — Added support for Android 13+ themed app icons.
• SponsorBlock improvements — Channel whitelisting toggle, minimum segment duration setting, new “filler” category, 403 error messaging, optional SB browser button, and customizable API URL.

Improvements

• Ad-blocking refreshed — Improved filter rules for the final base bump.
• Comments location — Removed the alpha “comments location” toggle because Google pushed new comments to the tablet UI server-side.

Known Issues (Final Release)

• New action-bar layouts (server-sided to ~15–20% of users) broke several Vanced toggles.
• Chromecast, codec override, and swipe-down-to-refresh issues persisted from prior releases.

Planned Changes (Never Released)

• SponsorBlock submit/vote buttons under the video player.
• ReturnYouTubeDislike support in all layouts.
• Global video-ads toggle and full whitelist viewer.

Quick Definitions & Glossary

Device Compatibility Matrix

Modern Alternatives in 2026: ReVanced & NewPipe

Because the YouTube Vanced changelog is frozen forever, users need actively maintained tools. Below is a verified comparison of the two leading successors as of June 2026.

Archival Installation & Modern Setup Methods

For historical reference only, the original Vanced installation flow is documented below. If you need a working app today, use the ReVanced or NewPipe methods instead.

Legacy Vanced Install (Historical)

Modern ReVanced Install (Recommended 2026)

Official & Archival Source Links

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last version of YouTube Vanced?

The final official release is v17.03.38, published February 17, 2022. It included ReturnYouTubeDislike integration, channel whitelisting for ads, tablet-style swipe controls, and Android 13 themed-icon support. No subsequent versions were ever released. citeweb_search:2#10web_search:2#3

Is YouTube Vanced still working in 2026?

No. Core playback stopped functioning in late April 2023 when YouTube changed server-side stream delivery. Vanced MicroG ceased working in late March 2024. Any “working” Vanced APK in 2026 is likely an unofficial repack with unknown modifications. citeweb_search:2#3

What replaced YouTube Vanced?

ReVanced is the active spiritual successor, using a legal patch-it-yourself model (ReVanced Manager + patches). NewPipe is a separate, privacy-focused open-source client available on F-Droid. Both are actively maintained as of June 2026. citeweb_search:1#12web_search:1#18

Can I still download Vanced Manager?

Official Vanced Manager downloads were removed in March 2022. Unofficial mirrors exist, but they are unmaintained and may bundle outdated or compromised components. For security, use ReVanced Manager or NewPipe instead.

Why was YouTube Vanced discontinued?

Google sent a cease-and-desist letter to Team Vanced on March 13, 2022, citing trademark infringement (use of “YouTube” branding and logos) and modification of proprietary code. The team complied and shut down all distribution. citeweb_search:1#16web_search:1#10

Is there an official way to get ad-free background play?

Yes. YouTube Premium provides ad-free playback, background play, PiP, and offline downloads across Android, iOS, TV, and web with official support and no ToS violation.

How do I migrate my subscriptions from Vanced?

Use Google Takeout to export your YouTube subscription data, then import the OPML or JSON file into NewPipe, or manually subscribe within ReVanced after signing in with GmsCore.

Conclusion

The YouTube Vanced changelog is permanently frozen at v17.03.38. While it was once the gold standard for ad-free, feature-rich YouTube on Android, the March 2022 cease-and-desist and subsequent 2023–2024 server-side breakages make it unsuitable for modern devices. If you are researching Vanced for historical context, the final changelog above is the complete, verified record. If you need a working solution in June 2026, migrate to ReVanced for a native patched experience or NewPipe for a lightweight, privacy-first client. Always verify APK sources, prioritize open-source tools, and consider YouTube Premium for a fully legitimate, supported experience.