The simplest way to download a YouTube video on your phone
You cannot download videos directly through the official YouTube app on Android or iPhone. YouTube's terms of service prohibit this, and the app itself has no download button. However, you have two working routes: use a third-party app designed for downloads, or use a web-based downloader through your phone's browser.
The web-based route is faster to set up because you do not need to install anything. You paste the YouTube link into a downloader website, choose your format, and the file saves to your phone's storage. The app route gives you more control over quality and file type, but requires you to trust a third-party developer with access to your phone.
Both methods work on Android and iPhone, though iPhone has stricter limits on where files can be stored. We will walk through the most reliable option for each phone type below.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube's official app does not allow downloads, so you must use either a third-party app or a web-based downloader.
- Web-based downloaders work in your browser and save files directly to your phone without installing an app.
- Third-party apps like TubeMate (Android) or Documents by Readdle (iPhone) offer more format choices but require installation.
- Downloaded videos take up storage space, so check how much free space your phone has before downloading long videos.
- Downloaded videos are for offline viewing only — you cannot re-upload them or share them without violating YouTube's terms.
Using a web-based downloader on any phone
Open YouTube and find the video you want to download. Tap the share button (usually three dots or a share icon), then copy the link. Do not close YouTube yet — you will need to switch to your browser in a moment.
Open your phone's web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or whatever you use). Go to a downloader website. Common options include y2mate.com, savefrom.net, or keepvid.com. Paste the YouTube link into the text box on the homepage and tap the download button.
The site will show you format options. For most phones, choose MP4 video format at 720p or 1080p resolution — these play on any phone and do not take up excessive storage. Tap download next to your chosen format. Your phone will ask where to save the file. Choose Downloads or Videos, whichever folder you prefer.
The download starts immediately. Depending on video length and your internet speed, this can take anywhere from 30 seconds to several minutes. Once finished, the video file sits in your Downloads or Videos folder and plays in any video app on your phone.
Using a third-party app on Android
TubeMate is the most widely used Android downloader. Go to the Google Play Store, search for "TubeMate," and install the version published by Devexpert. (Several fake versions exist, so check the publisher name.)
Open TubeMate and search for the video you want, or paste a YouTube link directly into the app. When you find the video, tap the download button (usually a downward arrow). The app shows format and quality options — choose MP4 at 720p unless you need higher quality or a smaller file size.
Tap download and choose where to save the file. TubeMate stores downloads in a folder called TubeMate by default, which you can access through your phone's file manager. The download runs in the background, so you can close the app and use your phone normally while it finishes.
Once the download completes, open your file manager, navigate to the TubeMate folder, and tap the video to play it. You can also move the file to your Videos folder if you prefer to keep downloads organized in one place.
Using a third-party app on iPhone
iPhone does not allow apps to download videos directly from YouTube due to Apple's restrictions. However, Documents by Readdle works around this by letting you download through its built-in browser. Go to the App Store, search for "Documents by Readdle," and install it (it is free).
Open Documents and tap the browser icon at the bottom. Go to a downloader website like y2mate.com or savefrom.net. Paste your YouTube link and choose MP4 format. Tap download, and the file saves directly into the Documents app.
The video now lives in your Documents library. You can play it within Documents, or move it to your iPhone's Files app by tapping and holding the file, selecting "Move," and choosing Files. From there, you can open it in the standard Videos app or any other video player you have installed.
Checking your phone's storage before downloading
Videos take up significant space. A 10-minute video at 720p is roughly 100 to 150 megabytes. A one-hour video can be 600 megabytes to 1 gigabyte. Before downloading, check how much free space your phone has.
On Android, go to Settings, then Storage or Device Care. You will see total storage and how much is free. On iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. If you have less than 500 megabytes free, delete old photos or apps first, or choose a lower video quality when downloading.
If you regularly download videos, consider deleting them after watching. Videos are easy to re-download later if you need them again, and this keeps your phone running faster.
What to do if a downloader website is blocked
Some internet providers or networks block downloader websites. If y2mate.com or savefrom.net will not load, try a different downloader — keepvid.com, clipconverter.cc, or videograbby.com often work when others do not. If you are on a school or work network, the network itself may be blocking all downloaders, and you will need to use your personal data connection instead of the WiFi.
If you keep hitting blocked sites, a third-party app like TubeMate (Android) or Documents (iPhone) is more reliable because apps are harder to block than websites. The trade-off is that you have to install software on your phone.
Understanding what you can and cannot do with downloaded videos
Downloaded videos are for your personal offline viewing. You can watch them on your phone without an internet connection, share them with people sitting next to you, or keep them as a backup. You cannot upload them to another platform, sell them, edit them for public distribution, or claim them as your own work.
If a video is removed from YouTube, your downloaded copy remains on your phone, but you still cannot redistribute it. Copyright holders own the content, and downloading does not change that. Most people download videos for legitimate reasons — watching lectures offline, saving music videos, or keeping content before a channel disappears — and those uses are generally not pursued by copyright holders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downloading YouTube videos legal?
YouTube's terms of service prohibit downloading without permission. However, whether it is illegal depends on copyright law in your country and what you do with the video. Downloading for personal offline viewing is rarely enforced against individual users, but uploading or redistributing a downloaded video violates copyright. If you own the content or have the creator's permission, downloading is not a problem.
Why does YouTube not have a built-in download button?
YouTube wants to control how videos are distributed and viewed. Downloads bypass ads, allow offline viewing that YouTube cannot track, and make it easier for people to share videos outside the platform. YouTube Premium does offer offline viewing for some videos, but only within the app and only for 30 days.
Will downloading a video get my phone infected with malware?
Reputable downloaders like y2mate.com and savefrom.net are generally safe, though they do show ads. Smaller or less-known downloader sites carry higher risk. Third-party apps from the Google Play Store or App Store are vetted by the platform, but always check the publisher name and read recent reviews before installing anything.
Can I download videos from YouTube on a school or work network?
Many school and work networks block downloader websites. If the website will not load, you are on a blocked network. Switch to your personal mobile data (turn off WiFi) and try again. If your network blocks apps that download videos, you will need to use a different network or wait until you are home.
How long do downloaded videos stay on my phone?
Downloaded videos stay on your phone until you delete them. They do not expire or disappear on their own. However, if you uninstall the app that downloaded them (like TubeMate), the videos may be deleted as well depending on where they were stored. Always check your file manager or Videos app to confirm the file is still there before you need it.