PHSmartTubeNext v21.63
SmartTubeNext is an advanced, open-source YouTube client designed specifically for Android-based media players and TV boxes. It is not a live TV client and does not support "YouTube TV" subscriptions.Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Version | 21.63 (Stable) |
| Release Date | April 25, 2026 |
| Minimum OS | Android 4.3+ (Optimized for Android TV/Google TV) |
| Architecture | ARM/Android (TV, Sticks, Boxes, Tablets) |
| License | Free & Open Source |
Device Compatibility
The app is designed for leanback interfaces. While it can run on tablets and smartphones, it is not officially optimized for mobile touch interfaces.- Confirmed Devices: NVIDIA Shield, Amazon FireTV (all generations), Chromecast with Google TV, Xiaomi Mi Box, Sony/Philips Android TVs.
- Unsupported Platforms: LG (webOS), Samsung (Tizen), and other non-Android operating systems.
- Tested Hardware: Android 9 through Android 15 ROMs; OnnBox/Stick, Google TV hardware, and various rooted Chinese media boxes.
Core Features
- Adblocking: Hard-coded to prevent the display of ad banners, prerolls, or mid-roll intermissions.
- SponsorBlock Integration: Crowdsourced skipping of sponsored segments, intros, outros, and non-music sections. Configurable via settings (view-only; submission not supported on TV).
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Supports background playback and PiP mode via Home or Back button triggers (must be enabled in Settings > General > Background playback).
- Playback Control: Adjustable playback speed with persistent settings across videos.
- Casting: Manual linking via "Watch on TV" codes. Automatic discovery is not supported; the app must be open on the TV to receive a cast.
Voice Search & Bridge Integration
Global voice search integration requires the installation of a "Bridge" app and the uninstallation of the stock YouTube app.- Fire TV: Requires Amazon Bridge SmartTubeNext app.
- Google TV/Standard Android: Requires ATV Bridge SmartTubeNext app.
- Root Requirements: Root is required on standard Android devices to uninstall the stock YouTube package via
adb shell pm uninstall com.google.android.youtube.tv.
Mod Features (v21.63)
- Custom Adaptive Patches: Applied fixes for multiple country restrictions.
- Root ρá†ch: Latest "Kaboom" root ρá†ch for Android 9 through Android 14 boxes.
- Login Fixes: Resolved official login issues on older Chinese boxes and rooted devices (A9-A14).
- Search Fix: Reapplied search issue ρá†ch for 17 specific older hardware models.
- Optimization: Fixes for unplayable videos and memory consumption.
Configuration Guide
| Task | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Account Login | Settings > Accounts > Sign in. Enter the provided code at You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. on a separate logged-in device. |
| Disable Updates | Settings > About > Disable both "Notify" options. |
| Tablet Navigation | Pull up from bottom + Back button to access menu. Tap categories twice to clear menus. |
| Launcher Issues | Clear data of 3rd party launchers before installation to ensure the banner displays correctly. |