What Is ReVanced?
ReVanced is an open-source community project that provides a framework for modifying (patching) Android applications. It is most commonly used with YouTube, but the patching system supports other apps as well. The project positions itself as a continuation of the concept behind YouTube Vanced, but with a fundamentally different technical approach.
Instead of distributing a prebuilt modified APK (like Vanced did), ReVanced uses a Manager app that applies user-selected patches to a base app version that the user provides.
ReVanced vs YouTube Vanced
The key differences are:
- Vanced distributed a complete modified app; ReVanced is a patching tool
- Vanced is discontinued; ReVanced is actively maintained
- ReVanced offers more configurability through its patch selection system
- ReVanced requires the user to provide the base app APK
What Is ReVanced Manager?
ReVanced Manager is the primary user-facing application for applying patches. It handles the patching process, including selecting which patches to apply, choosing the base app version, and managing updates. The Manager simplifies what would otherwise require command-line tools.
ReVanced Manager GuideWhat Are ReVanced Patches?
Patches are individual modifications that can be applied to supported apps. Common patches include:
- Ad removal — Hide video and banner advertisements
- Background playback — Continue audio when the screen is off
- SponsorBlock — Skip sponsored segments in videos
- Return YouTube Dislike — Show dislike counts
- Theme customization — Apply dark or AMOLED themes
- Playback settings — Override quality, speed, and codec defaults
Users can select which patches to include during the patching process, making ReVanced more customizable than Vanced was.
ReVanced and MicroG / GmsCore
For non-root installations, ReVanced requires a companion component called GmsCore (formerly known as MicroG in the Vanced ecosystem). This handles Google account authentication and push notifications without requiring full Google Play Services or root access.
ReVanced Music
ReVanced patches also support YouTube Music, allowing similar modifications to the music streaming app. This is the successor to the old YouTube Music Vanced.
Common ReVanced Issues
Common problems users encounter:
| Issue | Common Cause | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Patch failed | Unsupported app version | Check supported versions |
| Manager crashing | Outdated Manager version | Update Manager |
| Login problems | GmsCore not installed | Install GmsCore |
| Playback errors | Missing patches or version mismatch | Re-patch with correct version |
| App not installed | Signature conflict | Uninstall old version first |
Safety Checklist
- Only download ReVanced Manager from official GitHub repositories
- Do not trust prebuilt "ReVanced APKs" from unknown sources
- Verify file hashes when possible
- Read the official documentation before patching
- Keep Manager and GmsCore updated
YouTube ReVanced Pros & Cons
✅ ReVanced Pros
- Actively maintained and updated in 2026
- Open-source — full code transparency on GitHub
- Choose exactly which patches to apply
- Ad-blocking, SponsorBlock, background play included
- Supports YouTube, YouTube Music, and other apps
- No root required (non-root with GmsCore)
- Community-driven with active subreddit and Discord
- Patches auto-update for new YouTube versions
⚠️ ReVanced Cons
- More complex setup than old Vanced (requires patching)
- Violates YouTube's Terms of Service
- Must re-patch when YouTube updates break things
- Requires specific base YouTube APK version
- No iOS version available
- GmsCore needed for Google sign-in (non-root)
- May face future legal challenges from Google
- Not available on Google Play Store
Frequently Asked Questions
No. ReVanced is a separate project with a different technical approach. Vanced was a prebuilt modified app; ReVanced is a patching ecosystem. Read the full comparison.
No. ReVanced supports non-root installations using GmsCore for Google account features. Root is optional.
ReVanced's source code is publicly available on GitHub, providing transparency. However, users should only obtain it from official sources and never trust prebuilt APKs from unknown websites. Read our safety guide.
No. ReVanced is an Android-focused project. It is not available for iOS devices.
Yes. ReVanced is a free, open-source community project. The Manager, patches, and all tools are completely free to use.
Using ReVanced violates YouTube's Terms of Service but is not classified as illegal in most jurisdictions. The legal risk primarily falls on developers. Google has not taken legal action against ReVanced users. See our disclaimer.
Open ReVanced Manager, check for patch updates, download the new supported YouTube APK version, and re-patch. The Manager handles most of this process automatically.
Only from the official ReVanced GitHub repository or revanced.app. Do not trust third-party sites. See our official sources guide.