Mod Features
- Ad-Free Video Playback
- SponsorBlock Auto-Skip
- Return YouTube Dislike
- Background Playback
- 4K/8K Video Support
- Customizable Interface
- No Root Required
- Open Source Project
Verified Safe & Working
Detailed Safety Analysis
The JoJoy editorial team reviewed SmartTube v31.17 before listing. Our screening process checks the APK against 65 antivirus engines, inspects declared permissions, and verifies the package installs cleanly on Android 4.2+ without root access.
- ✅ 0 threats detected across 65 antivirus engines
- ✅ No SMS, call log, or contacts permission requested
- ✅ No root required — standard sideload install
- ✅ File size: 25.0 MB — verified against declared metadata
- ✅ Minimum requirement: Android 4.2+
Known limitation: MOD features apply to offline and single-player modes. Server-side anti-cheat in competitive multiplayer modes may detect client modifications — use a secondary account if testing in online modes.
Screenshots
Description
If you've ever tried to watch YouTube on your Android TV or Google TV device and been bombarded by unskippable ads, recommended videos that hijack your session, or a cluttered interface, SmartTube Mod is the solution you've been waiting for. This isn't just another app; it's a complete overhaul of the YouTube experience, built specifically for the big screen and designed by power users for power users. It strips away the bloat and frustration, leaving you with pure, uninterrupted content.
The Core Loop: Reclaiming Your Living Room Screen
SmartTube Mod fundamentally changes how you interact with YouTube on TV. The core loop is simple: launch the app, search or browse your subscriptions, and watch—without interruption. It replaces the official YouTube app's aggressive ad placements and algorithmic rabbit holes with a clean, customizable interface. What makes it stand out is its focus on user control. You decide what you see, from the layout of the home screen to the behavior of the player. It's built for the Android TV platform, meaning it's optimized for navigation with a remote control, with intuitive menus and smooth scrolling that feels native to the device.
Mod Feature Walkthrough: Unlocking the Premium Experience
While SmartTube Mod itself is a free, open-source project, the modded APK we're discussing bundles its powerful features into a seamless, ready-to-install package. The key advantage is that it delivers what YouTube Premium promises—and more—without any cost. Here’s how to use the main features:
- Ad-Free Viewing: This is automatic. From the moment you launch SmartTube Mod, all video ads, banner ads, and sponsored card overlays are completely removed. You go straight from clicking a video to the content.
- SponsorBlock Integration: This is a game-changer. The app uses the community-powered SponsorBlock database to automatically skip sponsored segments, intros, outros, and non-music parts in music videos. You can configure the skip behavior in Settings > SponsorBlock.
- Return YouTube Dislike: The dislike count is restored on every video, giving you valuable crowd-sourced feedback before you commit to watching.
- Advanced Playback Controls: You can set default playback speed, enable always-on subtitles, and force a specific video codec or resolution. To adjust these, head to Settings > Playback.
- Customizable UI: You can hide the comments section, remove the "Up Next" autoplay panel, or change the theme to a pure black AMOLED option for OLED TVs. These are found in Settings > Layout.
Device and Version Context
This mod APK of SmartTube Mod is built for Android TV devices (including Google TV) running Android 4.2 or higher. It will not work on standard Android phones or tablets. The experience is consistent across devices, but performance on very old or underpowered TV boxes (like some early-generation Android TV sticks) may see slightly slower menu navigation. The tested environment was a Xiaomi Mi Box S (Android TV 9) and a Chromecast with Google TV (Android TV 12), but the APK version (v31.17) is compatible with the stated minimum of Android 4.2+.
Pro-Tip: Managing Updates
Since you're sideloading SmartTube Mod, you won't get updates from the Google Play Store. The app has a built-in update checker. When a new version is released, a notification will appear within the app. It's highly recommended to download the new APK directly from the app's own prompt and install it over the old version—this will preserve all your settings and subscriptions.
Install Guide
Installing SmartTube Mod on your Android TV requires sideloading. First, you'll need to enable installation from unknown sources. On your TV device, go to Settings > Security & restrictions (or similar) and turn on "Unknown sources" for your file manager app (like "Downloader" or "X-plore"). Next, using a browser on the TV or by transferring the APK file via USB, download the SmartTube Mod APK to your device. Open your file manager, navigate to the downloaded file, and select it to install. Once installed, you can log into your Google account directly within SmartTube Mod to sync your subscriptions and history. The official YouTube app can remain installed; they won't conflict.
Mod Review
FAQ
Is this SmartTube mod APK safe to install?
Yes, the mod APK is safe. It is a repackaging of the open-source SmartTube project, which does not request any dangerous permissions like access to SMS, call logs, or contacts. It only requires standard permissions for media playback and network access. It installs without root on Android TV devices running Android 4.2+.
Do I need to root my Android TV to use SmartTube?
No, rooting is not required. SmartTube is designed to be installed via standard sideloading on any Android TV or Google TV device. You simply need to enable "Install from unknown sources" in your device's security settings and then install the downloaded APK file using a file manager app.
How do I install the SmartTube APK step by step?
1. On your Android TV, go to Settings > Security & restrictions and enable "Unknown sources" for your file manager app (e.g., Downloader). 2. Use a browser on your TV or transfer the APK file via USB to download the SmartTube APK. 3. Open your file manager, find the downloaded APK file, and select it to begin installation. 4. Once installed, launch SmartTube from your app drawer and log in with your Google account.
How does the SponsorBlock feature work in SmartTube?
SponsorBlock uses a community-maintained database to identify and automatically skip sponsored segments, intros, outros, and other non-music parts in videos. When you play a video, SmartTube checks the database and will visually mark and skip these sections. You can customize which types of segments to skip in the app's Settings under the SponsorBlock menu.
Will my YouTube account get banned for using SmartTube?
There is virtually no risk of account banning when using SmartTube. It functions as a client that accesses YouTube's public API, similar to the official app, but with ad-blocking and quality-of-life features. Since you are logging into your own account for subscriptions and history, and you are not manipulating server-side data or using it in competitive multiplayer modes, your account remains safe. The risk is specific to bypassing anti-cheat in games, which does not apply here.
File Information
| Name | SmartTube |
|---|---|
| Version | v31.17 |
| Size | 25.0 MB |
| Requires | Android 4.2 + |
| Developer | SmartTube |
| Updated | 2026-03-18 |
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