Does NewPipe still work on smartphones running Murena’s /e/OS in 2026?

Some owners of Murena smartphones running /e/OS use the NewPipe app to watch YouTube videos without Google Play Services. Recently, a warning notification caused confusion in the community. Many wondered whether NewPipe is still compatible with /e/OS after Google’s announcement about Android developer verification in September 2026. In this article, we clarify the situation.

Short answer: Yes – NewPipe continues to work on /e/OS without any issues.

If you’re new to Big Tech algorithmic tracking, we recommend reading this article from the beginning. Otherwise, feel free to jump to the chapter that concerns you most:

Table of Contents

• What’s NewPipe and why should I avoid watching YouTube with a Google account?
• What alternatives to YouTube?
• Advantages and disadvantages of NewPipe
• Can I continue using NewPipe on Murena devices running /e/OS?
• FAQs – Questions and Answers about NewPipe on devices with /e/OS

What’s NewPipe and why should I avoid watching YouTube with a Google account?

Giving people without advanced technical knowledge the opportunity to protect their privacy – without having to completely change their habits – is part of Murena’s mission. Many open source developers share this goal, including the team behind NewPipe, an app often used on Murena smartphones running /e/OS. 

Users choose NewPipe to watch YouTube videos without a Google account.

Maybe you enjoy watching YouTube for its wide range of videos – from tutorials to music. But after learning more about Big Tech companies, you might wonder: What’s really happening to your data as soon as Google gets involved?

That’s a valid question – especially since YouTube is owned by Google and known for its detailed tracking of user behavior and aggressive algorithms.

YouTube’s algorithms amplify harmful content

Researchers from Switzerland and Brazil have discovered in a joint study called Auditing Radicalization Pathways on YouTube that YouTube’s algorithms amplify radical ideas. As this research is very long and extensive, but very enriching, we will continue to share some of its main insights in different communications about tracking and its possible harmful results. 

YouTube’s tracking algorithms are likely to increase security risks

When connecting to your YouTube account, your data is shared with numerous third parties. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 30% of breaches involved a third-party vendor, twice as much as the year before. The more entities holding your data, the higher the risk of a leak.

YouTube algorithms increase bias and discrimination

Big Tech companies don’t just analyze your data; they build detailed user profiles that can perpetuate bias. On social media, algorithms don’t just show us ads and posts that match our profile – they also filter out certain posts. For example, we don’t all see the same job listings, which means that discrimination in the workplace is perpetuated and reinforced online as well.

YouTube algorithms create filter bubbles who are likely to have a mental health impact 

Tracking-based algorithms show you content that aligns with your existing beliefs, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. Pew Research Center’s 2025 survey found that 25% of teen girls and 14% of teen boys report that social media harms their mental health.

YouTube algorithms promote misinformation and manipulation

Without algorithmic filtering, you’re less vulnerable to targeted disinformation campaigns. Personalized tracking can amplify divisive content and exploit psychological vulnerabilities for engagement maximization. Remember – an algorithm does not – and cannot – care about how you feel, it’s only goal is to keep you engaged on its platform.

YouTube algorithms include an intrusive advertising ecosystem 

Tracking fuels an attention economy where ads are designed to be maximally invasive. This includes behavioral retargeting across platforms, covert surveillance via SDKs (Software Development Kits), and manipulative design patterns that undermine user autonomy.

Conclusion: Skipping Google comes with clear advantages, though one limitation is worth noting: Content creators don’t earn ad revenue from NewPipe views. However, many creators offer alternative support options – such as Patreon, membership programs, or direct donation links – which conscious users can utilize to contribute fairly.

What alternatives to YouTube? 

What open source alternatives or other more ethical options to YouTube exist? 

Maybe you’re already discovered Peertube, an open-source streaming platform with around 1,200 federated instances worldwide and a growing user base in the low millions. Many members of our community use it, and YouTube videos can be imported with just a few clicks.

However, to have the same wide selection as on YouTube, you could also consider using the NewPipe app, which lets you watch videos without being bothered by YouTube’s aggressive algorithms.

NewPipe plays YouTube videos without requiring Google Play Services or a Google account. Instead of using the official YouTube API, NewPipe “parses” the public YouTube website and downloads video metadata via anonymous HTTP requests. 

In short – NewPipe accesses YouTube videos by reading the public website directly, so you don’t need a Google account or Google Play Services.

NewPipe instead of YouTube: Advantages and disadvantages 

As mentioned above, by not using a Google Account, you protect yourself from tracking and it’s harmful consequences.

Using NewPipe on Murena devices running /e/OS also has other advantages: 

1. NewPipe is ad-free.
    NewPipe runs without ads or hidden trackers – watch videos distraction-free.
2. Private Storage
    All downloads, thumbnails, and cache stay on your device – nothing is uploaded to the Google cloud.
3. No Google Account Needed
    Subscribe to channels and build playlists without logging in to Google.

Can I continue using NewPipe on Murena devices running /e/OS?

Perhaps you’ve wondered whether you can continue using NewPipe on your device. 

Recently, community members encountered a warning that may sound alarming at first: Once Google enforces developer verification on certified Android devices (starting September 2026 in select countries), NewPipe will no longer work on officially certified devices. 

Since Murena devices run on /e/OS without Google Mobile Services, they are not “Google-certified,” and Google’s verification requirements apply only to certified devices.

Rest assured: this does not affect devices running Murena’s /e/OS.

How can I continue using NewPipe on devices running /e/OS?

NewPipe will continue to work just as usual on your device—no complicated steps required. All you have to do is click “OK” when this notification appears. It’s as simple as that!

How about you? Are you already using NewPipe, or do you prefer other platforms? Let us know!

If you’d like to learn more about online tracking and it’s harmful results, take a look at this short article: https://murena.com/why-online-tracking-is-harmful/

FAQs – Questions and Answers about NewPipe on devices with /e/OS