Since you're installing an app from outside the official store, you need to give your device permission.
Since you are not using the Google Play Store, you must allow installation from "unknown sources." Go to > Security (or Privacy). Toggle on "Install unknown apps" or "Unknown Sources." 2. Download the Verified APK
Mobile apps in 2013 and 2014 were designed for devices with severely limited RAM and storage. These early versions lack the heavy code, animations, and background processes present in modern alternatives, making them incredibly fast.
: Older APKs (like those from 2013–2014) are significantly smaller—sometimes under 10MB compared to the modern 33MB+ —making them ideal for devices with limited storage.
To prevent the app from automatically updating to the bloated modern version, go into the app's settings and disable "Auto-Update over Wi-Fi." Since you're installing an app from outside the
Because VidMate is a third-party app that has historically bypassed the official Google Play Store due to policy restrictions on video-ripping utilities, you must exercise extreme caution.
: Some versions have been caught secretly subscribing users to paid premium services, leading to unauthorized charges on phone bills.
remains one of the most recognized names in the history of mobile video downloaders. Long before streaming services offered robust offline viewing options, this application served as the primary gateway for millions of users to save videos, music, and movies directly to their Android devices.
They require less RAM and storage, making them ideal for budget or older smartphones. If you'd like to find a specific version number (like 3.35 or 4.26) for your device, or if you need troubleshooting steps for installation errors, let me know! Download VidMate for Android - Free - older version Download VidMate for Android - Free - older version. Download the Verified APK Mobile apps in 2013
: Older versions typically require only Android 2.2 or higher, making them ideal for legacy hardware that cannot run modern, resource-heavy apps.
If you are on a and see a file called Vidmate_2014_Installer.exe – DO NOT RUN IT. The real Vidmate has never released a desktop .exe installer for the 2013 or 2014 versions. Those are always viruses that will hijack your browser.
Malicious actors frequently bundle malware, spyware, or adware into old APK files, labeling them as "VidMate 2014 Official" to trick unsuspecting users. Downloading an unverified file can compromise your device, steal personal data, or flood your system with unclosable advertisements. Step-by-Step Guide: Search, Verify, and Install
Conclusion Seeking VidMate builds from 2013–2014 can make sense for compatibility, nostalgia, or research, but it carries tangible security and legal risks. There is no foolproof way to guarantee an archived APK is safe unless you can obtain it directly from the original developer or verify cryptographic signatures and hashes against authoritative records. Practical risk mitigation includes sourcing from trusted archives, verifying hashes and signatures, analyzing APK contents, testing in isolated environments, and preferring maintained, secure alternatives when possible. Users should balance the perceived benefits of legacy releases against the potential costs to device security and privacy. To prevent the app from automatically updating to
| Feature | VidMate 2013 | VidMate 2014 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Broken (API too old) | Partially works (240p/360p only) | | Dailymotion | Works perfectly | Works perfectly | | Vimeo | Works | Works | | Facebook Video | No | Yes (SD only) | | UI Speed | Blazing fast | Fast | | Android 14 Compatibility | Crashes on open | Unstable |
If you're looking for the classic, lightweight experience of VidMate 2013 VidMate 2014
Assuming you found a verified APK, here is how to get it running on a modern phone (or old one).