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How to Keep the YouTube App Playing on iPhone: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to listen to your favorite podcasts, chill with some lo-fi beats, or catch up on news while multitasking on your iPhone, but YouTube keeps cutting out the audio the moment you switch apps or lock your screen? You’re not alone. Keeping YouTube playing in the background on an iPhone has been a long-standing user frustration, and the solutions aren’t always straightforward. The core methods to achieve this boil down to these reliable strategies:

YouTube Premium: This is the most seamless and officially supported method. A YouTube Premium subscription grants you background playback as a built-in feature.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode: If you are on iOS 14 or later and residing in a region where PiP is supported, this feature allows you to shrink the YouTube video into a small, movable window while you use other apps. YouTube PiP might not be officially available or supported in all countries.
Using a Web Browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox) and Requesting Desktop Site: This workaround involves accessing YouTube through a browser like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox, requesting the desktop version of the site, and then initiating playback before switching to another app.
Third-Party Apps with Background Playback: While less recommended due to security and policy concerns, some third-party apps offer background playback functionality for YouTube. Exercise caution and research app reviews thoroughly before installing.

Let’s delve into each of these options in more detail.

Diving Deeper: The Methods to Background Playback

YouTube Premium: The Official and Easiest Route

Undoubtedly, the most hassle-free solution is subscribing to YouTube Premium. Besides eliminating ads, YouTube Premium unlocks background playback, allowing you to listen to content even when the app is minimized or your screen is locked. This feature is integrated directly into the app, providing a smooth and reliable experience. To subscribe, navigate to your profile within the YouTube app and select “Get YouTube Premium.” A paid subscription is required.

Leveraging Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a native iOS feature, which is what you want to use if you’re not looking to pay for Premium. Not all regions, however, support the PiP mode for YouTube.

Requirements: Your device must be running iOS 14 or later.
Activation: If your YouTube app supports PiP, start playing a video and simply swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button. The video should shrink into a floating window that you can move around your screen. If the PiP fails, you may want to check your iPhone settings and disable “Prevent Lock to End PiP”.
Limitations: PiP might not be available for all videos or in all regions due to content restrictions or regional regulations.

The Browser Workaround: Safari, Chrome, and Desktop Sites

This method is a reliable workaround, although it might require a few extra steps:

Open a Browser: Use Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on your iPhone.
Navigate to YouTube: Go to the YouTube website (youtube.com).
Request Desktop Site: This is the crucial step. In Safari, tap the “AA” icon in the address bar and select “Request Desktop Website”. In Chrome, tap the three dots in the bottom right corner and select “Request Desktop Site”.
Start Playback: Begin playing the video you want to listen to in the background.
Minimize the Browser: Once the video is playing, minimize the browser or lock your screen.
Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to access the Control Center.
Resume Playback: You should see the YouTube video controls in the Control Center. If the audio stops, simply tap the play button to resume playback.

This method essentially tricks YouTube into thinking you’re on a desktop computer, which often allows background playback. The Control Center gives you the means to pause, play, and skip videos seamlessly.

Third-Party Apps: Proceed with Caution

While several third-party apps claim to offer background playback for YouTube, it’s essential to exercise caution. Many of these apps violate YouTube’s terms of service, and some may contain malware or track your data. Before downloading any third-party app, research the developer, read reviews, and ensure the app has a legitimate purpose beyond just background playback. Look for apps that have been around for a while and have positive user feedback.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any issues arising from using third-party apps.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even with these methods, you might encounter problems. Here are some common issues and potential solutions:

Playback Stops Immediately: Ensure that the YouTube app or browser is not being terminated by iOS’s background app refresh feature. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and make sure it’s enabled for the app you’re using (YouTube or your browser).
Control Center Doesn’t Show Playback Controls: This can happen if the audio session isn’t maintained. Try pausing and resuming playback within the browser before minimizing it.
PiP Mode Doesn’t Work: Check if PiP is enabled in your iPhone settings (Settings > General > Picture in Picture). Also, ensure that the specific video you’re trying to play supports PiP and that your region supports YouTube PiP function.
Browser Freezes: Clear the browser’s cache and cookies. Too much stored data can sometimes interfere with playback.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Is YouTube Premium the only way to get background playback?

No, while it’s the most straightforward and officially supported method, you can also use the browser workaround (requesting the desktop site) or, at your own risk, third-party apps. However, YouTube Premium provides a seamless and ad-free experience.

2. Why does YouTube stop playing when I lock my screen?

This is the default behavior for the YouTube app unless you have YouTube Premium or utilize one of the workarounds mentioned above. The app is designed to pause playback when it’s no longer the active app.

3. Is using a third-party app to play YouTube videos in the background legal?

It depends on the app and how it accesses YouTube content. Many third-party apps violate YouTube’s terms of service, which could lead to your YouTube account being suspended. Moreover, these apps can pose security risks. It’s best to exercise caution and ensure you understand the risks involved before using any third-party app.

4. Does PiP work on all YouTube videos?

No, PiP functionality may be disabled for certain videos due to content restrictions or regional policies. Sometimes, even with PiP enabled in your settings, specific videos might not support it. It depends on the content provider and the platform’s policies.

5. How do I request the desktop site on my iPhone browser?

Safari: Tap the “AA” icon in the address bar and select “Request Desktop Website.”
Chrome: Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner and select “Request Desktop Site.”
Firefox: Tap the three lines in the bottom right corner, scroll down, and select “Request Desktop Site.”

6. Will requesting the desktop site affect other websites I visit?

Generally, no. The “Request Desktop Site” setting typically applies only to the specific tab you’re currently using. Other tabs will load the mobile version of websites unless you specifically request the desktop site for them as well.

7. Can I use Siri to control YouTube playback in the background?

Yes, once you have YouTube playing in the background using any of the methods described, you can use Siri commands like “Pause,” “Play,” “Next track,” and “Previous track” to control playback.

8. Does using background playback drain my iPhone’s battery faster?

Yes, any app running in the background will consume battery power. The impact on battery life depends on factors like the duration of playback, the volume level, and the overall activity of your iPhone. Closing the background app will usually help conserve battery life.

9. I have YouTube Premium, but background playback isn’t working. What should I do?

First, ensure that you’re signed in to the correct Google account within the YouTube app (the one associated with your YouTube Premium subscription). Try closing and reopening the YouTube app. If the problem persists, try restarting your iPhone or reinstalling the YouTube app.

10. Is it possible to download YouTube videos for offline playback?

Yes, with YouTube Premium, you can download videos for offline viewing within the YouTube app. This is a great way to enjoy content without consuming data or worrying about internet connectivity.

11. Why is PiP mode unavailable in my region?

PiP mode’s availability can be restricted by YouTube due to licensing agreements, regional policies, or content restrictions. These restrictions vary from region to region and are often outside of the user’s control.

12. Are there any free and safe third-party apps that guarantee YouTube background playback?

It’s hard to guarantee safety since apps change all the time. Always read reviews and thoroughly research any third-party app before installing it. Free apps often monetize through ads or data collection, so be aware of the trade-offs. The best approach is to stick with YouTube Premium or the browser workaround for a secure and reliable experience.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has shed light on the various methods for keeping YouTube playing in the background on your iPhone. Choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy uninterrupted listening!