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How to Play YouTube in the Background on Android: The Definitive Guide

Want to listen to your favorite podcasts, music mixes, or audiobooks on YouTube while still using other apps on your Android device? You’ve come to the right place! This guide provides a straightforward answer and then delves into the nuances and alternative methods of achieving background playback of YouTube on your Android device.

The Quick Answer: How to Play YouTube in the Background

The simplest way to play YouTube in the background on Android is with a YouTube Premium subscription. This official method grants you seamless background playback directly within the YouTube app. Subscribe, and the video audio will continue playing even when you switch apps or lock your screen. If you’re not ready to commit to a subscription, several workarounds exist, which we’ll explore below.

Unlocking Background Playback: A Deeper Dive

While YouTube Premium is the official and most convenient method, not everyone wants to pay for the feature. Fortunately, Android’s versatility allows for several clever workarounds to play YouTube in the background. Here are the most popular and effective options:

Method 1: Using a Web Browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)

This method leverages the desktop version of YouTube within your mobile browser. Here’s how:

Open your preferred web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, etc.) on your Android device.
Navigate to YouTube.com. Ensure you’re using the mobile site, not the YouTube app. If the app automatically opens, you might need to clear the app’s default settings in your Android settings.
Request the Desktop Site. In your browser’s menu (usually three dots or lines in the upper right corner), find and select the option to “Request desktop site” or “Desktop mode.” This will load the full desktop version of YouTube.
Start playing your desired video.
Switch to another app or lock your screen. The video will initially stop playing.
Use the Media Controls in the Notification Shade. Pull down your notification shade, and you should see media controls for the video you were playing in the browser. Press the “Play” button. This should resume the audio playback in the background.

This method works well, but its reliability can vary depending on your browser and Android version. Some browsers might require you to allow background playback permissions in the browser settings.

Method 2: Utilizing Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a built-in Android feature that allows you to watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps. While not strictly “background” playback, it’s a close alternative and readily available.

YouTube Premium Required (Sometimes): PiP mode is generally available for YouTube Premium subscribers. However, in some regions, it may be available for all users for a limited time or on select videos.
Enable PiP in Settings: Go to your Android device’s settings, then “Apps,” then “YouTube.” Look for “Picture-in-picture” and ensure it’s enabled.
Start a Video and Go Home: Play a video in the YouTube app and then press the home button. The video should shrink into a floating window that you can move around your screen.
Audio Remains Active: Even when the PiP window is minimized, the audio continues to play. You can close the PiP window to stop the playback.

This method is convenient, but the video window always occupies a small portion of your screen.

Method 3: Third-Party Apps (Proceed with Caution)

Several third-party apps claim to offer background YouTube playback. However, exercise extreme caution when using these apps. Many of them are either unreliable, ad-riddled, or potentially malicious. Some may even violate YouTube’s terms of service, leading to account suspension.

NewPipe: This is a popular open-source YouTube client that offers background playback without requiring a Google account. It bypasses the official YouTube API, which may have legal implications. Use it at your own risk.
Other Apps: Research any third-party app thoroughly before installing it. Check reviews, permissions, and developer reputation. Be wary of apps that request excessive permissions.

Warning: Downloading and using unofficial apps can expose your device to security risks. Proceed with extreme caution and only download apps from reputable sources.

Method 4: YouTube Music (Official Alternative)

If you’re primarily interested in listening to music on YouTube, consider using YouTube Music. This official Google app is designed specifically for music streaming and allows for background playback even without a YouTube Premium subscription. The caveat is that you’ll only have access to music content, not general YouTube videos.

Seamless Background Playback: YouTube Music is designed for audio-focused listening. It allows for effortless background playback and offline downloads (with YouTube Premium).
Music-Specific Features: The app offers features like personalized playlists, recommendations, and live performances, tailored to music lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing YouTube in the background on Android:

FAQ 1: Is it legal to use third-party apps to play YouTube in the background?

The legality of using third-party apps for background YouTube playback is a grey area. While Google doesn’t explicitly prohibit it, using apps that bypass the official YouTube API or block ads might violate their terms of service. This could potentially lead to account suspension.

FAQ 2: Will background playback drain my battery faster?

Yes, background playback will consume more battery power compared to when the screen is off and no audio is playing. However, the impact will be less than if the video were playing with the screen on. Closing apps when you’re not actively using them can help conserve battery life.

FAQ 3: Can I play YouTube in the background on iOS (iPhone)?

Yes, the methods are very similar on iOS. You can use a web browser like Safari to request the desktop site and play YouTube in the background. YouTube Premium offers the most seamless experience. YouTube Music is also available on iOS.

FAQ 4: Why does background playback sometimes stop working?

Several factors can cause background playback to stop working, including:

Aggressive Battery Optimization: Your Android device might be aggressively killing background processes to save battery. Disable battery optimization for your browser or YouTube app.
Browser Limitations: Some browsers have limitations regarding background audio playback. Try using a different browser.
YouTube App Updates: YouTube updates can sometimes break workarounds for background playback.

FAQ 5: How do I prevent the YouTube app from automatically opening when I click a YouTube link?

Go to your Android settings, then “Apps,” then “YouTube.” Look for “Open by default” or “Set as default.” Clear the defaults to prevent the YouTube app from automatically opening YouTube links.

FAQ 6: Does YouTube Premium allow ad-free listening?

Yes, a YouTube Premium subscription removes all ads from YouTube videos and YouTube Music, providing an uninterrupted listening experience.

FAQ 7: Can I download YouTube videos for offline playback without YouTube Premium?

Officially, downloading YouTube videos for offline playback requires a YouTube Premium subscription. However, some third-party apps and websites offer this functionality, but they may violate YouTube’s terms of service and pose security risks.

FAQ 8: How can I control background playback using my Bluetooth headphones?

Most Bluetooth headphones have built-in media controls that allow you to play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume of background audio playback.

FAQ 9: Is YouTube Music worth it if I only want background playback?

If your primary goal is to listen to music in the background, YouTube Music is a worthwhile option. It offers seamless background playback and music-specific features, even without a YouTube Premium subscription (though ads will be present).

FAQ 10: Can I use a VPN to bypass regional restrictions on YouTube Premium features?

Using a VPN to bypass regional restrictions might violate YouTube’s terms of service. Furthermore, it might not always be effective, as YouTube can detect and block VPN usage.

FAQ 11: What are the alternatives to YouTube for background audio listening?

Many alternatives to YouTube offer background audio listening, including:

Spotify: A popular music streaming service.
Apple Music: Apple’s music streaming service.
Podcasts Apps: Apps like Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Pocket Casts.

FAQ 12: How do I disable picture-in-picture (PiP) mode on YouTube?

Go to your Android device’s settings, then “Apps,” then “YouTube.” Look for “Picture-in-picture” and disable it.

By understanding these methods and FAQs, you can now confidently enjoy your favorite YouTube content in the background on your Android device! Remember to prioritize security and abide by YouTube’s terms of service while exploring these options.