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How to Play YouTube in the Background on iPhone: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to keep that killer DJ set thumping while you answer emails, or maybe listen to a podcast without staring blankly at your phone. You’re wondering how to play YouTube in the background on your iPhone. Well, the answer isn’t as straightforward as hitting a simple “background play” button, but fear not! There are several proven methods, ranging from leveraging YouTube Premium to using clever browser workarounds. This article is your comprehensive guide to achieving that coveted background playback and keeping the audio flowing seamlessly while you multitask. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets!

Unlocking Background Play: The Methods

Getting YouTube to play in the background on your iPhone requires a little finesse. Apple’s operating system is designed to pause video playback when an app loses focus. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Here are the most effective strategies:

YouTube Premium: This is the official, straightforward solution. Subscribing to YouTube Premium unlocks background playback as a native feature. You also get ad-free viewing and the ability to download videos for offline enjoyment. It’s a paid subscription, but for heavy YouTube users, the benefits often outweigh the cost.
Using a Web Browser (Safari or Chrome): This method bypasses the YouTube app limitations. Open YouTube in a browser like Safari or Chrome, navigate to the video you want to play, and start it. Then, minimize the browser and open your iPhone’s Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen on iPhones with Face ID, or swipe up from the bottom on older models). You should see the video controls there. Simply press play, and the audio will continue playing even when you switch to other apps or lock your screen.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode (iOS 14 and later): While not strictly “background play,” Picture-in-Picture mode allows you to watch the video in a small, floating window while using other apps. This feature is triggered automatically on some iPhones and YouTube versions when you swipe out of the YouTube app. However, for users without YouTube Premium, the PiP feature’s availability can be unpredictable.
Shortcuts App (Advanced): For the tech-savvy, the Shortcuts app offers a more customized solution. You can create a shortcut that opens YouTube in Safari, plays the video, and then triggers background playback through a series of automated actions. This requires some technical knowledge and experimentation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Safari Browser Method

Let’s break down the browser method in more detail:

Open Safari: Launch the Safari web browser on your iPhone.
Navigate to YouTube: Go to www.youtube.com
Request Desktop Site (Important!): Tap the “aA” icon in the address bar (or the share icon on older iOS versions) and select “Request Desktop Website.” This step is crucial for background play to work consistently.
Find Your Video: Search for or navigate to the video you wish to play in the background.
Start Playback: Begin playing the video.
Minimize Safari: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button (if your iPhone has one) to minimize Safari.
Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner (Face ID iPhones) or up from the bottom (older iPhones) to open the Control Center.
Press Play: Locate the media controls within the Control Center and press the play button. The audio from the YouTube video should now resume and continue playing in the background.

Troubleshooting the Browser Method

Sometimes, the browser method can be a bit finicky. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Video Pauses Immediately: Ensure you have requested the desktop website version of YouTube. This is the most common cause of the video pausing when you minimize the browser.
No Media Controls in Control Center: Double-check that the video was playing before you minimized the browser. Also, make sure that other media apps aren’t interfering with the playback.
Inconsistent Results: Clear your Safari browser cache and data. Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This can often resolve conflicts and improve background playback stability.

The YouTube Premium Advantage

While the browser method is a viable workaround, YouTube Premium provides a much smoother and more reliable experience. With Premium, background playback is a native feature, meaning you don’t need to juggle browser settings or worry about inconsistent results. Plus, you get the added benefits of ad-free viewing and offline downloads. It’s a convenient option for users who consume a lot of YouTube content. The peace of mind and seamless functionality it offers can be worth the investment.

Beyond Background Play: Other YouTube Premium Perks

YouTube Premium isn’t just about background playback; it offers a suite of benefits:

Ad-Free Viewing: Say goodbye to those annoying pre-roll and mid-roll ads that interrupt your viewing experience.
Offline Downloads: Download videos to your device and watch them later without an internet connection. Perfect for travel or areas with limited connectivity.
YouTube Music Premium: Included with YouTube Premium, this gives you ad-free and background playback for YouTube Music.
Support Creators: A portion of your subscription fee goes directly to supporting the creators you love.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are 12 of the most frequently asked questions about playing YouTube in the background on your iPhone:

1. Does YouTube Premium work on all devices?

Yes, your YouTube Premium subscription is tied to your Google account and works on any device where you’re logged in, including your iPhone, iPad, computer, and smart TV.

2. Is there a free app that allows YouTube background playback?

While there might be some third-party apps claiming to offer this functionality, they often violate YouTube’s terms of service and could pose security risks. The safest and most reliable methods are YouTube Premium and the browser workaround.

3. Why does the browser method sometimes stop working?

Changes to YouTube’s website or iOS updates can sometimes affect the browser method’s reliability. Make sure you’re using the desktop version of the website and that your browser is up to date.

4. Can I use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) without YouTube Premium?

Picture-in-Picture functionality for YouTube without Premium can be inconsistent. Its availability may depend on your iPhone model, iOS version, and YouTube app version.

5. How do I create a Shortcut for background playback?

Creating a Shortcut involves using the Shortcuts app to automate a series of actions: opening Safari, navigating to YouTube, playing the video, and then triggering background playback. There are online tutorials that can guide you through the process.

6. Will Apple ever allow native background playback for YouTube?

Apple’s stance on this is unclear. Currently, they don’t allow native background playback for YouTube without a Premium subscription or a workaround.

7. Is it legal to use third-party apps for background YouTube playback?

Using third-party apps that circumvent YouTube’s terms of service may be a violation of those terms and could potentially infringe on copyright laws. It’s generally safer to stick to legitimate methods like Premium or the browser workaround.

8. Does background playback drain my battery faster?

Yes, background playback will consume battery power, although less than actively watching a video.

9. Can I control the video playback from my lock screen?

Yes, once the audio is playing in the background, you can control playback (pause, play, skip) from the lock screen or the Control Center.

10. Does this work with YouTube Music?

YouTube Premium includes YouTube Music Premium, which provides background playback and ad-free listening for YouTube Music.

11. What happens if I receive a call while playing YouTube in the background?

The YouTube playback will typically pause automatically when you receive a call.

12. How do I cancel my YouTube Premium subscription?

You can cancel your YouTube Premium subscription through your Google account settings on your iPhone or computer.

Final Thoughts

While getting YouTube to play in the background on your iPhone might require a few extra steps, the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether you opt for the convenience of YouTube Premium or the resourceful browser workaround, you can enjoy your favorite audio content while multitasking. So go ahead, unlock that background playback and make the most of your iPhone’s capabilities!