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

Want to listen to your favorite podcasts, music mixes, or ASMR videos on YouTube while using other apps on your iPhone? You’re not alone. This seemingly simple task has been a persistent pain point for iPhone users. Fortunately, there are reliable ways to get around the limitation and enjoy uninterrupted audio from YouTube, even with your screen locked or another app in the foreground. The key is understanding the nuances of YouTube’s restrictions and leveraging clever workarounds. We’re going to explore those right now!

Essentially, to play YouTube in the background on your iPhone, you’ll need to use one of these proven methods:

1. YouTube Premium Subscription: This is the official and easiest method. A YouTube Premium subscription directly unlocks background playback and removes ads.
2. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode (iOS 14 and later): Use a workaround involving a third-party browser that supports PiP. This allows you to detach the YouTube video into a floating window.
3. Safari Browser Trick (for audio only): Play YouTube through Safari, request the desktop site, and then play the video. Once playing, return to your home screen. Control the audio via the Control Center.

Understanding the YouTube Background Playback Challenge

YouTube, by design, prioritizes keeping users engaged with the app. This means discouraging background playback, pushing users towards continuous video consumption. The rationale is straightforward: more engagement equals more ad revenue. However, this creates a frustrating user experience for those who primarily want audio content. Therefore, third-party solutions and clever browser tricks have evolved to circumvent this limitation.

Method 1: The YouTube Premium Solution

The Official Route: Seamless Background Playback

The most straightforward and reliable method is subscribing to YouTube Premium. This premium service provides several benefits, including ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and, crucially, background playback. Once subscribed, background playback is enabled by default. Start a video within the YouTube app, and switch to another app, or lock your screen – the audio will continue uninterrupted. No fuss, no complications.

Benefits of YouTube Premium Beyond Background Playback

Consider YouTube Premium as an investment in your YouTube experience. Not only do you get background playback, but also the removal of advertisements, making content consumption smoother and more enjoyable. Offline downloads are another substantial perk, allowing you to save videos for viewing later without an internet connection. This is incredibly useful for travel or areas with limited connectivity. For heavy YouTube users, the subscription cost often justifies the enhanced experience and convenience.

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

Utilizing Third-Party Browsers

Apple introduced Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode in iOS 14, allowing users to detach a video from an app and display it in a floating window that can be moved around the screen. The native YouTube app does support PiP but often restricts it based on content and location. However, some third-party browsers offer PiP support that works more reliably with YouTube.

Steps for Using PiP with Third-Party Browsers

1. Download a PiP-enabled Browser: Choose a browser like Brave, DuckDuckGo, or Opera. These browsers often offer enhanced privacy features and reliable PiP functionality.
2. Navigate to YouTube: Open your chosen browser and go to YouTube.com.
3. Play Your Video: Select the video you want to watch.
4. Activate PiP Mode: Look for a PiP button within the browser’s video player controls. This may appear as a small icon that looks like a screen within a screen. Tap this button to detach the video.
5. Enjoy Background Audio: Even if you minimize the PiP window or switch to another app, the video’s audio will continue playing.

Caveats of the PiP Method

While effective, the PiP method has some limitations. The availability of the PiP button within the browser can sometimes be inconsistent, depending on updates and the browser’s specific implementation. Also, playing the video in the detached window can sometimes consume more battery than other methods. However, it’s still a convenient workaround if you want both audio and a small visual window.

Method 3: The Safari Browser Desktop Site Trick

Exploiting Safari’s Functionality

This method leverages the functionality of the Safari browser and its ability to request the desktop version of websites. While it requires a few more steps than YouTube Premium, it’s a free workaround that can reliably enable background playback for audio.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Safari: Launch the Safari browser on your iPhone.
2. Navigate to YouTube: Go to YouTube.com.
3. Request Desktop Site: Tap the “aA” icon in the address bar. In the menu that appears, select “Request Desktop Website.” This is crucial, as the mobile site often prevents background playback.
4. Play Your Video: Search for and play the video you wish to listen to.
5. Return to Home Screen: Once the video is playing, press the Home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to your Home Screen. The audio will initially stop.
6. Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom, depending on your iPhone model) to access the Control Center.
7. Resume Playback: In the Control Center, you should see the YouTube video’s audio controls. Tap the play button to resume playback. The audio will now continue playing even with your screen locked or another app open.

Troubleshooting Safari Issues

If you experience issues, such as the audio stopping frequently or not appearing in the Control Center, try these troubleshooting steps:

• Ensure Low Power Mode is Off: Low Power Mode can restrict background processes, including audio playback.
• Clear Safari Cache: Clearing the cache and website data can sometimes resolve playback issues.
• Restart Safari: Close Safari completely and reopen it.
• Check Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for uninterrupted playback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does playing YouTube in the background drain more battery?

Yes, generally speaking. Anytime your device is processing audio or video, it consumes battery power. The specific amount of drain will depend on your iPhone model, the video quality, and other apps running in the background. YouTube Premium may be optimized to be more energy-efficient compared to browser workarounds.

2. Is it legal to use third-party apps to play YouTube in the background?

Using third-party apps to circumvent YouTube’s terms of service is a gray area. YouTube prohibits unauthorized access to its content. However, using a browser with PiP functionality isn’t technically “downloading” or redistributing the content. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to review the legality within your jurisdiction.

3. Can I play YouTube Music in the background without YouTube Premium?

Yes, you can play YouTube Music in the background if you have a YouTube Premium subscription. YouTube Music is designed to integrate seamlessly with YouTube Premium. Without Premium, background playback may be limited or unavailable.

4. Will YouTube eventually block these background playback workarounds?

YouTube has historically taken measures to block or limit unauthorized background playback. There’s no guarantee that current workarounds will continue to function indefinitely. The cat-and-mouse game between YouTube and users seeking background playback is ongoing.

5. Are there any jailbreak tweaks that enable background YouTube playback?

Yes, but jailbreaking your iPhone is generally discouraged. While jailbreaking offers greater customization and control, it also voids your warranty, increases security risks, and can make your device unstable. There are definitely jailbreak tweaks that can achieve this, but the risks associated with jailbreaking outweigh the benefits for most users.

6. Why does YouTube block background playback in the first place?

YouTube’s primary goal is to keep users engaged with the platform to generate ad revenue. Background playback reduces the likelihood of active engagement and ad views.

7. Can I control background playback using Siri?

Yes, you can use Siri to control background playback. Once the audio is playing, you can use voice commands like “Pause,” “Play,” “Next song,” or “Volume up” to control the audio playback.

8. Does YouTube offer any official alternative for audio-only listening?

YouTube offers YouTube Music, which is designed for audio-focused listening. However, background playback on YouTube Music is generally restricted to YouTube Premium subscribers. Podcasts are becoming more seamlessly integrated as well.

9. Will iOS updates affect these background playback methods?

Yes, iOS updates can potentially affect these methods. Apple may introduce changes that impact the functionality of third-party browsers or the Safari browser. It’s always a good idea to test the methods after updating your iOS.

10. Is there a way to download YouTube videos for offline playback on my iPhone?

Yes, with a YouTube Premium subscription, you can download videos for offline playback within the YouTube app. There are also third-party apps and services that claim to download YouTube videos, but using them may violate YouTube’s terms of service and potentially expose you to security risks.

11. What is the best method for consistent background playback?

YouTube Premium is the most consistent and reliable method for background playback on iPhone. It is the only officially supported method and eliminates the need for workarounds that may be blocked or affected by updates.

12. Are there any browsers that are better than others for PiP YouTube playback?

Brave browser is often considered one of the best for PiP YouTube playback due to its built-in ad blocker and focus on privacy. Opera and DuckDuckGo also offer reliable PiP functionality. Test a few to see which works best for you.