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How to Keep YouTube Playing in the Background: A Definitive Guide

Want to listen to your favorite podcast, music playlist, or ASMR while multitasking on your phone? You’re not alone. The ability to keep YouTube playing in the background is a highly sought-after feature, but accessing it requires a bit of know-how. Here’s the definitive guide to getting that background playback going, covering various devices and methods. The simplest way to play YouTube in the background is to use YouTube Premium, a paid subscription service that allows background playback as a standard feature. However, there are also several workarounds for both Android and iOS devices, often involving browser-based tricks or third-party apps.

Mastering Background Playback: Device-Specific Strategies

Let’s dive into the specifics for different operating systems, unlocking the secrets to uninterrupted audio enjoyment. We’ll explore both the official routes and clever, yet legitimate, alternative methods.

Android Solutions: From Browsers to Apps

Android offers several avenues to achieve background YouTube playback, ranging from the straightforward to the slightly more technical.

YouTube Premium: This is the official, and arguably simplest, route. Subscribing to YouTube Premium unlocks background playback, ad-free viewing, and the ability to download videos for offline use. It’s a paid service, but if you regularly consume YouTube content, the benefits can easily outweigh the cost.
Browser-Based Trickery (Chrome, Firefox, etc.): This method leverages the desktop browser experience on your phone. Open YouTube in your mobile browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave are good choices). Request the desktop version of the site (usually found in the browser’s settings menu – three dots or lines). Start playing your video, then navigate away from the browser. You may need to pull down your notification shade and use the media controls to resume playback. This approach often requires some fiddling, and might not work flawlessly on all devices or with every browser, but it’s a commonly used workaround.
Third-Party Apps (Be Cautious!): There are numerous apps on the Google Play Store that claim to offer background YouTube playback. However, exercise extreme caution when downloading such apps. Many of these apps are ad-ridden, may contain malware, or violate YouTube’s terms of service. Always read reviews, check permissions, and ensure the developer is reputable before installing anything. Some previously popular apps, like OGYouTube, are no longer actively maintained and might pose security risks.

iOS Workarounds: Safari and the Art of Patience

Apple’s iOS ecosystem is a bit more restrictive, but background playback is still achievable with a few carefully executed steps.

Safari and Picture-in-Picture (PiP): Similar to the Android browser method, open YouTube in Safari. Request the desktop version of the site. Begin playing your video. Then, navigate to another app. If PiP is enabled on your device, the video should shrink into a small, movable window. If not, pull down the Control Center and tap the play button.
Shortcuts App (Advanced): The Shortcuts app on iOS allows for some impressive automation. While not a direct solution for background playback, you can create a shortcut that opens YouTube in Safari, requests the desktop site, and even automatically plays a specific video. This requires some technical know-how and may break with future iOS or YouTube updates.
YouTube Premium (Again): Just like on Android, YouTube Premium is the official and most reliable way to enable background playback on iOS.

Beyond the Basics: Tips and Troubleshooting

Successfully achieving background playback often involves a bit of trial and error. Here are some additional tips to maximize your chances of success:

Browser Updates: Ensure your browser is up to date. Older browser versions may not support the necessary features for background playback.
Clear Cache and Cookies: Sometimes, corrupted browser data can interfere with playback. Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies might resolve the issue.
Disable Battery Optimization: Some battery optimization settings can aggressively kill background processes. Check your device’s battery settings and ensure that your browser or the YouTube app isn’t being restricted.
Experiment with Different Browsers: If one browser isn’t working, try another. Firefox and Brave are often good alternatives to Chrome and Safari.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to address any lingering doubts and cover additional scenarios.

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

Using third-party apps to bypass YouTube’s terms of service might be considered a gray area legally. While you’re unlikely to face legal repercussions as an individual user, YouTube could potentially block or restrict your account if they detect you’re using unauthorized methods. The legality of these apps themselves is also questionable, as some may infringe on YouTube’s copyright or intellectual property.

2. Will YouTube background playback drain my battery faster?

Yes, playing YouTube in the background will consume battery power, although likely less than actively watching the video. The screen being off saves considerable energy, but the audio stream and background processes still require power.

3. Why does YouTube stop playing in the background when I lock my screen?

This often happens because your device’s operating system is aggressively managing background processes to conserve battery life. Try disabling battery optimization for your browser or the YouTube app (if applicable). Also, make sure you are requesting the Desktop Version of the Website.

4. Does YouTube Music have background playback?

Yes! YouTube Music is designed for background playback. In fact, a YouTube Music Premium subscription provides ad-free listening, background playback, and offline downloads specifically for music content. It’s a great option if you primarily listen to music on YouTube.

5. Can I use a VPN to get YouTube Premium cheaper in another country?

While technically possible, using a VPN to purchase YouTube Premium in a region with lower pricing violates YouTube’s terms of service. YouTube actively detects and blocks VPN usage for this purpose, and you risk having your subscription canceled.

6. Are there any risks associated with using third-party YouTube apps?

Yes, several risks exist. These apps may contain malware, collect your personal data without your consent, bombard you with ads, and violate YouTube’s terms of service. It’s crucial to exercise extreme caution when considering such apps. Always prioritize apps from reputable developers with positive reviews and transparent privacy policies.

7. Will YouTube background playback work with Bluetooth headphones?

Yes, background playback should work seamlessly with Bluetooth headphones. Your device will treat the Bluetooth headphones as the audio output device, regardless of whether the screen is locked or you’re using another app.

8. How do I disable YouTube background playback if I don’t want it?

If you accidentally trigger background playback and want to stop it, simply close the YouTube app or the browser tab you were using. You can also pause playback from the notification shade or the lock screen media controls.

9. Does YouTube Premium Family Plan include background playback?

Yes! The YouTube Premium Family Plan includes background playback, ad-free viewing, and offline downloads for up to six family members in your household. It’s a cost-effective option for households with multiple YouTube users.

10. Why is the desktop mode trick not working anymore?

YouTube frequently updates its website and apps, and these updates can break workarounds like the desktop mode trick. Also, browser updates can affect the Desktop version of any website. Try updating your browser, clearing your cache and cookies, or experimenting with a different browser. The success of this method can vary depending on your device and browser.

11. Can I control YouTube playback from my smartwatch while it’s playing in the background?

Yes, many smartwatches allow you to control media playback on your phone, even when the app is running in the background. You should be able to pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust the volume directly from your smartwatch.

12. Will background playback work when my phone is in power-saving mode?

Power-saving mode often restricts background activity to conserve battery life. You may need to add your browser or the YouTube app (if applicable) to the exception list in your power-saving settings to ensure background playback continues uninterrupted.

By understanding these methods and FAQs, you can confidently navigate the world of YouTube background playback and enjoy your favorite content without limitations. Remember to prioritize safety and legality when choosing your approach, and happy listening!