How to Get YouTube to Play in the Background on iPhone
So, you want YouTube to keep playing even when you switch to another app or lock your iPhone? You’re not alone! While YouTube actively pushes its Premium subscription for background playback, there are still several effective and perfectly legal workarounds. Here’s the direct answer, followed by detailed methods and troubleshooting:
The most reliable methods to play YouTube in the background on iPhone involve using a web browser like Safari or Chrome, and sometimes leveraging Picture-in-Picture (PiP) functionality. You can also use third-party apps designed for background audio playback, though their availability and reliability may vary.
Detailed Methods for Background YouTube Playback
Let’s dive into the specific methods, outlining their pros, cons, and step-by-step instructions:
1. Safari Browser Method: The Classic Approach
This is arguably the most widely used and consistently functional method.
Steps:
- Open Safari on your iPhone.
- Go to youtube.com (make sure it’s the desktop site and not the mobile site or YouTube app!). If you automatically redirect to the app, tap the “aA” icon in the address bar and choose “Request Desktop Website.”
- Search for and start playing the YouTube video you want to listen to.
- Press the Home button or swipe up to close Safari and return to your iPhone’s home screen. The audio will stop.
- Access the Control Center. On iPhones with Face ID, swipe down from the top-right corner of the screen. On iPhones with a Home button, swipe up from the bottom of the screen.
- Locate the media playback controls in the Control Center. You should see the name of the YouTube video.
- Tap the Play button. The audio will resume, and you can now use other apps or lock your phone while the YouTube audio continues to play in the background.
Pros: Free, relatively reliable, doesn’t require downloading any new apps.
Cons: Can sometimes be interrupted by other audio sources, might require re-enabling playback if you close all apps.
2. Chrome Browser Method: An Alternative Approach
Similar to Safari, Chrome can also be used for background playback.
Steps:
- Open the Chrome browser on your iPhone.
- Navigate to youtube.com. Again, ensure you’re viewing the desktop version of the site.
- Play the YouTube video of your choice.
- Leave the Chrome app by pressing the Home button or swiping up.
- Access the Control Center and tap the Play button to resume audio playback.
Pros: Similar to the Safari method, free and requires no extra app downloads if you already use Chrome.
Cons: Also prone to interruptions from other audio sources, may require occasional re-enabling of playback.
3. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode: The Visual Option
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) allows you to watch a YouTube video in a small, floating window while using other apps. While not strictly background playback, it’s a great compromise.
Steps:
- This method primarily relies on YouTube Premium or using a third-party app that supports PiP.
- If you have YouTube Premium, simply start a video in the YouTube app and swipe up to return to the home screen. The video should automatically enter PiP mode.
- Alternatively, some third-party browsers or apps offer PiP functionality for YouTube, but their availability is subject to change and app store policies. Search for “PiP browser for YouTube” in the App Store.
Pros: Allows you to watch the video while doing other things, convenient if you need the visual element.
Cons: Requires YouTube Premium (officially) or relying on third-party apps with potentially fluctuating support, uses more battery than audio-only background playback.
4. Third-Party Apps: The Dedicated Solution (Use with Caution)
Numerous apps claim to enable background YouTube playback. However, exercise caution when downloading these apps. Many can be unreliable, contain excessive ads, or even pose security risks.
Examples: (Note: We don’t endorse specific apps; these are examples for illustrative purposes only. Always read reviews and check the developer’s reputation before downloading.)
- Musi: This app allows you to create playlists from YouTube and play them in the background.
- Other Browsers with Background Playback Features: Some browsers available on the App Store are specifically designed for background YouTube playback.
Pros: Can offer a more seamless and dedicated background playback experience.
Cons: App availability is volatile due to YouTube’s API restrictions, security risks associated with unknown developers, can be riddled with ads.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with these methods, you might encounter problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common issues:
- Playback Stops: Ensure that the desktop version of YouTube is being used. Also, check if any other apps are playing audio (music, podcasts, etc.) as they can interrupt YouTube playback.
- Control Center Doesn’t Show Playback Controls: Sometimes, the Control Center might not display the playback controls immediately. Try pausing and then resuming the video in the browser before leaving the app. Also, ensure “Allow Notifications” is enabled for the browser in your iPhone’s Settings.
- YouTube App Keeps Opening: If you’re constantly redirected to the YouTube app, clear the app’s cache and data (if possible) or temporarily uninstall it. Then, access YouTube through the browser.
- Battery Drain: Playing video or audio in the background will consume battery. To minimize battery drain, close unnecessary apps and reduce screen brightness. For audio-only playback, consider turning off the screen entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 frequently asked questions to provide additional valuable information:
1. Is it legal to play YouTube in the background without Premium?
Yes, using the browser-based methods outlined above is perfectly legal. These methods simply leverage the browser’s ability to play audio in the background. It’s not considered a violation of YouTube’s terms of service as long as you’re not using unauthorized third-party apps that bypass YouTube’s advertising or subscription models.
2. Will YouTube eventually block these workaround methods?
YouTube has historically tried to limit background playback to Premium subscribers. While the future is uncertain, the browser-based methods have proven resilient so far. It’s possible that YouTube may implement changes that make these methods more difficult, but for now, they remain viable.
3. Why does YouTube want me to subscribe to Premium for background playback?
Background playback is a premium feature designed to incentivize subscriptions. YouTube Premium provides a revenue stream for content creators and helps YouTube maintain its platform.
4. What are the benefits of YouTube Premium besides background playback?
YouTube Premium offers several advantages, including ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and access to YouTube Music Premium.
5. Does YouTube Music allow background playback without Premium?
Yes, YouTube Music allows background playback without Premium, but only if you’re listening to music you’ve uploaded yourself or added to your library. For on-demand streaming of other artists, a Premium subscription is required.
6. Can I use a VPN to bypass YouTube Premium restrictions for background playback?
Using a VPN to circumvent geographical restrictions or YouTube Premium features may violate YouTube’s terms of service. It’s generally not recommended and could lead to account suspension.
7. Are third-party apps safe to use for background YouTube playback?
Not always. Exercise caution when downloading and using third-party apps. Read reviews, check the developer’s reputation, and be wary of apps that request excessive permissions. Always prioritize your security and privacy.
8. How does iOS handle background audio playback in general?
iOS allows apps to play audio in the background, but apps must be designed to support this feature. The Control Center provides playback controls for apps that are actively playing audio.
9. Will playing YouTube in the background drain my battery faster?
Yes, any app running in the background will consume battery. Video playback consumes more battery than audio-only playback. To minimize battery drain, close unnecessary apps and turn off the screen.
10. What’s the difference between the desktop and mobile versions of YouTube?
The desktop version of YouTube is designed for larger screens and offers more features, including background playback capabilities when accessed through a browser. The mobile version is optimized for smaller screens and typically redirects to the YouTube app.
11. Why does the audio sometimes cut out when I switch to another app?
This can happen if other apps are competing for audio resources. Close any unnecessary apps that might be playing audio in the background.
12. Is there a way to loop a YouTube video for continuous background playback?
Yes, most browsers offer a loop option. In the desktop version of YouTube, right-click on the video player and select “Loop.” This will cause the video to play continuously. This also applies to playlists.
By understanding these methods and troubleshooting tips, you can enjoy your favorite YouTube content in the background on your iPhone, even without a Premium subscription. Remember to prioritize security and choose the method that best suits your needs and comfort level.
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