Listening to YouTube content while multitasking on your iPhone or iPad is a common desire. Whether you want to listen to music, podcasts, or interviews, the default YouTube app stops playing audio when you switch to another app or lock your screen. Fortunately, there are several workarounds to keep YouTube playing in the background on your iOS device. This comprehensive guide explores multiple methods, offering detailed steps and instructions to ensure uninterrupted playback. We’ll cover options ranging from using Safari and other browsers to exploring third-party apps, enabling Picture-in-Picture mode, and even leveraging YouTube Premium features. By the end of this article, you’ll have a reliable method to enjoy your favorite YouTube content without being tethered to the YouTube app.
Why YouTube Stops Playing in the Background
The standard YouTube app is designed to pause video playback when it’s no longer the active app on your screen. This behavior is intentional, primarily driven by two factors:
- Battery Optimization: Continuously playing video in the background consumes significant battery power. Pausing playback when the app is not in use helps to conserve battery life.
- YouTube’s Business Model: YouTube’s primary revenue source is advertising. By requiring users to keep the app open, YouTube ensures that ads are displayed and viewed, generating revenue. Allowing background playback without ads would undermine this model.
While these reasons are understandable from YouTube’s perspective, they can be frustrating for users who want to listen to content without watching the video. Fortunately, the following methods provide solutions to circumvent this limitation.
Method 1: Using Safari (or another browser)
One of the most reliable and readily available methods to play YouTube in the background involves using a web browser like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on your iPhone or iPad. This method leverages the browser’s ability to continue playing audio even when the app is minimized or the screen is locked.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open Safari (or your preferred browser): Launch the Safari app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Navigate to YouTube: In the address bar, type www.youtube.com and press Go. Ensure you’re accessing the desktop version of the site. Sometimes the mobile version is automatically loaded, which will not allow background playback.
- Request the Desktop Version (Crucial Step): This is the most important step. To ensure background playback, you need to request the desktop version of the YouTube website. Here’s how to do it in Safari:
- iOS 13 and later: Tap the “AA” icon in the left side of the address bar. A menu will appear. Tap “Request Desktop Website”.
- Older iOS versions: Tap and hold the refresh button in the address bar. A menu will pop up; select “Request Desktop Site”.
In Chrome, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select “Request Desktop site”. Other browsers have similar options, usually found in their settings or menu.
- Search for your desired video: Use the search bar on the YouTube website to find the video you want to play.
- Start playing the video: Tap on the video to start playback.
- Minimize Safari (or lock your screen): While the video is playing, either swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen (on iPhones with Face ID) or press the home button (on iPhones with a home button). Alternatively, you can lock your screen by pressing the power button.
- Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (on iPhones with Face ID) or swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on iPhones with a home button) to access the Control Center.
- Resume Playback: In the Control Center, you should see the YouTube video controls. Tap the play button to resume playback. The audio should now continue playing even though the YouTube app is not in the foreground.
Troubleshooting Tips for Browser Method:
- Ensure Desktop Version is Enabled: Double-check that you have successfully requested the desktop version of the YouTube website. If the playback stops immediately after minimizing the browser, this is likely the issue. Refresh the page after requesting the desktop site to ensure the setting is applied.
- Check Control Center: If you don’t see the playback controls in the Control Center, try waiting a few seconds. Sometimes it takes a moment for the system to recognize the playing audio.
- Clear Browser Cache: If you are still having issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This can resolve conflicts that might be preventing background playback. In Safari, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data.
- Update your Browser: Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser. Outdated browsers can sometimes have compatibility issues that prevent background playback.
- Disable Content Blockers: Certain content blockers or ad blockers can interfere with YouTube playback. Try temporarily disabling these extensions to see if they are the cause of the problem.
- Avoid Full-Screen Mode Before Minimizing: Starting the video in full-screen mode and then minimizing the app can sometimes prevent background playback. Ensure the video is playing in its standard size before you switch to another app.
Method 2: Using Third-Party Apps
Several third-party apps available on the App Store are specifically designed to enable background YouTube playback. These apps often offer additional features such as ad-free playback, offline downloading, and enhanced playlist management. However, it’s important to exercise caution when downloading and using third-party apps, as some may contain malware or violate YouTube’s terms of service. Always read reviews and check the app’s privacy policy before installing it.
Examples of Third-Party Apps (Use with Caution):
Disclaimer: We do not endorse or recommend any specific third-party app. The apps listed below are examples and should be used at your own risk. We are not responsible for any issues or damages that may arise from using these apps. Always research and read reviews before installing any third-party application.
- Musi: This app allows you to create playlists from YouTube videos and play them in the background. It offers a clean interface and is relatively easy to use.
- MixTube: Another option for playing YouTube music in the background, MixTube provides similar functionality to Musi.
- Ymusic: A less common but functional choice allowing background playback.
Steps for Using Third-Party Apps (General):
- Download and install the app: Search for the app on the App Store, download it, and install it on your iPhone or iPad.
- Grant necessary permissions: When you first launch the app, it may ask for certain permissions, such as access to your media library or network connection. Grant these permissions as needed.
- Search for your desired video: Use the app’s search function to find the YouTube video you want to play.
- Start playing the video: Tap on the video to start playback.
- Minimize the app (or lock your screen): Similar to the browser method, you can minimize the app or lock your screen while the video is playing. The audio should continue to play in the background.
- Control playback from Control Center: Use the playback controls in the Control Center to pause, resume, or skip tracks.
Risks and Considerations for Third-Party Apps:
- Security Risks: Downloading apps from unknown or untrusted sources can expose your device to malware and other security threats. Always download apps from the official App Store and check the developer’s reputation.
- Privacy Concerns: Some third-party apps may collect your personal data or track your browsing activity. Read the app’s privacy policy carefully before installing it.
- Terms of Service Violations: Using third-party apps to bypass YouTube’s advertising or download videos may violate YouTube’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended or terminated.
- App Stability: Third-party apps may not be as stable or reliable as official apps. They may crash frequently or have compatibility issues with your device.
- Ad Overload: Ironically, some apps designed to block YouTube ads can be overloaded with their own ads, creating a worse user experience than the native YouTube app.
Method 3: YouTube Premium
The most straightforward and officially supported way to play YouTube in the background is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service that offers several benefits, including:
- Ad-free viewing: Watch YouTube videos without any ads.
- Background playback: Continue listening to YouTube videos even when you switch to another app or lock your screen.
- Offline downloads: Download videos to watch offline.
- YouTube Music Premium: Access YouTube Music Premium, which offers ad-free music listening and background playback.
Steps to Subscribe to YouTube Premium:
- Open the YouTube app: Launch the YouTube app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your profile icon: Tap on your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select “Get YouTube Premium”: In the menu, select “Get YouTube Premium”.
- Choose a subscription plan: Select the subscription plan that best suits your needs. YouTube typically offers individual, family, and student plans.
- Confirm your purchase: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your purchase and subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Benefits of YouTube Premium:
- Official Support: YouTube Premium is the officially supported method for background playback, ensuring compatibility and reliability.
- Ad-Free Experience: Enjoy YouTube videos without any interruptions from ads.
- Convenience: Background playback is enabled automatically once you subscribe to YouTube Premium.
- Additional Features: YouTube Premium offers other benefits, such as offline downloads and access to YouTube Music Premium.
Drawbacks of YouTube Premium:
- Cost: YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service, which may not be affordable for everyone.
- Reliance on YouTube: You are still dependent on YouTube’s platform and policies. If YouTube changes its terms of service, your background playback privileges could be affected.
Method 4: Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode (iOS 14 and Later)
Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode is a feature available on iOS 14 and later that allows you to watch videos in a small, floating window while using other apps. While not exactly background playback, it allows you to multitask while keeping the video visible on your screen. For YouTube, this is officially supported only with YouTube Premium.
Steps to Use Picture-in-Picture Mode with YouTube Premium:
- Ensure you have YouTube Premium: Picture-in-Picture is officially supported for YouTube only with a YouTube Premium subscription.
- Start playing the video: Launch the YouTube app and start playing the video you want to watch.
- Swipe up or tap the Home button: While the video is playing, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on iPhones with Face ID) or press the home button (on iPhones with a home button) to return to the home screen.
- The video will enter PiP mode: The video will automatically shrink into a small, floating window that you can move around your screen.
- Use other apps: You can now use other apps while the video continues to play in the PiP window.
- Control PiP playback: Tap on the PiP window to access playback controls, such as pause, play, and close. You can also resize the window by pinching in or out.
Using Picture-in-Picture Mode Without YouTube Premium (Unofficial):
While YouTube officially restricts PiP to Premium subscribers, there are workarounds using the Safari browser, similar to the background playback method.
- Open YouTube in Safari (Desktop Version): Follow the steps outlined in Method 1 to open YouTube in Safari and request the desktop version of the site.
- Start playing a video: Begin playing your desired video.
- Enter Fullscreen Mode: Tap the fullscreen icon in the bottom-right corner of the video player.
- Exit Fullscreen Mode: After a second or two of fullscreen playback, tap the PiP button, which should appear in the top-left corner of the screen (it looks like a rectangle inside another rectangle). If you don’t see the PiP button, tap the screen to bring up the controls, and it should appear.
- Return to Home Screen: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the Home button to return to the home screen. The video should now be playing in a PiP window.
Limitations of Picture-in-Picture Mode:
- Screen Real Estate: The PiP window takes up a portion of your screen, which can be distracting when using other apps.
- Limited Controls: The PiP window offers limited playback controls compared to the full YouTube app.
- Battery Consumption: Playing video in PiP mode still consumes battery power, although less than playing it in the foreground.
Method 5: Shortcuts App (Advanced)
For advanced users, the Shortcuts app on iOS provides a way to automate background YouTube playback using custom scripts. This method requires some technical knowledge but can offer a highly customized and streamlined experience.
Note: This method is complex and may require troubleshooting. It also relies on third-party services or scripts, which may become unreliable over time.
General Steps for Using Shortcuts (Conceptual):
- Find or Create a Shortcut: Search online for pre-made Shortcuts designed to play YouTube in the background, or create your own using the Shortcuts app. Creating your own shortcut involves using actions like “Get Contents of URL,” “Play Sound,” and “Show Notification.”
- Configure the Shortcut: Customize the shortcut to extract the audio stream from the YouTube video and play it in the background. This may involve using regular expressions or other advanced techniques.
- Trigger the Shortcut: Set up a trigger to automatically run the shortcut when you open a YouTube video in Safari or another browser. This can be done using the “Share Sheet” option in Safari.
- Test and Refine: Test the shortcut thoroughly and refine it as needed to ensure reliable background playback.
Risks and Considerations for Shortcuts:
- Complexity: Creating and configuring Shortcuts requires technical knowledge and can be challenging for novice users.
- Reliability: Shortcuts may become unreliable due to changes in YouTube’s website or API.
- Security: Running Shortcuts from untrusted sources can expose your device to security risks. Only use Shortcuts from reputable sources or create your own from scratch.
- Maintenance: Shortcuts may require ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure they continue to function correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the methods outlined above, you may encounter issues with background YouTube playback. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Playback Stops Immediately:
- Check Desktop Version: Ensure you have requested the desktop version of the YouTube website in your browser.
- Control Center: Make sure you are resuming playback from the Control Center.
- Browser Settings: Verify that your browser is not configured to block background audio playback.
- No Audio in Background:
- Volume: Check that your device’s volume is turned up and that the audio is not muted.
- App Permissions: Ensure that the app you are using has permission to play audio in the background (if applicable).
- Headphones/Speakers: Make sure your headphones or speakers are properly connected and functioning.
- Control Center Not Showing Controls:
- Wait a Few Seconds: Sometimes it takes a few seconds for the playback controls to appear in the Control Center.
- Restart App/Browser: Try closing and reopening the app or browser you are using.
- Restart Device: If the problem persists, try restarting your iPhone or iPad.
- App Crashing:
- Update App: Make sure you are using the latest version of the app.
- Free Up Storage: Ensure that you have enough free storage space on your device.
- Reinstall App: Try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.
Conclusion
Keeping YouTube playing in the background on your iPhone or iPad requires a bit of ingenuity, as the default app doesn’t natively support this functionality. However, by utilizing the methods outlined in this guide – using Safari or another browser, exploring third-party apps (with caution), subscribing to YouTube Premium, leveraging Picture-in-Picture mode, or even experimenting with Shortcuts – you can successfully enjoy your favorite YouTube content while multitasking. Remember to prioritize security and privacy when choosing third-party apps and be aware of the potential limitations of each method. Ultimately, the best solution depends on your individual needs and preferences. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or interviews, these techniques will help you unlock the full potential of YouTube on your iOS device.