How to Play YouTube in the Background: A Comprehensive Guide for Android and iOS

Do you love listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks on YouTube but find it frustrating that the audio stops when you switch to another app or lock your screen? You’re not alone. This is a common issue for many YouTube users, but thankfully, there are several ways to listen to YouTube in the background on both Android and iOS devices. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, from YouTube Premium to workarounds using web browsers and third-party apps. Let’s dive in!

Why YouTube Stops Playing in the Background

Before we explore the solutions, it’s helpful to understand why YouTube behaves this way. By default, the YouTube app is designed to pause video playback when it’s no longer in the foreground. This is primarily due to:

• Resource Management: Mobile operating systems prioritize apps that are actively in use. Pausing background video playback helps conserve battery life and system resources.
• YouTube’s Business Model: YouTube’s primary revenue source is advertising. By encouraging users to keep the app in the foreground, they can serve more ads. Background playback is typically reserved for YouTube Premium subscribers.
• App Design: The YouTube app is primarily designed for video consumption, not background audio playback.

Method 1: YouTube Premium (Official Solution)

The most straightforward and official way to listen to YouTube in the background is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. This subscription offers several benefits, including:

• Ad-free Viewing: Enjoy YouTube videos without interruptions from advertisements.
• Background Playback: Listen to YouTube videos even when your screen is locked or you’re using other apps.
• YouTube Music Premium: Access YouTube Music Premium, which allows you to download and listen to music offline.
• Offline Downloads: Download videos to watch later without an internet connection.

How to Subscribe to YouTube Premium:

1. Open the YouTube App: Launch the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Tap Your Profile Picture: Tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen.
3. Select “Get YouTube Premium”: In the menu, find and tap the “Get YouTube Premium” option. It may also say “YouTube Premium”.
4. Choose a Plan: Select the subscription plan that suits your needs (individual, family, or student).
5. Confirm Payment: Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your payment method and complete the subscription process.

Once you’ve subscribed to YouTube Premium, background playback will be enabled automatically. You can now play any YouTube video and switch to other apps or lock your screen without the audio stopping.

Is YouTube Premium Worth It?

Whether YouTube Premium is worth the cost depends on your usage habits. If you frequently watch YouTube videos and are bothered by ads and the lack of background playback, it’s a worthwhile investment. The ad-free experience and access to YouTube Music Premium are also significant benefits. However, if you only occasionally watch YouTube, the free workarounds discussed below might be sufficient.

Method 2: Using a Web Browser (Android & iOS)

A common workaround to listen to YouTube in the background is to use a web browser on your mobile device. This method works on both Android and iOS, but the steps may vary slightly depending on the browser you use. Here’s a general guide:

Steps for Android (Chrome Browser):

1. Open Chrome: Launch the Chrome browser on your Android device.
2. Navigate to YouTube: Go to the YouTube website (www.youtube.com) in Chrome.
3. Request Desktop Site: Tap the three vertical dots in the top right corner of the screen and select “Desktop site” (or “Desktop view”). This is a crucial step.
4. Play a Video: Search for and play the YouTube video you want to listen to.
5. Exit Chrome: Press the home button or swipe up (depending on your device’s navigation) to exit Chrome. The video will likely stop playing.
6. Access Notification Shade: Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the notification shade.
7. Find Media Controls: You should see media controls for the YouTube video playing in Chrome. Tap the play button to resume playback.

Now, you can listen to the YouTube video in the background while using other apps or with your screen locked.

Steps for iOS (Safari Browser):

1. Open Safari: Launch the Safari browser on your iOS device.
2. Navigate to YouTube: Go to the YouTube website (www.youtube.com) in Safari.
3. Request Desktop Website: Tap the “aA” icon in the top left corner of the address bar (or the share icon on some older versions of iOS). Then, select “Request Desktop Website.”
4. Play a Video: Search for and play the YouTube video you want to listen to.
5. Exit Safari: Press the home button or swipe up (depending on your device’s navigation) to exit Safari. The video will likely stop playing.
6. Access Control Center: Swipe down from the top right corner of the screen (or swipe up from the bottom on older devices) to access the Control Center.
7. Find Media Controls: You should see media controls for the YouTube video playing in Safari. Tap the play button to resume playback.

Similar to Android, you can now listen to YouTube in the background while using other apps or with your screen locked.

Troubleshooting the Browser Method:

• Desktop Site is Crucial: Make sure you’ve enabled the “Desktop site” or “Desktop website” option in your browser settings. This is essential for the workaround to function correctly.
• Browser Updates: Ensure your browser is up to date. Outdated browsers may not support background playback functionality.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: If you’re still experiencing issues, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
• Permissions: Make sure that your browser has the necessary permissions enabled in your device’s settings. For example, ensure Safari has permission to access the internet.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps (Android)

While not officially endorsed by YouTube, several third-party apps allow you to play YouTube videos in the background on Android devices. These apps often offer additional features like ad-blocking and offline downloads. However, it’s important to note that using third-party apps may violate YouTube’s terms of service, and some apps may contain malware or other security risks. Proceed with caution and only download apps from reputable sources like the Google Play Store.

Popular Third-Party Apps for Background YouTube Playback:

• NewPipe: A lightweight, open-source YouTube client that allows background playback, ad-free viewing, and downloading videos. It does not use the official YouTube API and therefore is less likely to have issues with Google/YouTube policies. Available from F-Droid and its own website.
• SkyTube: Another open-source YouTube client with similar features to NewPipe. It also allows you to block specific channels and filter videos. Available from F-Droid and its own website.
• Brave Browser: Brave is a Chromium-based web browser that has a built-in ad blocker and background video playback feature. You can use it to browse YouTube and play videos in the background without any additional apps.

How to Use a Third-Party App (Example: NewPipe):

1. Download and Install the App: Download NewPipe from the F-Droid app store or the NewPipe website (newpipe.net). You may need to enable “Install from Unknown Sources” in your device’s settings to install apps from outside the Play Store. Be very careful when enabling this setting and only enable it temporarily when installing a trusted app.
2. Open NewPipe: Launch the NewPipe app.
3. Search for a Video: Use the search bar to find the YouTube video you want to listen to.
4. Play in Background: Tap the video to play it. Then, tap the “Background” button (usually represented by a headphone icon) to start background playback.

Now, you can listen to the YouTube video in the background while using other apps or with your screen locked. Note: Since NewPipe uses its own implementation and not the official YouTube app, it may have a slightly different interface and features.

Risks of Using Third-Party Apps:

• Security Risks: Some third-party apps may contain malware or track your data. Download apps only from reputable sources and read reviews before installing.
• Terms of Service Violations: Using third-party apps to bypass YouTube’s restrictions may violate its terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension. This is less likely with apps like NewPipe that don’t use the YouTube API.
• App Instability: Third-party apps may be less stable and prone to crashes compared to the official YouTube app.
• Lack of Support: You may not receive updates or support for third-party apps if they are abandoned by their developers.

Method 4: YouTube Music App (Free and Premium)

YouTube Music is a dedicated music streaming app from YouTube that offers both free and premium tiers. While primarily designed for music, it can also be used to listen to audio from other types of YouTube videos.

YouTube Music (Free):

• The free version of YouTube Music allows you to listen to music and some other audio content, but it typically pauses when you lock your screen or switch to another app. However, it may sometimes allow background playback for certain types of content or in certain regions. This is not guaranteed, and the experience can be inconsistent.

YouTube Music Premium:

• A YouTube Music Premium subscription (which is included with YouTube Premium) provides ad-free listening, offline downloads, and background playback. This is a reliable way to listen to YouTube audio in the background, specifically within the YouTube Music app.

How to Use YouTube Music:

1. Download and Install the App: Download the YouTube Music app from the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
2. Open YouTube Music: Launch the YouTube Music app.
3. Search for Content: Use the search bar to find the music or audio content you want to listen to.
4. Play in Background (Premium): If you have YouTube Music Premium, simply play the content, and it will continue playing in the background even when you lock your screen or switch to another app.

Limitations of YouTube Music:

• Limited Content: YouTube Music primarily focuses on music content. While you can find some other types of audio, it may not be as comprehensive as the main YouTube app.
• Premium Required for Reliable Background Playback: The free version of YouTube Music may not consistently support background playback.

Method 5: Using Android Developer Options (Advanced – Android Only)

This method is specific to Android devices and involves enabling a developer option called “Force activities to be resizable.” This can sometimes trick the system into allowing YouTube (or other apps) to continue playing in the background as it treats the app as if it is still partially visible. This method is not guaranteed to work on all devices and Android versions, and it may have unintended consequences on other apps. Use with caution.

Steps to Enable “Force activities to be resizable”:

1. Enable Developer Options:
   • Go to your device’s Settings app.
   • Scroll down to “About phone” or “About tablet.”
   • Find the “Build number” and tap it repeatedly (usually 7 times) until you see a message saying “You are now a developer!”
2. Access Developer Options:
   • Go back to the main Settings menu.
   • You should now see a “Developer options” menu (it might be under “System” or “Additional settings”).
   • Tap on “Developer options.”
3. Enable “Force activities to be resizable”:
   • Scroll down through the list of developer options until you find “Force activities to be resizable.”
   • Toggle the switch to enable this option.
   • You may be prompted to restart your device for the changes to take effect. If so, restart your device.
4. Test with YouTube:
   • Open the YouTube app and play a video.
   • Switch to another app or lock your screen.
   • See if the YouTube video continues to play in the background.

Potential Issues and Considerations:

• Instability: This option can sometimes cause apps to behave unexpectedly or become unstable.
• Compatibility: It may not work with all apps or devices.
• Battery Drain: Forcing activities to be resizable might increase battery consumption.
• Not Guaranteed: This method is not a guaranteed solution and may stop working after system updates.

Disabling Developer Options:

If you experience problems after enabling “Force activities to be resizable,” you can disable developer options altogether. To do this, go back to the “Developer options” menu and toggle the main switch at the top to turn it off. This will revert your device to its default settings.

Comparison of Methods

Here’s a quick comparison of the methods discussed above:

Conclusion

Listening to YouTube in the background is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite audio content without being tethered to the YouTube app. Whether you choose the official route with YouTube Premium, opt for a web browser workaround, explore third-party apps, or experiment with Android developer options, there’s a solution that can fit your needs. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each method and prioritize your security and privacy when choosing a third-party app. Happy listening!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why does YouTube stop playing when I lock my screen?

A: By default, YouTube is designed to pause video playback when it’s no longer in the foreground to conserve battery life and encourage users to keep the app open (for ad revenue). YouTube Premium is the official way to enable background playback.

Q: Is it legal to use third-party apps to listen to YouTube in the background?

A: Using third-party apps that bypass YouTube’s restrictions may violate its terms of service, but this is a gray area. Apps like NewPipe that don’t use the official YouTube API are less likely to cause issues. However, be aware of potential security risks when downloading apps from outside the official app stores.

Q: Does the web browser method work on all devices?

A: The web browser method should work on most Android and iOS devices, but the steps may vary slightly depending on the browser and operating system version. Make sure you’re using the “Desktop site” or “Desktop website” option.

Q: Can I download YouTube videos for offline playback without YouTube Premium?

A: Some third-party apps allow you to download YouTube videos, but this may violate YouTube’s terms of service. YouTube Premium offers an official download feature.

Q: What is YouTube Music Premium?

A: YouTube Music Premium is a subscription service that provides ad-free listening, offline downloads, and background playback specifically within the YouTube Music app. It is included with YouTube Premium.

Q: Is it safe to enable “Force activities to be resizable” in Android developer options?

A: This option is generally safe, but it can sometimes cause apps to behave unexpectedly or become unstable. Use with caution and disable it if you experience problems.

Q: My YouTube background playback stopped working after a recent update. What should I do?

A: Updates can sometimes break workarounds. Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, updating your browser or apps, or trying a different method. If you’re using a third-party app, check for updates or consider switching to another app.