Keep YouTube Playing in Background Android with These Simple Steps

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If you're an avid YouTube viewer on your Android device, you know how frustrating it can be when the app stops playing in the background. This is because YouTube's default setting is to pause videos when you switch to another app.

The good news is that you can easily change this setting to keep YouTube playing in the background. To do this, go to your Android device's settings and look for the "Background app restrictions" or "Background data usage" option.

By disabling these restrictions, you'll be able to keep YouTube playing in the background without any issues. For example, if you're watching a video and receive a text message, the video will continue playing after you respond to the message.

Alternatively, you can also use the YouTube app's built-in feature to keep videos playing in the background. To do this, go to the YouTube app's settings and look for the "Background playback" option.

Playing YouTube in Background

Credit: youtube.com, How to Play YouTube in Background !

If you're an Android user, you're in luck because Android offers more flexibility when it comes to background playback.

You can make use of the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which is designed to help you multitask on Android smartphones (running Android 8.0 Oreo and later). However, PiP mode for videos that contain music content is only available for YouTube Premium members.

To use PiP mode, simply scroll down to find the YouTube app and tap YouTube. At the bottom, select Allowed under Picture-in-picture.

If you don't have a YouTube Premium subscription, there are still ways to enjoy background playback. Two practical methods that can help you keep your music playing in the background without needing a premium subscription are:

  • Opening a web browser such as Chrome or Firefox and navigating to the YouTube video you wish to play.
  • Going to Settings (three dots located in the upper-right corner) and tapping on Request Desktop Site.
  • Starting playing the video and then pressing the Home button on your device to close the browser.
  • Pulling down the notification bar and pressing play.

Alternatively, you can use third-party apps that offer limited background playback capabilities. However, be aware of potential risks, as these apps might not be as stable or feature-rich as YouTube's official app, and they could also compromise your device's security.

YouTube Music Premium offers the fantastic convenience of background playback with the screen off. Keep in mind that background playback with the screen off relies on a stable internet connection.

Suggestion: Android Auto Apps

Music Playback Options

Credit: youtube.com, Secret Tricks to Play YouTube in Background while using other apps!! - Howtosolveit

If you have a YouTube Music Premium subscription, you can enjoy uninterrupted playback even when your screen is off. This feature makes multitasking easy and ensures your music or podcast keeps going without interruption.

With a premium membership, you gain access to ad-free listening, background playback, offline downloads, and audio-only mode, which conserves battery life.

You can also use the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode on Android, which is designed to help you multitask, but this feature is only available for YouTube Premium members.

Recommended read: Incognito Mode on Youtube

Music Premium Playback

Using YouTube Music Premium for background playback is a game-changer. With a stable internet connection, you can play music with the screen off, making it perfect for workouts, cooking, or any activity where you can't keep your eyes on the screen.

Background playback with the screen off relies on a stable internet connection, so make sure your Wi-Fi is strong before you start playing. YouTube Music Premium takes care of the rest, allowing you to enjoy your favorite tunes without any interruptions.

Listening to Podcasts for Free

Free stock photo of 4k background, 4k wallpaper, android background
Credit: pexels.com, Free stock photo of 4k background, 4k wallpaper, android background

You can enjoy YouTube Music podcasts without a premium subscription. U.S. users can stream them in the background while multitasking or even with the screen locked.

YouTube Music podcasts can be streamed in the background, giving you the freedom to multitask or do other things while listening.

If you're using an Android device, you can make use of the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode to keep YouTube playing in the background.

5. Enjoy Playback

To enjoy playback on your device, you can use the YouTube mobile app. Simply hit the power button to switch to your lock screen, and you'll find that you can restart the video playing to enjoy background playback.

If you're using the Chrome app on your phone or tablet, you can also play YouTube in the background. To do this, open up the Chrome app and navigate to the YouTube video you wish to play.

Here's a step-by-step guide to playing YouTube in the background:

  1. Go to Settings (three dots located in the upper-right corner)
  2. Tap on Request Desktop Site
  3. Start playing the video and then press the Home button on your device to close the browser
  4. Pull down the notification bar and press play.

By following these steps, you can enjoy playback on your device, even when the app is closed.

Play on Phone

A Smartphone with a Logo of Youtube
Credit: pexels.com, A Smartphone with a Logo of Youtube

If you want to play YouTube music or videos in the background on your phone, there are several options available. You can try using the YouTube Music Premium membership, which offers ad-free listening, background playback, offline downloads, and more.

To play YouTube music in the background with a premium subscription, simply switch to your lock screen, and you'll find that you can restart the video playing to enjoy background playback. This feature makes multitasking easy and ensures your music or podcast keeps going without interruption.

If you don't have a premium subscription, you can still play YouTube music in the background without needing a premium subscription. You can safely minimize the YouTube Music app or lock your device, and the podcast will continue playing in the background without interruptions.

On Android, you can use the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode to play YouTube videos in the background. To do this, scroll down to find the YouTube app, and tap YouTube, then select Allowed under Picture-in-picture.

YouTube logo displayed on a backlit keyboard, representing digital media and online content creation.
Credit: pexels.com, YouTube logo displayed on a backlit keyboard, representing digital media and online content creation.

Alternatively, you can open a web browser like Chrome or Firefox, navigate to the YouTube video, and switch to another app or return to the home screen. The audio from your video should keep playing. You can even press the power button to wake your phone and see the playback controls.

Here are some steps to play YouTube in the background on your phone:

  1. Open up the Chrome app on your phone/tablet
  2. Navigate to the YouTube video you wish to play
  3. Go to Settings (three dots located in the upper-right corner)
  4. Tap on Request Desktop Site
  5. Start playing the video and then press the Home button on your device to close the browser
  6. Pull down the notification bar and press play.

Customizing Playback

You can enjoy background playback on YouTube with a YouTube Music Premium membership, which allows you to play music or podcasts even when your screen is off.

Background playback is available for most podcasts, regardless of your membership status, so you can minimize the YouTube Music app or lock your device and the podcast will continue playing without interruptions.

To enable background playback on Android, you can use the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode, which is designed to help you multitask on Android smartphones running Android 8.0 Oreo and later.

Credit: youtube.com, Play YouTube in Background With Screen Off – No Additional App Needed (Android & iOS)

PiP mode for videos that contain music content is only available for YouTube Premium members, so if you're not a premium member, you won't be able to use this feature.

To access PiP mode, scroll down to find the YouTube app, and tap YouTube, then select Allowed under Picture-in-picture.

With a YouTube Music Premium membership, you gain access to a world of music and podcasts, all while enjoying uninterrupted playback even when your screen is off.

Here are some benefits of having a YouTube Music Premium subscription:

  • Ad-free listening for uninterrupted enjoyment
  • Background playback
  • Offline downloads
  • Audio-only mode (conserve battery life)

If you don't have a YouTube Music Premium subscription, there are still ways to enjoy background playback, such as using the two practical methods mentioned in Part 2 of this article.

General Playback Information

To enjoy background playback on your Android device, you'll need to access your lock screen. The easiest way to do this is to hit the power button.

You can restart the video playing on your lock screen to continue enjoying background playback.

Jennie Bechtelar

Senior Writer

Jennie Bechtelar is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for distilling complex concepts into accessible language, Jennie has established herself as a go-to expert in the fields of important and industry-specific topics. Her writing portfolio showcases a depth of knowledge and expertise in standards and best practices, with a focus on helping readers navigate the intricacies of their chosen fields.

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