Play YouTube in Background on iPhone and Android easily. People love music, tutorials, and podcasts while multitasking. The default YouTube app stops when the screen is locked.
This makes continuous listening hard for most smartphone users. Luckily, there are working solutions. You can use YouTube Premium, web browsers, third-party apps, or built-in features.
Play YouTube in Background on iPhone and Android with Premium
YouTube Premium is the most reliable method for background play. It works on both iPhone and Android devices. Premium unlocks smooth playback even when the screen is off.
You can also switch apps without interruptions. This feature is automatic and does not need extra setup.
Benefits of YouTube Premium
- Ads are removed from all videos automatically.
- Videos play in the background by default on phones.
- You can lock the screen to save battery.
- Premium includes YouTube Music ad-free access.
- Download videos offline for later watching.
Premium also supports multitasking easily. You can continue listening while browsing, messaging, or gaming. The experience is seamless, smooth, and user-friendly.
Subscription details
- Individual Premium plans cost $12 every month.
- Family plan costs $23 monthly for six members.
- YouTube offers a one-month free trial initially.
- The service is available on both iOS and Android.
Premium is the easiest way to unlock background play. However, some users prefer free methods to save money. That is where browsers and apps become useful.
Play YouTube in Background on iPhone and Android without Premium
Not everyone wants to pay monthly subscription charges. Free methods allow background play using browsers or built-in features. Both iPhone and Android users can access these tricks.
Use iPhone browsers with desktop mode
iPhone users can rely on browsers like Firefox or Opera. Safari and Chrome usually block background playback tricks.
Steps for iPhone users:
- Open YouTube in Firefox or Opera browser.
- Type youtube.com directly in the address bar.
- Search and play your preferred YouTube video.
- Switch to Desktop Site mode from browser options.
- Start video and wait for any ads to finish.
- Return to the home screen or lock device.
- Video continues in Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode.
The PiP window can be resized, moved, or hidden. This method is free, reliable, and requires no subscription.
Use Android browsers with desktop mode
Android users can also enable desktop site on browsers. Firefox works perfectly for this background playback trick. Chrome-based browsers usually block this method.
Steps for Android users:
- Open Firefox and visit youtube.com directly.
- Search and open your chosen video.
- Tap menu and select Request Desktop Site option.
- Play the video and leave the browser window.
- Audio continues in the notification shade automatically.
This method allows music or podcasts to play continuously. It is free, simple, and suitable for most Android phones.
Use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode
Modern devices also support built-in Picture-in-Picture mode. This is available on Android since version 8.0 Oreo.
- The video shrinks into a floating movable window.
- You can drag, resize, or close the window anytime.
- This works for most videos except some music content.
On iPhone, PiP is available for Premium subscribers worldwide. But in the United States, PiP also works without Premium. Just play a video and return home. A floating window appears for easy multitasking.
Advantages of free methods
- No need to pay monthly subscription fees.
- Works on most modern smartphones easily.
- Saves battery life by allowing screen lock.
- Allows multitasking while listening in background.
These methods may need extra steps compared to Premium. Still, they are useful for users who prefer free solutions.
Use Third-Party Apps
Some users prefer using dedicated third-party applications. These apps unlock background playback without subscriptions. They also provide extra features like downloading videos.
Use NewPipe app on Android
One of the most popular apps is NewPipe. It is lightweight, simple, and completely free.
Steps with NewPipe:
- Download the NewPipe app from a trusted source.
- Search for your chosen YouTube video inside the app.
- Start playing the video within the NewPipe interface.
- Press the home button or lock your screen.
- Audio continues playing in the background smoothly.
NewPipe is only available for Android devices currently. It is not present on iPhone app stores.
Other third-party app options
- Several other apps are available on Android app stores.
- They provide background playback and offline downloads.
- iPhone users have limited third-party options available.
- Apple restrictions prevent many apps from functioning properly.
Benefits of using third-party apps
- Unlock background playback without paid subscription.
- Some apps provide additional download features.
- Lightweight apps save storage and battery usage.
- Perfect for Android users avoiding Premium charges.
Third-party apps are popular for Android users globally. iPhone users, however, should rely more on browser tricks.
Extra Benefits of Background Playback
Playing YouTube in the background has several practical benefits. These benefits are useful for both iPhone and Android users.
Multitasking
- Continue listening while browsing or messaging friends.
- Watch tutorials while taking notes simultaneously.
- Play music while using social media platforms.
Power saving
- Lock screen while audio continues playing smoothly.
- Reduce battery drain by avoiding unnecessary screen usage.
- Extend phone usage during long travel or commutes.
Perfect for podcasts and music
- Play long podcasts without keeping the app open.
- Stream interviews or lectures while multitasking freely.
- Listen to playlists like music streaming applications.
Background playback makes YouTube similar to music apps. It improves the overall experience for every type of user.
As We Conclude
Play YouTube in Background on iPhone and Android effectively. YouTube Premium is the simplest way with a smooth experience. Whether listening to podcasts, music, or tutorials, background playback makes YouTube far more useful.
