YouTube has become a go-to platform for music, podcasts, tutorials, and entertainment worldwide. However, many users face a common issue: how to play YouTube with screen off. Unlike music streaming apps, YouTube normally stops playing videos when the screen is turned off, which can be frustrating when you want to listen to audio without draining your phone’s battery or keeping the screen awake.
In this article, we will explore various legitimate and effective methods on how to play YouTube with screen off on both Android and iOS devices. Whether you want to listen to your favorite songs, podcasts, or educational content while saving battery and multitasking, these tips will help you enjoy YouTube audio seamlessly with the screen off.
Why YouTube Stops Playing When Screen Is Off
Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand why YouTube videos usually stop playing once your screen turns off. YouTube’s official app is designed to pause videos when the app is no longer visible or when the screen locks to save battery and prevent background usage.
This behavior prevents users from streaming videos without active engagement unless they subscribe to YouTube Premium, which offers background playback as one of its benefits.
How to Play YouTube with Screen Off on Android
Android users have a few more options due to the flexibility of the operating system. Here are the best ways to play YouTube with the screen off on Android devices.
1. Use YouTube Premium for Background Playback
The most straightforward way is to subscribe to YouTube Premium, which officially allows background play. With YouTube Premium, you can:
- Play videos with the screen off.
- Listen to YouTube Music offline.
- Enjoy ad-free viewing.
To use background playback, simply start playing a video, and then turn off the screen or switch to another app. The audio will continue without interruption.
2. Use Browser Mode (Desktop Site)
If you want a free alternative, you can play YouTube videos in the background using your mobile browser.
Steps:
- Open your mobile browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, or Samsung Internet).
- Go to youtube.com.
- Tap on the menu (three dots) and select Desktop site or Request desktop site.
- Play the desired video.
- Exit the browser or turn off the screen. In some browsers, you may need to pull down the notification panel and press play on the media controls to resume audio.
This method often works but can be inconsistent depending on your browser and Android version.
3. Use Third-Party Apps or YouTube Vanced (for Advanced Users)
YouTube Vanced is a modified version of the official app that supports background playback for free, among other features. However, since it’s unofficial, it comes with risks and is not available on the Google Play Store.
Note: Use third-party apps cautiously and only download from trusted sources.
4. Use Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode
Some Android versions (Android 8.0 Oreo and above) support Picture-in-Picture mode, which lets you watch videos in a small window while using other apps or locking the screen.
Steps:
- Enable PiP for YouTube in your device settings.
- Start playing a video in the YouTube app.
- Press the home button; the video shrinks to a floating window.
- You can now turn off the screen or use other apps while listening to audio.
Note that PiP might not work with the screen completely off but helps multitask efficiently.
How to Play YouTube with Screen Off on iOS
Playing YouTube with the screen off is more restricted on iPhones and iPads due to Apple’s ecosystem limitations, but some methods work well.
1. Use YouTube Premium on iOS
Like Android, YouTube Premium allows background playback on iOS devices.
Steps:
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium.
- Play your video in the YouTube app.
- Lock your device or switch apps.
- The audio continues playing even when the screen is off.
2. Use Safari Browser with Background Play
You can use Safari to play YouTube audio in the background without the app.
Steps:
- Open Safari and go to youtube.com.
- Search and play the video you want.
- Tap the Share button and select Request Desktop Site.
- Start the video and then exit Safari (press the Home button or swipe up).
- Swipe down to open the Control Center.
- Find the music player and tap play to resume audio playback.
- Now, you can lock the screen, and audio will continue.
This workaround is free and doesn’t require a subscription.
3. Use Picture-in-Picture Mode on iOS 14 and Above
iOS 14 introduced Picture-in-Picture support for iPads and iPhones.
Steps:
- Play a YouTube video in Safari or the app.
- Tap the PiP icon or swipe up to go home.
- The video plays in a small floating window.
- You can now lock your screen or use other apps while the audio continues.
Tips to Enhance Your YouTube Background Playback Experience
- Use headphones or Bluetooth speakers: To enjoy better audio quality when playing YouTube with the screen off.
- Adjust battery saver settings: Make sure your device’s battery saver doesn’t restrict background apps.
- Clear cache and update apps: Keeping your YouTube app and browsers updated helps with smoother playback.
- Avoid unauthorized third-party apps: They can compromise your device’s security and violate YouTube’s terms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I play YouTube with the screen off for free?
Yes, by using mobile browsers in desktop mode or Safari’s background play on iOS, you can play YouTube with the screen off without paying. However, these methods can be less reliable than YouTube Premium.
Does YouTube Premium allow background playback?
Yes, YouTube Premium includes background playback as a core feature, letting you listen to videos and music with the screen off or while using other apps.
Is there a way to play YouTube audio with the screen off on iPhone without Premium?
Yes, you can use Safari’s desktop mode and background audio playback features to listen to YouTube with the screen off for free.
Why does YouTube stop playing when I turn off my phone screen?
YouTube’s official app pauses videos when the screen turns off to save battery and prevent background usage unless you have YouTube Premium or use browser workarounds.
Are third-party YouTube apps safe for background playback?
Some third-party apps offer background playback, but they are unofficial and may pose security risks or violate YouTube’s terms of service. It’s best to avoid these or use them cautiously.
Playing YouTube with the screen off is a highly desired feature for many users who want to save battery and multitask. While YouTube Premium provides the most straightforward and reliable method for background playback, there are free alternatives available through mobile browsers and Picture-in-Picture modes on both Android and iOS devices.
By following the steps in this guide, you can easily learn how to play YouTube with screen off and enjoy uninterrupted audio from your favorite videos anytime, anywhere. Always prioritize official methods for safety and best experience.