To keep YouTube playing on Android even when switching apps, you simply need to activate picture-in-picture mode or enable background playback. **You can do this by adjusting your settings or using compatible apps.** Knowing how to make YouTube continue playing on Android allows you to listen to your favorite videos while browsing or using other apps seamlessly. It’s a straightforward process that enhances your multimedia experience without interruption. Once set up, your videos keep running smoothly, no matter what task you undertake on your device.
How to Make YouTube Continue Playing on Android
Watching videos on YouTube can be a lot of fun, especially when you want to listen to music or podcasts while using your phone for other tasks. Sometimes, though, YouTube stops playing when you switch to another app, lock your screen, or even turn off your device’s display. If you want your YouTube videos to keep playing seamlessly in the background on your Android device, don’t worry! There are simple ways to do this, and this guide will walk you through all of them step by step. Whether you prefer using a special app, changing settings, or trying some handy tricks, you’ll find what you need here.
Why Does YouTube Stop Playing When You Switch Apps?
Before we jump into solutions, it’s good to understand why YouTube often stops playing when you switch to other apps or lock your screen. Most free versions of the app are designed to pause videos once the screen goes off because of how the app manages its playback rules. YouTube wants to make sure users are watching their videos on the app itself rather than playing music or audio in the background without their knowledge.
Some reasons include:
- Restrictions in the free version of YouTube
- Android system settings that restrict background activity to save battery
- App policies designed to encourage upgrades to YouTube Premium
Understanding these reasons helps you see why certain solutions work better than others. The main goal is to bypass these restrictions without needing to upgrade immediately to YouTube Premium.
Using YouTube Premium for Background Play
One straightforward method to ensure your videos keep running in the background is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This paid plan lets you listen to videos while doing other things on your device, and it’s very easy to set up.
Benefits of YouTube Premium
- Play videos in the background even when you lock the phone or switch apps
- No ads during videos
- You can download videos for offline viewing
- Access to YouTube Music
How to Subscribe and Enable Background Play
- Open the YouTube app on your Android device.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Choose “Get YouTube Premium” from the menu.
- Follow the instructions to subscribe. You may need to add your payment details.
- Once subscribed, go back to the app, and tap on your profile again.
- Select “Settings,” then tap on “Background & audio.”
- Make sure “Background play” is set to “Always on.”
This method guarantees that your videos keep playing no matter what you do on your phone, making it perfect for listening to music, podcasts, or lectures.
Using the Desktop Site in Your Browser
If you don’t want to pay for Premium, another trick involves using your browser instead of the YouTube app. Here’s how you can do it:
Steps to Play YouTube Videos in the Background via Browser
- Open your preferred web browser on your Android device, such as Chrome or Firefox.
- Go to m.youtube.com to access the mobile version of YouTube.
- Find the video you want to listen to and start playing it.
- Tap the “Share” button or the menu (three dots) in your browser, then choose “Request desktop site.” In Chrome, this option is found in the menu under “Desktop site.”
- The page will reload, showing the full desktop version of YouTube.
- Start playing the video again if needed, then exit the browser or turn off your screen.
- Pull down the notification shade, and you should see playback controls for the video. Tap play if it’s paused, and enjoy listening in the background.
This trick uses your browser’s ability to keep audio playing in the background, bypassing some limitations of the app. Keep in mind that some browsers might pause the audio when your screen goes off, so it may take some trial and error to find the best fit.
Third-Party Apps and Tools for Background Playback
If you want more options, some third-party apps help you keep YouTube videos playing in the background without subscribing to Premium. These apps work as a bridge, allowing you to listen without interruptions.
Popular Apps That Enable Background Play
- NewPipe: A lightweight YouTube client that supports background playback, download videos, and more.
- VuViewer: An app that helps you play YouTube videos with background audio even if the official app stops them.
- Floating Apps: These apps create floating windows where videos can keep playing while you use other apps.
How to Use These Apps
- Download the app from a trusted source, like F-Droid for open-source apps, or from the official website.
- Install and open the app, then search for the video you want to listen to.
- Play the video, and then switch to other apps or lock your screen.
- The app allows the video or audio to continue playing in the background or in a floating window.
Please note: since these are third-party apps, ensure you are downloading from reputable sources to keep your device safe.
Adjusting Android Settings for Better Background Playback
Sometimes, background playback issues are due to system settings that restrict app activity to save battery life. Here’s how to modify those to support continuous play.
Allow Background Activity for YouTube
- Go to your device’s “Settings” menu.
- Tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
- Find and select “YouTube” from the list.
- Choose “Battery” or “Battery Usage.”
- Allow background activity by enabling “Allow background activity” or similar options.
Disable Battery Optimization for YouTube
- Open “Settings” and go to “Battery & device care” (or similar).
- Tap on “Battery” then “Battery optimization.”
- Find “YouTube” in the list.
- Select “Don’t optimize” or “Disable optimization.”
These steps help ensure the app is not interrupted when you switch between apps or turn off the screen.
Additional Tips for Seamless Background Playback
Here are some quick tips to improve your experience:
- Keep your app and device updated to the latest version.
- Try using headphones or Bluetooth speakers for better sound quality during long playback sessions.
- If background playback still stops, try clearing the app cache in your device settings.
- Use a stable internet connection to prevent interruptions in streaming.
Risks and Considerations
While these methods can help you keep YouTube playing in the background, always be cautious:
- Downloading third-party apps from unknown sources can pose security risks.
- Some apps may violate YouTube’s terms of service, which could lead to issues accessing the platform.
- Be aware that some tricks may not work on all devices or Android versions.
Use these solutions wisely and prioritize your device’s safety.
—
Following these steps carefully will help you enjoy YouTube videos in the background on your Android device. Whether you choose a subscription, browser tricks, or third-party apps, you’ll find a method that suits your needs best. Remember, keeping your device’s settings optimized also plays an important role in ensuring smooth playback. Now, you can listen to music, podcasts, or lectures wherever you go without stopping your favorite videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I keep YouTube playing in the background on Android?
To play YouTube videos in the background, open the YouTube app and start your video. Then, press the home button or use the recent apps button to return to your device’s home screen. A playback control should appear, allowing you to continue listening while using other apps or turning off the screen. If this feature is limited, consider subscribing to YouTube Premium, which explicitly supports background playback.
What settings should I adjust to prevent videos from stopping when switching apps?
Ensure that your device’s battery optimization settings do not restrict YouTube from running in the background. Navigate to your device’s Settings > Apps & Notifications > YouTube > Battery and select “Unrestricted” or disable battery optimization for YouTube. Additionally, enabling picture-in-picture mode in your device settings allows you to keep videos playing in a small window while multitasking.
Are there any alternative methods to keep YouTube playing on Android?
Yes, using a web browser like Chrome or Firefox can help. Open YouTube in the browser, start the video, then switch to another app or turn off the screen. Use the browser’s “desktop site” feature, and then press the home button. The video may continue playing in the background with some browsers or by using specific extensions. This method offers a workaround if you don’t have YouTube Premium.
How does enabling developer options affect YouTube background playback?
Enabling developer options and adjusting specific settings, such as background process limits, can improve YouTube’s ability to run in the background. To do this, go to Settings > About phone, tap “Build number” seven times, then access Developer options. From there, set the background process limit to “Standard” or “No background process limit” to reduce restrictions on app activity, helping videos continue playing when not in the foreground.
What issues could prevent YouTube from playing videos in the background on Android?
Issues like aggressive battery optimization, app restrictions, or outdated software can interfere with background playback. Ensure you update the YouTube app and your device’s OS regularly. Review battery saver settings, disable any power-saving modes, and confirm that YouTube has the necessary permissions. These adjustments help maintain smooth background playback experiences.
Final Thoughts
To make YouTube continue playing on Android, you can Enable picture-in-picture mode in settings. Additionally, using the YouTube app with an active YouTube Premium subscription allows background playback. You can also open YouTube videos in a browser like Chrome with desktop mode enabled for uninterrupted listening. These methods ensure smooth viewing without interruptions, making your experience more enjoyable. Remember, how to make youtube continue playing on android primarily depends on enabling specific features or subscriptions. Implementing these tips will help you enjoy your videos seamlessly without constantly reopening the app.
