To make YouTube Music play in the background on Android, the simplest way is to use the YouTube Premium subscription. **This allows you to listen without keeping the app open.** If you prefer free methods, you can try playing music through the browser or using split-screen mode. Knowing how to make YouTube music play in background android helps you enjoy your playlists seamlessly, even when switching between apps. With these tricks, you can listen to your favorite tracks effortlessly while browsing or multitasking.
How to Make YouTube Music Play in Background on Android
Playing YouTube Music in the background on your Android device can be a game-changer, especially when you want to listen to your favorite songs while doing other tasks. Whether you’re working, cooking, or just browsing your phone, this feature allows you to keep the music flowing without keeping the app open on the screen. In this guide, we will explore different methods to make YouTube Music play in the background on Android, ensuring a smooth listening experience. We will cover both official options and some clever workarounds to cater to every user.
Understanding Why Background Play Matters
Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand why background playback is so important. When you listen to music or podcasts, you often want to multitask. For example, you might want to:
- Reply to messages or check social media without stopping the music
- Use other apps while your playlist continues playing
- Save battery life by not keeping the app open in full screen
Unfortunately, by default, YouTube Music sometimes stops playing when you switch apps or turn off your screen. This can be frustrating, but there are ways to bypass this issue.
Official Method: YouTube Music Premium
The most straightforward way to play YouTube Music in the background is through the official subscription.
What You Need to Know About YouTube Music Premium
YouTube Music Premium is a paid service that offers various features, including:
- Background playback
- Downloading songs for offline listening
- Ad-free experience
- Offline downloads and higher audio quality
How to Enable Background Play with Premium
Follow these simple steps:
- Open the YouTube Music app on your Android device.
- Sign in with your Google account that has the Premium subscription.
- Tap on your profile picture or icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to the “Playback & downloads” section.
- Find the “Background & device streaming” option.
- Choose “Always on” to allow music to play in the background.
Once you enable this setting, you can start playing any song, lock your screen, and the music will continue to play seamlessly.
Using the Official YouTube App for Background Play (Limited)
It’s worth noting that the regular YouTube app (not YouTube Music) also supports background playback, but only if you have a Premium subscription.
Steps to Play YouTube in Background via the YouTube App
Here’s how:
- Open the YouTube app and find the video or playlist you want to listen to.
- Start playing the video.
- Press the home button or turn off the screen.
- The music should continue playing in the background if you are a Premium user.
- If it pauses, try pulling down the notification shade and tapping on the media controls to resume playback.
This method works well but requires an active Premium subscription for uninterrupted background listening.
Workarounds for Free Background Playback
If you prefer not to pay for Premium, there are some workarounds you can try to listen to YouTube Music in the background. Keep in mind that these methods may not always be stable, and some might violate YouTube’s terms of service.
Using a Web Browser in Desktop Mode
One popular trick is to use your Android browser to play YouTube Music in desktop mode.
Steps for Browser Method
- Open your preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.) on your Android device.
- Visit the YouTube Music website (music.youtube.com).
- Tap on the menu (three dots) in the top right corner of the browser.
- Select “Desktop site” or “Request desktop site.”
- Log into your account if needed.
- Play your music or playlist.
- Press the home button or switch apps—your music should continue playing in the background.
This method works because streaming on the desktop version often supports background play via the browser’s media controls.
Using Third-Party Apps or Apps with Floating Player
Some third-party apps claim to enable background playback or floating players for YouTube. Be cautious when choosing these apps:
- Always check reviews and permissions before installing.
- Use trusted apps like “Floating Player” or “NewPipe” which are open-source and less likely to cause issues.
- Download from reputable sources such as F-Droid or official app stores.
How to Use a Floating Player App
- Install the floating player app.
- Open YouTube Music or YouTube in a browser or app.
- Start playing your music.
- Switch to the floating player app, which will hover over your screen, allowing you to control playback while using other apps.
Remember, these apps may not support all features or high-quality audio but can be quite useful for casual listening.
Additional Tips for Background Playback
To optimize your experience, consider these helpful tips:
- Adjust your device’s battery settings: Disable battery optimization for apps involved in background play to prevent them from closing in the background.
- Keep your app updated: Regular updates often improve stability and features.
- Use headphones or Bluetooth speakers: For the best audio quality and viewing experience, connect your device to external audio devices.
Possible Limitations and Things to Consider
While these methods work, keep in mind:
- Free methods might not support all features or could stop working after app updates.
- Using third-party apps may pose security or privacy risks.
- Some workaround methods might violate YouTube’s terms of service, so use them at your own discretion.
Listening to YouTube Music in the background on your Android device doesn’t have to be complicated. The easiest way remains subscribing to YouTube Music Premium, which guarantees seamless playback along with other premium features. If you’re not ready to pay, browser tricks and third-party tools offer alternative options, though they may not be as reliable.
By understanding these options, you can choose the best method that fits your listening habits and budget. With a little setup, you’ll be enjoying your favorite tunes without interruption, even while multitasking or using other apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I listen to YouTube Music in the background without a premium subscription on Android?
Yes, you can listen to YouTube Music in the background without a premium subscription by utilizing certain methods. One common way is to start playing the music, then switch to another app or turn off the screen. Using a web browser like Chrome and requesting the desktop site allows you to continue playback even when the app is minimized or the screen is off. Be aware that some workarounds may have limitations and could vary based on your device and app updates.
Are there specific apps or tools that facilitate background playback of YouTube Music on Android?
Yes, several third-party apps and tools can help you play YouTube Music in the background on Android devices. Some apps act as floating players or include features to keep audio playing while other tasks are performed. However, using third-party apps may violate YouTube’s terms of service, so proceed with caution. Always choose reputable apps and understand the potential risks involved.
What steps can I follow to enable background listening directly within YouTube Music?
YouTube Music allows background playback if you subscribe to its Premium plan. To enable this feature, open the YouTube Music app, go to the account settings, and ensure your subscription is active. When playing a song, simply press the home button or switch to another app, and the music should continue playing in the background. If you are not a Premium user, this functionality is generally restricted to the mobile browser workaround or using the app with limitations.
How does switching to the browser version of YouTube Music help in background playback on Android?
Accessing YouTube Music via a web browser like Chrome on Android can allow background listening. After opening the website, request the desktop site from the browser menu, then start playing your music. When you switch to another app or turn off the screen, the music continues playing because the browser retains the playback session. This method works more reliably compared to the app in some cases, but it may require multiple steps each time you want to listen in the background.
Are there any limitations or risks associated with using unofficial methods for background playback on Android?
Yes, unofficial methods, such as third-party apps or browser workarounds, may not always work reliably and could pose security or privacy risks. These methods might also violate YouTube’s terms of service, which could lead to account restrictions or bans. Additionally, they may cause instability or consume extra device resources. Always consider the potential drawbacks and proceed carefully when exploring alternatives outside the official app features.
Final Thoughts
To make YouTube Music play in background on Android, you can use a third-party app or try a workaround like opening the browser version of YouTube Music. Some apps allow background playback without a subscription. Alternatively, enabling split-screen mode can help manage playback while using other apps.
In conclusion, knowing how to make YouTube music play in background android helps you enjoy your favorite songs seamlessly. Follow simple steps, and you’ll be able to keep your music playing while using other apps or even when your screen is off.
