How To Play YouTube in Background On iPhone, Android in 2024

Play Games While Enjoying YouTube Music by enabling and playing YouTube videos in background on iPhone and Android phones.

It is common for Google’s YouTube app to receive updates that fix bugs or add new features. However, the app does not allow users to play music or videos in the background on iPhone, iPad, or with the screen locked. This can be inconvenient for those who wish to listen to YouTube audio, playlists or play videos while using other apps. In this post, we will guide you through the process of playing YouTube in the background on iPhone, iPad, iPod, and Android devices. Follow the steps carefully to learn the ideal way of doing so.

Play YouTube in Background On iPhone, iPad & Android – No Premium Membership Needed!

Way #1. Play YouTube in Background on iOS, iPad

Step 1: Open the Safari App on your iPhone > navigate to youtube.com.

Launch the safari app tap search youtube app on iPhone

Step 2: Search for a video you want to play. Next, tap on AA next to the YouTube video link at the bottom.

Search song tap search click in aA on iPhone

Step 3: In the resulting menu, select Request Desktop Website. Tap on video players to play. 

Click on request desktop website tap on video players on play on screen on iPhone

Step 4: Swipe up from the bottom edge on the Full-Screen Video screen to Move to the Home screen.

Play video in full screen drag and move on the home screen with PIP mode on iPhone

Step 5: After this, swipe down from the top left corner to access Control Center. Next, Play Song Icon to play it.

Swipe down for control center click on play song on iPhone

Step 5: Now, you can play, stop, and fast forward from the control center and lock the screen, as shown on the screen below.

Click on play video tap on full screen video same is view lock screen on iPhone

For iPhone X or Later, pull down the Control Center from the top-right screen, just like the below sample screenshot.

For iPhone 8Plus or Earlier, pull up the Control Center from the bottom, Tap on the Play/Pause icon in Music Player.

Way #2. Play YouTube in Background on Android

Step 1: Access the desired browser on your Android phone.
Step 2: Head to YouTube.com and play the desired video.

Launch the google app search youtube click on iPhone

Step 3: In the video playing screen, tap on Three Vertical Dots from the top right corner. 
Step 4: From the menu, check the box next to the Desktop Site. Tap on the Video player to start playing. At last, swipe up from the bottom, and the YouTube video will keep playing in the background.

Click three icon select desktop site on iPhone

Way #2: With YouTube Premium Subscription

You can activate the YouTube background feature on your iPhone and iPad simply by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Alternatively, you can purchase a membership via your iPhone or Mac/PC browser.

Using iOS App: Launch the YouTube app > Tap on Profile > Scroll to Get YouTube Premium > Get YouTube Premium (Authenticate with your Apple ID password and pay).

Purchase from this link:- YouTube Premium.

Let’s share your feedback as a caption in the comments. And tell us how it feels to Play YouTube videos in the background on an iPhone or iPad.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood, a Wellington-based journalist, excels in covering Apple and tech trends. With a diverse background in public safety, government, and education reporting, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, offering readers a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. Contact Her Team:- [email protected] [OR] [email protected]

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