How to Keep YouTube Videos Playing While Your Phone is Locked
Keeping YouTube videos playing while your phone is locked can enhance your experience by allowing you to listen to music, podcasts, and other audio content without having to keep your phone’s screen on. This can save battery life and make it more convenient to enjoy content on the go. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you achieve this on both Android and iOS devices.
1. YouTube Premium Subscription
One of the most straightforward methods to keep YouTube videos playing in the background is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. This paid service offers several benefits, including ad-free videos, offline downloads, and background play.
Steps:
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Select “Get YouTube Premium.”
- Follow the prompts to subscribe.
- Play Videos in the Background:
- Start playing a video.
- Press the Home button (iPhone) or swipe up from the bottom (Android) to go to the home screen.
- The video will continue playing in the background.
2. Using the Web Browser
If you prefer not to subscribe to YouTube Premium, you can use the web browser method to keep videos playing while your phone is locked. This method works on both Android and iOS devices.
Steps for Android:
- Open YouTube in a Browser:
- Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome).
- Go to youtube.com.
- Request Desktop Site:
- Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper right corner.
- Select “Desktop site.”
- Play the Video:
- Find and play the video you want to listen to.
- Background Play:
- Once the video starts playing, press the Home button or swipe up to go to the home screen.
- The video should continue playing in a mini-player or notification bar.
- If the video stops, pull down the notification bar and press play.
Steps for iOS:
- Open YouTube in Safari:
- Open Safari.
- Go to youtube.com.
- Request Desktop Site:
- Tap on the “aA” icon in the address bar.
- Select “Request Desktop Site.”
- Play the Video:
- Start playing the video.
- Background Play:
- Press the Home button. The video will pause.
- Open the Control Center by swiping down from the top right corner.
- Press the play button in the music widget to resume playback.
3. Using Third-Party Apps
There are several third-party apps that allow YouTube videos to play in the background. However, these apps may not always be available on official app stores due to YouTube’s terms of service. Always be cautious when downloading apps from unknown sources.
Examples:
- YouTube Vanced (Android): An alternative YouTube client that offers background play and other premium features for free.
- Musica (iOS): Allows you to play YouTube music videos in the background.
4. Picture-in-Picture Mode (PiP)
Android devices running Android 8.0 (Oreo) or later support Picture-in-Picture mode, which allows you to keep YouTube videos playing in a small window while you use other apps.
Steps for Android:
- Enable Picture-in-Picture:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Apps & notifications.
- Select Advanced, then Special app access.
- Tap on Picture-in-picture.
- Ensure YouTube is allowed.
- Use Picture-in-Picture:
- Open the YouTube app.
- Play a video.
- Press the Home button. The video will shrink to a small window.
5. Using YouTube Music
If you mainly want to listen to music, YouTube Music is another great option. YouTube Music offers background play for free with ads, and ad-free with a YouTube Premium subscription.
Steps:
- Download YouTube Music:
- Install the YouTube Music app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Play Music in the Background:
- Open the app.
- Start playing a song or playlist.
- Press the Home button or lock your phone. The music will continue playing in the background.
6. Using Split Screen Mode (Android)
Some Android devices support split-screen mode, which can keep YouTube videos playing while you use another app.
Steps:
- Open Split Screen:
- Open YouTube.
- Start a video.
- Tap the recent apps button.
- Select YouTube and drag it to the top of the screen.
- Open another app in the bottom half.
7. Browser Extensions (Desktop)
For those who prefer to use a desktop, browser extensions can keep YouTube playing in the background or in a minimized state.
Examples:
- Enhancer for YouTube (Chrome, Firefox): Offers many features, including background play.
- Magic Actions for YouTube (Chrome, Firefox): Adds background play and other enhancements.
Benefits and Considerations
Benefits:
- Battery Saving: Locking your phone’s screen while listening to YouTube can save a significant amount of battery.
- Convenience: You can multitask, such as using other apps or browsing the web while still enjoying your content.
- Focus on Audio Content: Ideal for music, podcasts, or any audio-focused content.
Considerations:
- Data Usage: Streaming video content, even in the background, uses a substantial amount of data. Be mindful if you’re on a limited data plan.
- Battery Life: Although background play is more efficient than keeping the screen on, continuous streaming can still drain the battery faster than not using the phone at all.
- App Permissions: Some methods require special permissions or settings adjustments. Always ensure you are comfortable with the permissions requested by any third-party apps.
Conclusion
Playing YouTube videos while your phone is locked can significantly enhance your user experience, especially for music and podcasts. The methods range from subscribing to YouTube Premium for a seamless experience to using various workarounds like web browsers, third-party apps, and device features like Picture-in-Picture mode. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. By understanding and utilizing these options, you can enjoy uninterrupted YouTube content while preserving your phone’s battery life and multitasking efficiently.
