YouTube is a platform that offers a wide array of videos on various topics, and it has become an essential part of many people’s lives. However, one of the drawbacks of the YouTube app on Android is that it does not allow videos to play in the background when you exit the app or switch to another app. This can be frustrating if you want to listen to music or podcasts on YouTube while doing other tasks on your Android device. But fear not! In this blog post, we will explore several methods that will enable you to make YouTube videos continue playing even when you leave the app or turn off your screen.
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The Challenge of Making YouTube Still Play on Android
By default, the YouTube app on Android is designed to stop playing videos when you exit the app or switch to another app. This is done to optimize battery life and data usage. While it may be a logical decision from a technical standpoint, it can be inconvenient for users who want to enjoy YouTube videos in the background. Thankfully, there are several ways to overcome this challenge and keep YouTube playing on your Android device.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the different methods to make YouTube still play on Android, there are a few things you should prepare:
1. Android Device: Make sure you have an Android smartphone or tablet.
2. YouTube App: Ensure that the YouTube app is installed on your Android device. If not, download it from the Google Play Store.
3. Stable Internet Connection: To stream YouTube videos, you need a stable internet connection. Ensure that you are connected to Wi-Fi or have a reliable mobile data connection.
4. Updated YouTube App: It is always a good idea to keep your apps updated. Make sure you have the latest version of the YouTube app installed on your Android device.
Method 1: Using YouTube Premium
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to make YouTube still play on Android is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This is Google’s premium subscription service for YouTube, and it offers several benefits, including background playback.
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your Android device.
Step 2: Sign in to your YouTube account or create a new account if you don’t have one.
Step 3: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner to open the account menu.
Step 4: Select "Get YouTube Premium" from the menu.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Pros:
– Background playback without any additional steps or methods.
– Ad-free viewing experience.
– Access to YouTube Originals and offline downloads.
Cons:
– Monthly subscription fee required.
– Availability may vary depending on your region.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party App
If you prefer not to subscribe to YouTube Premium, there are third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that allow you to play YouTube videos in the background. One popular app for this purpose is "YouTube Vanced."
Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Search for "YouTube Vanced" and install the app.
Step 3: Open YouTube Vanced and sign in to your YouTube account.
Step 4: Search for the desired video and start playing it.
Step 5: Exit the app or turn off the screen, and the video will continue playing in the background.
Pros:
– Free to use.
– Background playback without a subscription.
– Ad-blocking feature included.
Cons:
– Not available on the Google Play Store. You need to download it from a trusted source.
– Security risks associated with third-party apps.
Method 3: Using Google Chrome
Another method to make YouTube still play on Android is by using the Google Chrome browser. This method involves using a feature called "Desktop Site" that allows you to view websites as if you were on a computer.
Step 1: Open the Google Chrome app on your Android device.
Step 2: Go to youtube.com and search for the desired video.
Step 3: Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the Chrome browser to open the menu.
Step 4: Check the box next to "Desktop Site" to enable the feature.
Step 5: Play the video and exit the Chrome app or turn off the screen. The video will continue playing in the background.
Pros:
– No additional apps or subscriptions required.
– Works with the default Google Chrome browser.
Cons:
– Background playback may not be as seamless as other methods.
– Limited control options when the screen is off.
Method 4: Using Mozilla Firefox
If you prefer using Mozilla Firefox as your default browser, you can also make YouTube still play on Android using a similar method as with Google Chrome.
Step 1: Open the Mozilla Firefox app on your Android device.
Step 2: Go to youtube.com and search for the desired video.
Step 3: Tap on the three dots in the top right corner of the Firefox browser to open the menu.
Step 4: Check the box next to "Request Desktop Site" to enable the feature.
Step 5: Play the video and exit the Firefox app or turn off the screen. The video will continue playing in the background.
Pros:
– No additional apps or subscriptions required.
– Works with the default Mozilla Firefox browser.
Cons:
– Background playback may not be as seamless as other methods.
– Limited control options when the screen is off.
Method 5: Using a Floating Video Player
If you want more control over the background playback and have the video player appear as a floating window, you can use a third-party app called "Floating Tube Video Player."
Step 1: Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
Step 2: Search for "Floating Tube Video Player" and install the app.
Step 3: Open the app and sign in to your YouTube account.
Step 4: Search for the desired video and start playing it.
Step 5: Tap on the floating icon to minimize the video player into a floating window.
Pros:
– Video player appears as a floating window for multitasking.
– Customizable settings for playback control.
Cons:
– May require in-app purchases for additional features.
– Potential compatibility issues with specific Android devices.
Why Can’t I Make YouTube Still Play on Android?
There are several reasons why you might encounter difficulties in making YouTube still play on Android. Here are a few common reasons and their fixes:
1. YouTube App Version: Ensure that you have the latest version of the YouTube app installed on your Android device. Outdated versions may not support background playback.
2. Restricted Background Activity: Some Android devices have built-in optimization settings that restrict background activity to conserve battery life. Check your device settings and disable any battery optimization features for the YouTube app.
3. YouTube Premium Subscription: If you are using a method that requires a YouTube Premium subscription, make sure you have an active subscription and are signed in to your account.
4. Third-Party App Compatibility: If you are using a third-party app for background playback, make sure it is compatible with your Android device’s operating system version.
Additional Tips
Here are a few additional tips to enhance your experience when making YouTube still play on Android:
1. Download Videos Offline: YouTube Premium subscribers can download videos for offline viewing. Take advantage of this feature when you have a stable internet connection to enjoy YouTube videos even without internet access.
2. Use Picture-in-Picture Mode: Some Android devices support a picture-in-picture mode that allows you to continue watching YouTube videos in a small window while using other apps. Check if your device supports this feature and enable it in your settings.
3. Clear App Cache: If you are encountering issues with background playback, clearing the cache of the YouTube app may help resolve the problem. Go to your device’s settings, find the YouTube app in the application settings, and clear its cache.
5 FAQs about Making YouTube Still Play on Android
Q1: Can I use these methods for iOS devices?
A: No, the methods mentioned in this blog post are specifically for Android devices. iOS devices have different restrictions and settings that prevent background playback on YouTube.
Q2: Why doesn’t YouTube allow background playback by default on Android?
A: YouTube doesn’t allow background playback by default on Android due to various reasons, including battery optimization and data usage concerns. They encourage users to subscribe to YouTube Premium for a seamless background playback experience.
Q3: Are third-party apps safe to use?
A: While there are reputable third-party apps available, it is essential to exercise caution and only download from trusted sources. Be sure to read reviews and check the app’s permissions before installation.
Q4: How do I unsubscribe from YouTube Premium?
A: To unsubscribe from YouTube Premium, open the YouTube app, go to your account settings, tap on "Paid memberships," and follow the instructions to cancel your subscription.
Q5: Can I make YouTube still play on Android without an internet connection?
A: No, YouTube requires an internet connection to stream videos. However, YouTube Premium subscribers can download videos for offline viewing, allowing you to watch them without an internet connection.
In Conclusion
While the default YouTube app on Android may have limitations when it comes to background playback, there are several methods available to make YouTube still play on your Android device. Whether you choose to subscribe to YouTube Premium, use third-party apps, or leverage browser features, you can enjoy YouTube videos while multitasking on your Android device. Experiment with the different methods and find the one that fits your preferences and needs. Happy background streaming!