Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy often face a limitation: when exiting the application YouTube or locking the screen, video playback stops. This is not a technical problem, but a conscious decision by the developers - the platform wants users to watch content in the application itself, and not in the background. However, there are several legal and not-so-legal ways to bypass this limitation without compromising the functionality of the device.

In this article we will examine 7 working methodsincluding official functions Android and One UI, third-party applications, as well as hidden features Samsungthat are known few. We will pay special attention to security - some solutions may violate the rules YouTube Premium or lead to account blocking. We will also take into account the specifics of different firmware versions: from Android 12 to the latest updates in 2026.

If you are using Galaxy S24, A55 or an older model like Note 20, here you will find the current solution. And for those who do not want to take risks, there is a universal method through a browser - it works on 100% of devices without additional apps.

1. Official method: YouTube Premium

The most reliable and legal method is to subscribe to YouTube Premium. It not only allows you to listen to videos in the background, but also removes ads and gives you access to downloading videos and exclusive content. The cost of a subscription varies depending on the region, but on average it is ~500–700 RUR/month (see the appendix for current rates).

How to activate:

  • 📱 Open the application YouTube on your Samsung.
  • 👤 Tap on your profile avatar in the upper right corner.
  • 💳 Select "YouTube Premium" → "Try for free" (usually they give a 1 month trial period).
  • 📋 Follow instructions for payment (you can link a card or use Google Pay).

After activation, background playback will work automatically. Just minimize the application or lock the screen - the sound will continue to play. There is only one minus: a paid subscription. But there are no risks for your account or device.

⚠️ Attention: If you are using a family subscription YouTube Premium, check that your account has been added to Google Family Group. Otherwise, the function may not work.
📊 Which background playback method have you tried?
YouTube Premium
Third-party applications
Chrome browser
Developer settings
I haven’t tried anything

2. Free bypass: YouTube via browser

If you don’t want to pay, the easiest way is to use the mobile version of the site YouTube in the browser. This method works on all smartphones Samsung, including models with One UI 6.0 and newer. The main advantage: no need to install additional apps or change system settings.

Instructions:

  1. Open Google Chrome or Samsung Internet.
  2. Go to the website m.youtube.com (mobile version).
  3. Find the video and start playing.
  4. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner of the player and select “Run in background" (in Chrome) or simply minimize the browser.

In Samsung Internet background playback works more stable than in Chrome, but in both browsers the sound may be interrupted when the screen is locked for a long time. To avoid this, disable battery optimization for the browser:

  • 🔧 Go to Settings. → Applications → Samsung Internet.
  • 🔋 Select "Battery" → "Optimize battery usage" → "No restrictions».
💡

If the video stops when screen lock, try turning on the "Always on screen" mode in the display settings (but this will reduce battery life).

3. Third-party applications: Vanced, ReVanced and alternatives

Until 2023, the most popular solution was YouTube Vanced a modified version of the application with background playback, ad blocking and others. chips. However, the project was closed due to pressure Google. Now it is replaced by ReVanced an unofficial patch for the original YouTubethat adds the same functions.

How to install ReVanced on Samsung:

Download the original YouTube APK from [apkmirror.com](https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/youtube/) (the version must match the current one on Google Play)

Install [ReVanced Manager](https://revanced.app/) or use [ReVanced CLI](https://github.com/revanced/revanced-cli) on PC

Select patches: "Background playback", "SponsorBlock", "Ad-free" (optional)

Collect a modified APK and install it on your phone (allow installation from unknown sources)

Delete the original YouTube or freeze it via ADB-->

Advantages ReVanced:

  • 🎵 Background playback without Premium.
  • 🚫 Ad blocking (optional).
  • 🔄 Ability to go back swipe (as in iOS).

Risks:

  • ⚠️ Violation of rules YouTube (account can be blocked if actively used).
  • 🛡️ The need to update patches manually.
  • 🔒 Potential vulnerabilities (install only from official sources).
⚠️ Attention: Using modified versions YouTube may lead to account ban if the system detects suspicious activity (for example, mass downloading of videos). We recommend creating a backup account for such purposes.

4. Developer settings: cheating the system

IN Android There is a hidden function that allows you to trick the system and make it “think” that the application is active even when the screen is turned off. Samsung, but it’s worth trying if other methods have not helped.

Instructions:

  1. Activate Developer Mode:
    • Go to Settings → About phone → Software information.
    • Tap "Build number" 7 times until the "You have become a developer" notification appears.
  • Go back to the main settings and open the new section "Developer options».
  • Find the "Do not turn off the screen while charging" option and turn it on.
  • Connect the phone to charge and start the video in YouTube.
  • Turn off the screen - the sound should continue to play.

    • Disadvantages of the method:

    • 🔋 Works only when the charger is connected.
    • 📉 Increased battery consumption (the screen remains “active” in the background).
    • ❌ On some firmware One UI the option may be missing.
    Why does this method not always work?

    Starting with Android 12, Google has tightened control over background processes. Samsung in its One UI 4.0+ firmware further limits the operation of applications in the background to save battery. Therefore, the “Keep screen on” option may be ignored by the system if YouTube is not located. in the list of optimization exceptions.

    5. Pip mode (Picture-in-Picture) on Samsung

    The "Picture in Picture" (PiP) function allows you to reduce the video to a small window that remains on top of other applications. On Samsung this mode does not work. with all versions YouTube, but you can force enable it.

    How to activate PiP:

    1. Open the video in the application YouTube.
    2. Click "Home button" (or swipe up to go to the main screen).
    3. If the video is minimized to a small window, PiP mode is enabled.
    4. If the window has disappeared, go to Settings → Applications → YouTube → Advanced → Picture in Picture and turn it on resolution.

    On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S22 and newer) YouTube blocks PiP for non-premium users. In this case, a workaround will help:

    • 🔄 Use the browser version (m.youtube.com) - PiP works in it without restrictions.
    • 📱 Install an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), which supports forced PiP for any applications.
    Samsung model PiP support in YouTube Are additional steps needed?
    Galaxy S24/S23 ❌ Only with Premium Yes (browser or patch)
    Galaxy A54/A34 ⚠️ Partially (depending on the firmware) Enable in application settings
    Galaxy Z Flip5/Fold5 ✅ Working No
    Galaxy Tab S9 ✅ Working No

    6. Alternative applications: NewPipe, SkyTube If the previous methods do not suit you, try third-party clients that natively support background playback. The most popular:

    If the previous methods do not work for you, try third-party clients for YouTube, which natively support background playback. The most popular:

    • 🎥 NewPipe - an open client with support for background mode, video downloading and without unnecessary water. Does not require a Google account.
    • 🌐 SkyTube —an alternative with a focus on privacy (does not use Google API).
    • 📱 LibreTube —works through Tor for anonymity.

    How to install NewPipe:

    1. Download APK from the official website newpipe.net.
    2. Allow installation from unknown sources in the security settings.
    3. Install the application and log in (optional).
    4. Start the video and minimize the application - the sound will continue to play.

    Advantages of alternative clients:

    • 🆓 Completely free.
    • 🚫 No advertising and tracking.
    • 📥 You can download video and audio.

    Cons:

    • ⚠️ No official support YouTube (risk of blocking during mass use).
    • 🔄 The interface may differ from the usual one.
    • 📶 Some functions (for example, streams) are unstable.
    💡

    NewPipe and SkyTube do not directly violate YouTube rules, since they use a public API. However, their functionality may be limited due to platform updates.

    7. ADB commands: force background playback

    For advanced users, there is a way to enable background playback via ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method does not require root access, but you need basic knowledge of working with the command line.

    Instructions:

    1. Enable USB debugging on your phone:
      • Go in Settings → About phone → Build number (tap 7 times).
      • Go back to “Developer Options” and enable “USB Debugging.”
  • Connect your phone to the PC and run the command: 
    adb shell dumpsys deviceidle force-idle

    This command disables battery optimization for all applications.

  • Then allow background activity for YouTube: 
    adb shell cmd appops set com.google.android.youtube RUN_ANY_IN_BACKGROUND allow
  • Reboot the phone.

    • After that YouTube even can run in the background without Premium. However, please note:

    • ⚠️ Commands will be reset after updating the firmware.
    • 🔋 Increased battery consumption is possible.
    • 🛠️ On some models Samsung (for example, Galaxy S24) this method may not work due to additional restrictions One UI.
    ⚠️ Attention: Using ADB commands requires caution. Incorrect actions can lead to system failures. Before experimenting, make a backup copy of your data.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions

    ❓ Why did background playback stop working after the update?

    YouTube regularly updates background blocking mechanisms for non-premium users. If after updating the application or firmware Samsung the function stops working, try:

    • Clear cache YouTube in the application settings.
    • Roll back to the previous version of the APK (download from apkmirror.com).
    • Use alternative methods (browser, NewPipe).

    On new versions One UI 6.0+ Samsung tightens background restrictions, so there may not be a universal solution.

    ❓ Is it possible to listen to YouTube in the background on Galaxy Watch?

    On smart watches Samsung Galaxy Watch (4/5/6 series) officially do not support YouTube. However, there are workarounds:

    1. Connect headphones to the watch and use YouTube Music (if the video is uploaded to the library).
    2. Install on your phone NewPipe and broadcast audio to the watch via Bluetooth.
    3. Use Spotify or SoundCloud —there is background playback without restrictions.

    Direct playback video from YouTube to Galaxy Watch is impossible to achieve due to hardware limitations.

    ❓ Will an account be banned for using ReVanced or NewPipe?

    Theoretically YouTube can block an account for using modified clients, but in practice this happens extremely rarely. The risks increase if:

    • You download videos in bulk.
    • Use an account for monetization (AdSense, affiliate app).
    • Login through unofficial APIs (for example, in SkyTube).

    Recommendation: create a separate account to experiment with alternative clients.

    ❓ Why is background playback unstable on Samsung Internet?

    The browser Samsung Internet is optimized to save battery, so it can pause playback when the screen is locked for a long time To improve. stability:

    • Disable battery optimization for the browser (see section 2).
    • Use Chrome with the flag enabled chrome://flags/#enable-surface-layer-videos.
    • Try other browsers: Firefox or Kiwi Browser.

    On Galaxy s One UI 5.0 and later, disabling the “Adaptive Battery” function in the settings also helps.

    ❓ Is there a way to listen to YouTube in the background without the Internet?

    Yes, but with caveats:

    1. YouTube Premium allows you to download videos for offline listening (available in the “Library” → “Downloaded files” section).
    2. NewPipe can download an audio track from a video in the format .mp3 or .opus.
    3. Use third-party services (for example, YTMP3) to convert video into audio and save it to your phone.

    Please note that downloading videos from YouTube may violate the terms of use of the service.