Many smartphone users are faced with an annoying problem: as soon as you minimize the application YouTube or lock the screen, video playback instantly stops. This restriction was introduced by the platform developers to encourage the purchase of a paid subscription YouTube Premium. However, for owners of devices based on Android there are many workarounds that allow you to enjoy music, podcasts and lectures in the background completely free of charge.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the current methods for solving this problem. We will look at both official functions that are often ignored by users, as well as the use of third-party browsers, special modified clients and system settings. It is important to understand that each method has its own nuances, advantages and potential risks, which you need to be aware of before you start using it.
Official functions and settings of the application
Before resorting to installing third-party software, it is worth checking the capabilities of the application itself. Google periodically tests and introduces new features that may even be available to free users in certain regions or under certain conditions. For example, the function Picture-in-Picture (picture in picture) allows you to display video in a small floating window on top of other applications.
To activate this mode, you need to go to the settings of the application itself YouTube. Find the section General and make sure that the switch opposite the item Picture-in-Picture is active. If the function is enabled, then when you minimize the application, the video will not stop, but will become smaller and move to the corner of the screen. This allows you to chat in instant messengers or browse your social media feed while continuing the content.
⚠️ Attention: The Picture-in-Picture feature may not work for all types of content. Some music or video copyright holders prohibit the use of this mode for their videos, and in this case, playback will still stop when minimized.
Another legal way is to use a tab YouTube Music. The mobile application has a section dedicated exclusively to music. Although full-fledged background listening there is also often limited by subscription, the algorithms of this section are sometimes more loyal to the background mode when playing official clips or playlists created by the service itself.
If the “Picture in Picture” function is not activated, try clearing the YouTube application cache in the phone settings and restarting the device. This often solves software glitches.
Using mobile browsers for background sound
The simplest and safest method that does not require installing suspicious apps is to use a mobile browser. Modern browsers, such as Firefox, Brave or even standard Chromeallow you to request the full version of the site, which behaves differently than the mobile application.
To enable background playback through the browser, follow these steps:
- 🌐 Open your browser and go to the site youtube.com.
- ⚙️ In the browser menu, find the item "PC Version" or "Full Site Version" and activate it.
- ▶️ Launch the desired video and minimize the browser or lock the screen.
- 🎵 If the sound is gone, unlock the phone, open the panel notifications and click the Play button there.
Particular attention should be paid to the browser Brave. It has a built-in ad and tracker blocking feature, as well as a special "Background Play" setting. If you enable this option in the browser settings Settings → Media → Background playback, the videos will play with sound even when the screen is off without the need to manipulate the notification panel.
The disadvantage of the browser method is increased battery consumption compared to specialized ones applications. In addition, the mobile site interface is less convenient for managing playlists. However, for occasional listening to podcasts or lectures, this option is the most stable and does not violate the terms of use of the service.
Third-party open source clients
For those who want an experience as close as possible to a native application, but with expanded functionality, there are open source projects. The leader in this niche is the application NewPipe. It does not use official Google APIs, but parses the YouTube website, which allows you to bypass many restrictions, including background mode and playback without unnecessary water.
Installation of such applications requires downloading the installation file .apk from the official website of the developer or from the repository F-Droidsince they are not in the store Google Play. After installation, you get a lightweight client that can:
- 🎧 Play video and audio in the background.
- 📥 Download videos and music to the device.
- 🚫 Completely block advertising inserts.
- 🌙 Support dark theme and work in multi-window mode.
⚠️ Attention: When using third-party clients, you will not be able to log into your main Google account. This means your following, browsing history, and likes will not sync automatically. You will have to import subscriptions manually or use the function to create local playlists.
Another popular solution is the project LibreTube, which uses an alternative backend Piped. This provides even greater privacy and speed. The interface of such apps may differ from the usual one, but you quickly get used to it thanks to intuitive navigation. The main advantage is complete independence from Google's policies regarding background processes.
Where is it safe to download NewPipe?
Download the application only from the official website newpipe.net or from the F-Droid app store. Avoid third-party sites with modified versions, as they may contain malicious code.
Modified versions of the official application
More advanced users often choose to install modified versions of the official application, such as YouTube ReVanced. This is the successor to the previously popular Vanced project. The essence of the method is to introduce patches into the original installation file of the application, which adds the functions of a Premium subscription, including background playback.
The installation process ReVanced is more complex than installing a simple APK. You will need to download ReVanced Manager, select the version of the official YouTube for patching and apply the necessary modules. Among the key patches for our theme:
- 🔓 Background Play - unblocking background playback.
- 📺 Picture-in-Picture - improving the operation of the window on top of other applications.
- 🚫 Ads - removing all types of advertising.
- 🔄 SponsorBlock - automatic skipping of sponsorship inserts inside the video.
| Features | Official application | NewPipe | ReVanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Background mode | Only with Premium | Free | Free |
| Login to account | Yes | No | Yes (with restrictions) |
| Ad blocking | No | Yes | Yes |
| Installation complexity | Low | Medium | High |
Using mods carries certain risks. Google actively combats such customers and may temporarily block access to the account or require a password reset. In addition, updating such applications is a manual process that must be done every time a new version of the official client is released.
ReVanced provides the best user experience, maintaining the familiar interface, but requires the most effort to install and keep up to date.
Android system settings to run in the background
Sometimes the problem lies not in the lack of functions, but in the aggressive energy saving policy of your smartphone. Manufacturers of skins such as MIUI, OneUI or ColorOScan force application processes to stop when the screen is locked to save battery power.
To allow an application to run in the background, you need to change your power settings. Go to Settings → Applications → YouTube (or your browser). Find the section Battery or Energy saving. Change the operating mode from "Optimized" or "Limited" to "No restrictions" or "Unlimited".
It is also worth checking the permission to work in the background. In the same application settings menu, find the item Data Usage and make sure that the switch Background or Allow Background Datais turned on. Without this permission, the operating system will "kill" the audio playback process as soon as the screen goes dark.
⚠️ Warning: Disabling battery limits for applications will result in more battery will drain quickly if you forget to stop playback. Use this setting consciously only for those apps that need to run constantly.
On some devices there is also an "Autorun" function. Add the desired application to the list of allowed startup applications. This ensures that the application services will be initialized correctly even after the phone is rebooted, which is important for the stable operation of background services.
☑️ Checking system settings
Comparison of methods and selection of the optimal solution
The choice of a specific method depends on your priorities: data security, interface convenience, or no need for complex settings. For ordinary users who do not want to risk the security of their account, the best choice would be to use a browser Brave or setting up system permissions for the official application.
If integration with your account, subscriptions and history is critical to you, but you are not ready to pay for a subscription, then ReVanced remains the only complete solution. However, be prepared for the fact that the installation and update procedure will have to be repeated periodically.
For those who value privacy and open software, NewPipe will be the ideal choice. It's lightweight, doesn't require Google services, and ensures your browsing data isn't collected by corporations. The downside is the lack of synchronization, which for many is a significant drawback.
Does the background mode affect the sound quality?
When working in the background through a browser or third-party clients, the sound quality usually remains the same as in the application. However, some mods allow you to forcefully select the stream quality, which can be useful when the Internet is slow.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it safe to install modified applications like ReVanced?
Security depends on the download source. If you download the patcher from the project's official GitHub repository and apply it to a clean APK file downloaded from a trusted source (for example, APKMirror), the risk is minimal. However, downloading ready-made assemblies from random sites can lead to malware infection of the device.
Why did background playback stop working after updating Android?
New versions of Android often tighten policies for managing memory and background processes. After a major system update, you should recheck your battery settings for the YouTube app to ensure that Unlimited mode is still active. You may also need to update the application itself or the mod.
Can Google block my account for using the background?
Cases of completely blocking an account solely for background playback are rare, but Google can force you to log you out of the application or show you a captcha. Using unofficial clients always carries a theoretical risk of violating the platform's terms of service.
Does the background mode work on older versions of Android (7.0, 8.0)?
Yes, it works, but with some peculiarities. On older versions of the system, control of background processes is less strict, so it is easier for applications to run in the background. However, modern browsers and versions of YouTube may no longer be supported on very old OSes, which will require searching for older versions of the software.