How to Play YouTube in the Background Without Premium

Have you ever wanted to listen to YouTube while your phone is locked or while using other apps, without paying for YouTube Premium? 

Whether you’re jamming to your favorite playlist, catching up on a podcast, or streaming an educational video, having YouTube stop the moment your screen turns off can be a bit annoying.

Luckily, there are several ways to keep YouTube playing in the background without subscribing to YouTube Premium and this guide will show you some simple tricks for both Android and iPhone users to listen to YouTube with the screen off, completely free.

Also Read: How to Add a Family Member to YouTube Premium Plan?

Why Does YouTube Stop Playing When the Screen is Off?

This is mainly to ensure that people watch ads and videos as intended. It also helps prevent unintentional data usage and battery drain.

But, YouTube Premium users get a background play feature, allowing them to continue listening to content even with the screen off. 

If you don’t want to pay for Premium, you’ll need to use alternative methods like browser tricks, third-party apps, or built-in phone features—to bypass these restrictions.

How to Play YouTube in the Background Without Premium?

There are multiple ways to play YouTube in the background for free. 

Some methods work better on Android, while others are more suited for iPhones. 

Let’s go through them one by one.

Use a Mobile Browser (Works on Android & iPhone)

One of the easiest ways to keep YouTube playing in the background is by using a web browser instead of the YouTube app. Here’s how:

For iPhone (Using Safari)

1. Open Safari and go to YouTube.com.

2. Search for the video you want to play.

3. Tap the “AA” icon in the top left corner of the address bar.

4. Select “Request Desktop Website” from the menu.

5. Start playing the video.

6. Lock your screen.

7. If the audio stops, swipe down to open Control Center and press the play button.

For Android (Using Chrome or Firefox)

1. Open Google Chrome or Firefox and go to YouTube’s website.

2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner.

3. Select “Desktop site” to load YouTube’s desktop version.

4. Play your video and then exit to your home screen or lock your phone.

5. If playback stops, pull down your notification bar and press play.

Enable Picture-in-Picture Mode (For Android Users)

Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode allows you to keep YouTube running in a small window while using other apps. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Open Settings on your Android device.

2. Go to Apps & notifications > Advanced > Special app access.

3. Find Picture-in-Picture and tap on it.

4. Scroll to YouTube and make sure “Allow Picture-in-Picture” is turned on.

5. Open YouTube in your browser (not the app), start playing a video, and then press the home button to activate PiP mode.

If you’re in the U.S., YouTube’s PiP feature is available for free only on certain videos. Otherwise, it requires a Premium subscription.

Use Third-Party Apps (For Android Users)

There are some third-party apps that allow YouTube playback with the screen off. One of the most popular options is NewPipe.

How to Use NewPipe:

1. Download NewPipe from a third-party platform (since it’s not available on the Google Play Store).

2. Open the app and search for your YouTube video.

3. Tap “Background” to start playback while the screen is off.

NewPipe is an open-source alternative to YouTube that allows background play, ad-free videos, and even downloads for offline viewing. Since it’s not officially supported by Google, you’ll need to install it manually.

Be cautious when downloading third-party apps and always use trusted sources to avoid malware.

Use the Telegram Trick (For Android & iPhone)

If you use Telegram, you can play YouTube videos through the app and keep them running in the background.

1. Open Telegram and go to any chat.

2. Paste a YouTube video link and send it to yourself.

3. Tap the link and open it within Telegram’s built-in player.

4. Lock your screen or switch apps—the audio should keep playing!

This is a quick and easy trick if you already have Telegram installed.

Use YouTube Music (With a Small Workaround)

While YouTube Music officially requires a Premium subscription for background play, there’s a way to listen for free.

1. Open the YouTube Music app.

2. Play a song and minimize the app.

3. If playback stops, open your notification panel and press play.

This method doesn’t always work consistently, but it’s worth a try especially if you just want to play music rather than regular YouTube videos.

So, Is YouTube Premium Worth It?

If you frequently listen to YouTube with the screen off, getting a YouTube Premium subscription might be the easiest solution. Here’s what you get with Premium:

Ad-free experience – No more annoying ads before or during videos.

Background play – Videos and music continue even when you lock your phone.

YouTube Music Premium – Access to a full music streaming service.

Offline downloads – Save videos and watch them later without the internet.

A single membership costs $13.99/month, but there’s also a family plan that allows up to 5 people to share an account. If you use YouTube daily, it might be worth the investment.

Takeaway

You don’t have to pay for YouTube Premium just to listen with your screen off. 

By using a mobile browser, enabling Picture-in-Picture mode, or trying third-party apps, you can enjoy YouTube in the background without interruptions.

Each method has its pros and cons, so try them out and see which one works best for you! 

Have you found another trick that lets you keep YouTube playing with the screen off? Let me know in the comments.