To play YouTube while phone is off, you need a YouTube Premium subscription, which enables background playback so audio continues when the screen is locked or while using other apps. YouTube Premium offers a free trial period for new users. For free alternatives, you can use Picture-in-Picture mode for non-music videos, request the desktop site in a mobile browser, or listen to podcasts in the YouTube Music app without any paid membership.
How to play YouTube while phone is off with YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is the official, all-in-one method for background playback of any video or music. It allows audio to continue when the screen is off or while using other apps. New users can take advantage of a YouTube Premium free trial period. To enable background play, navigate to "Settings" in the YouTube app, then "Background & Downloads," and select "Always on" for "Background Play." YouTube Premium also includes ad-free viewing and offline downloads. For users who primarily want background playback and downloads for most videos without music PiP, the Premium Lite subscription is available. Music content, including official music videos and user-generated song covers, still requires a full YouTube Premium subscription for background playback or PiP. The YouTube Music Premium membership also allows uninterrupted background play for music and podcasts with the screen off.
Use free Picture-in-Picture for non-music videos
YouTube is globally rolling out Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode for all mobile users on Android and iOS for longform, non-music content. PiP allows a video to shrink into a small, movable player that continues playing on the screen even when you exit the YouTube app. To activate PiP, simply swipe up or tap the home button while a non-music video is playing in the YouTube app. For iOS devices, PiP requires iOS 15.0 or higher and can be enabled in "Settings" > "General" > "Picture-in-Picture" by toggling "Start PiP Automatically" on. As a modified app alternative for background playback on Android, YouTube Vanced can be installed from its official website via APK after enabling unknown sources in device settings. This method is ideal for talk shows, tutorials, or other non-music videos where you want to multitask or save battery.
Play YouTube in a browser with desktop mode
A free workaround for both Android and iOS involves requesting the desktop site in a mobile browser to enable background audio playback. Open your preferred web browser (such as Chrome or Safari) and navigate to the YouTube website. The YouTube website will load as if accessed from a computer. Search for the desired video and start playback. The video should continue playing even if you turn off the screen or switch to another app. Another method is using the screen-off playback app 'Awesome Pop-up Video': share a YouTube video to the app, enable screen-off playback in its settings, and use the floating window. This method may consume more power compared to other options, but it provides a convenient way to enjoy YouTube audio without a paid subscription. These YouTube mobile tips help you maximize playback flexibility on your device.
Listen to podcasts for free in the YouTube Music app
Most podcasts in the YouTube Music app are available for background play regardless of a Premium membership. This means you can listen to podcasts with the screen off without any paid subscription. Simply open the YouTube Music app, find a podcast episode, start playback, and then lock your phone or switch to another app. The audio will continue playing in the background. This is a legitimate free option for podcast listeners who want to save battery and prevent accidental touches while listening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play YouTube while my phone is off?
It is not possible to play YouTube when the phone is completely powered off, as the device must be on and connected to the internet to stream audio or video.
Can I play YouTube in the background with my phone's screen turned off?
Yes, you can play YouTube in the background with the screen turned off on supported devices and apps, such as through a YouTube Premium subscription, the YouTube Music app for podcasts, or browser-based workarounds.
How can I play YouTube in the background on my iPhone?
On an iPhone, you can play YouTube in the background by using Safari to request the desktop site, or by using third-party apps like Musi that support background audio playback.
Does playing YouTube with the screen off drain more battery?
Playing audio with the screen off typically saves battery compared to keeping the screen on, since the display is one of the biggest power consumers. However, background playback still uses some battery for the audio stream and network connection. For optimal battery life, consider using Wi-Fi instead of mobile data and closing other apps running in the background.
How much data does background YouTube playback use?
Data usage depends on the audio quality and length of playback. Streaming audio generally uses significantly less data than video. If you are concerned about data limits, you can download videos for offline playback with a YouTube Premium subscription, which avoids data usage entirely while listening with the screen off.
What is the difference between YouTube Premium and PiP for background listening?
YouTube Premium allows any video or music to play with the screen completely off, including music content. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) is free but only works for non-music videos, and it keeps a small video window on your screen rather than turning the display fully off. For music listening with a black screen, YouTube Premium is required.
Related reading: How To Lock Phone While On Youtube.
