Troubleshooting: YouTube Background Play Not Working? Here's How to Fix It!

Are you having trouble with YouTube background play not working? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we'll walk you through some troubleshooting steps to fix this issue and get your YouTube videos playing in the background again. Let's dive in!

Fixing the Issue of YouTube Background Play Not Working: A Comprehensive How To Guide

Introduction:
If you're experiencing issues with YouTube background play not working, you're in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step solutions to fix this problem and ensure you can enjoy uninterrupted background playback on YouTube.

1. Update the YouTube app:
One of the first things you should do is check if there's an update available for the YouTube app. Often, bugs and issues are fixed in newer versions, so updating the app might resolve the background play problem. Simply go to your device's app store, search for YouTube, and tap on the "Update" button if available.

2. Clear app cache and data:
Sometimes, accumulated cache and data can interfere with the proper functioning of the YouTube app. To fix this, go to your device's Settings, then navigate to "Apps" or "Applications." Find and tap on YouTube, then select "Storage." From here, you can clear the app's cache and data. Restart the app and check if background play is restored.

3. Disable battery optimization:
Some devices have battery optimization settings that can restrict background activities of certain apps. To ensure that YouTube can continue playing in the background, you may need to disable battery optimization specifically for the YouTube app. Go to your device's Settings, find "Battery" or "Battery Optimization," and locate YouTube. Choose "Don't optimize" or a similar option to exempt YouTube from battery-saving restrictions.

4. Check your YouTube Premium subscription:
Background play feature is exclusively available for YouTube Premium subscribers. If you are not a YouTube Premium member, background play will not work. Consider subscribing to YouTube Premium to access this feature and other benefits such as ad-free viewing and offline downloads.

5. Try using YouTube in a web browser:
If the issue persists on the YouTube app, try accessing YouTube through a web browser on your device. Open your preferred browser, navigate to YouTube's website, and log in to your account. Play a video and switch to another app or lock your device to test if background play works in this environment. If it does, the issue may be specific to the YouTube app on your device.

Conclusion:
By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue of YouTube background play not working. Remember to update the YouTube app, clear its cache and data, disable battery optimization, and consider subscribing to YouTube Premium if necessary. If all else fails, using YouTube in a web browser may be a viable workaround. Enjoy uninterrupted background playback on YouTube and enhance your viewing experience!

Fix: YouTube Premium Background Play Not Working

What could be the reason for YouTube's background play not working?

There could be several reasons why YouTube's background play feature is not working. Here are a few possible causes and their corresponding solutions:

1. **App or browser issue**: Sometimes, the problem might be with the YouTube app or the browser you are using. Try force-closing the app or closing and reopening the browser. If that doesn't work, try updating the app or clearing the cache and cookies in the browser.

2. **Operating system compatibility**: Background play may not be available on all devices or operating systems. Ensure that you have the latest version of the operating system installed on your device. If background play is not supported on your device, consider upgrading to a newer device or using a different platform that supports this feature.

3. **YouTube Premium subscription**: Background play is only available for YouTube Premium subscribers. If you do not have a YouTube Premium subscription, you will not be able to use this feature. Consider subscribing to YouTube Premium to enable background play.

4. **Network connectivity**: Poor network connectivity or intermittent internet connection can also cause issues with background play. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and try switching to a different network if possible.

5. **Third-party apps or extensions**: If you have any third-party apps or extensions installed that modify or enhance YouTube's functionality, they might interfere with background play. Disable or remove these apps/extensions and check if background play starts working.

If none of these solutions work, it's recommended to reach out to YouTube's support team for further assistance.

How can I enable background play on YouTube?

To enable background play on YouTube, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the YouTube app on your mobile device or access the website on your computer.
2. Sign in to your YouTube account, if you haven't already.
3. Start playing a video that you want to continue listening to in the background.
4. Exit the app or switch to another app on your mobile device, or open a new tab on your computer while the video is playing.
5. **For Android users:** Swipe down from the top of your screen to access the notification panel. You should see the video's title and controls. Tap on the "Play" button to resume playback in the background.
6. **For iOS users:** Double-tap the home button to access the app switcher or use gesture navigation. Swipe right or left to find the YouTube player, then press the "Play" button to continue playing the video in the background.
7. **For computer users:** Open a new tab in your web browser and the video should continue playing in the background.

Please note that background play may not be available on some devices or regions. Additionally, it may require a YouTube Premium subscription for certain features.

Why does YouTube not play in the background on iPhone?

YouTube does not play in the background on iPhone primarily due to restrictions imposed by Apple. This limitation exists because YouTube wants to encourage users to subscribe to YouTube Premium, which offers the background playback feature. However, there are some workarounds to play YouTube videos in the background on an iPhone:

1. **YouTube Premium subscription**: Subscribing to YouTube Premium gives you access to background playback on all devices, including iPhones.

2. **Safari browser trick**: Open Safari on your iPhone and go to the YouTube website. Play the video you want and exit Safari. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center and tap on the Play button to resume playback.

3. **Third-party apps**: There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that allow background playback for YouTube. These apps essentially act as a browser for YouTube videos and provide background playback capabilities.

4. **Picture-in-Picture mode**: If your iPhone runs iOS 14 or later, you can take advantage of the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode. Start playing a YouTube video in the YouTube app, then swipe up from the bottom to go to the home screen or switch to another app. The video will automatically shrink into a small window that can be moved around the screen while you continue using other apps.

Remember that some of these methods may violate YouTube's terms of service, so proceed at your own risk.

FAQ

How to fix YouTube background play not working on Android devices?

To fix YouTube background play not working on Android devices, follow these steps:

1. Update the YouTube app: Make sure you have the latest version of the YouTube app installed on your device. Open the Google Play Store, search for "YouTube," and tap on "Update" if an update is available.

2. Check app permissions: Ensure that the YouTube app has the necessary permissions to run in the background. Go to your device's Settings > Apps > YouTube > Permissions and make sure the "Allow background activity" option is enabled.

3. Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve any temporary glitches or conflicts that may be causing the issue. Restart your Android device and try playing YouTube videos in the background again.

4. Clear cache and data: Clearing the cache and data of the YouTube app can help fix any corrupt or outdated files that may be causing background play issues. Go to your device's Settings > Apps > YouTube > Storage and tap on "Clear cache" and "Clear data."

5. Disable battery optimization: Some Android devices have aggressive battery optimization settings that can interfere with background play functionality. To disable battery optimization for the YouTube app, go to your device's Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization > All Apps > YouTube. Select "Don't optimize" to ensure uninterrupted background playback.

6. Check for conflicting apps: Certain apps or system settings can interfere with YouTube background play. Try disabling or uninstalling any recently installed apps or tweaking any relevant settings to see if it resolves the issue.

7. Use YouTube Premium: If none of the above solutions work, consider subscribing to YouTube Premium. This paid subscription service allows you to listen to YouTube videos in the background and even when your screen is off.

Note: Background play is only available with a YouTube Premium subscription.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix the YouTube background play not working issue on your Android device.

Why is YouTube background play not working on iOS and how to troubleshoot it?

YouTube background play not working on iOS can be frustrating, but there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue:

1. Check your YouTube Premium subscription: Background play is a feature exclusive to YouTube Premium subscribers. Make sure you have an active subscription by going to the YouTube app > Library > Settings > Paid memberships.

2. Update your YouTube app: Outdated versions of the YouTube app may have compatibility issues. Go to the App Store and check for updates. If an update is available, install it and restart your device.

3. Restart your device: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor software glitches. Press and hold the power button on your iOS device, then swipe the slider to turn it off. Once it's off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.

4. Clear cache and data: Clearing the cache and data of the YouTube app may help resolve any temporary issues. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > YouTube. Tap "Offload App" to delete the app without removing your personal data. Then reinstall the app from the App Store.

5. Check restrictions settings: Restrictions settings on your iOS device may prevent background playback. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure YouTube is enabled.

6. Disable Battery Saving Mode: Some battery saving modes on iOS devices can restrict background app activity. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health > Optimized Battery Charging and disable it if enabled.

7. Contact YouTube support: If none of the above solutions work, it's best to reach out to YouTube support for further assistance. You can find their contact information on the YouTube Help Center website.

Remember, these troubleshooting steps should help you resolve most common issues with YouTube background play on iOS devices. If the problem persists, reaching out to YouTube support is recommended.

How to enable background play on YouTube for Chrome browser when it's not working?

To enable background play on YouTube for Chrome browser when it's not working, follow these steps:

1. **Update Chrome**: Ensure that you have the latest version of Google Chrome installed on your computer.

2. **Disable extensions**: Some browser extensions can interfere with YouTube's background play feature. Disable any extensions related to YouTube or ad blockers temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.

3. **Clear cache and cookies**: Clearing your browser's cache and cookies can help resolve playback issues. To do this, go to Chrome settings, click on "Privacy and security," then select "Clear browsing data." Make sure to select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files," then click "Clear data."

4. **Restart Chrome**: Close and reopen Chrome to ensure any changes or updates are applied.

5. **Check YouTube settings**: Visit the YouTube website and click on your profile picture at the top right corner of the page. From the drop-down menu, select "Settings." Under the "Playback" tab, make sure the "Play videos in the background" option is enabled.

6. **Use specific URLs**: If background play still doesn't work, try using specific URLs instead of general YouTube URLs. For example, instead of "youtube.com," use "music.youtube.com" for music videos or "gaming.youtube.com" for gaming content.

7. **Try Incognito mode**: Open a new Incognito window in Chrome (Ctrl + Shift + N) and try playing a YouTube video with background play enabled. If it works in Incognito mode, it could indicate an issue with your browser settings or extensions.

8. **Reset Chrome settings**: If all else fails, you can reset Chrome settings to their defaults. Go to Chrome settings, click on "Advanced," then scroll down to find the "Reset and clean up" section. Click on "Restore settings to their original defaults" and follow the prompts.

By following these steps, you should be able to enable background play on YouTube for Chrome browser even when it's not working.

In conclusion, troubleshooting the issue of YouTube background play not working can be frustrating. However, by following these steps, you can likely resolve the problem and enjoy uninterrupted playback of your favorite videos. Remember to clear cache and cookies, ensure you have a stable internet connection, and update both the YouTube app and your device software. If all else fails, contacting YouTube support for further assistance may be necessary. With these solutions at hand, you'll be able to make the most out of your YouTube experience and enjoy seamless background play. Happy watching!