Ever wanted to listen to your favorite YouTube tunes or podcasts without keeping your screen on? Well, you're in the right place! This guide will walk you through simple and effective methods to play YouTube with your screen locked. Let's dive in!

Why Play YouTube with Your Screen Locked?

Before we get into the how, let's talk about the why. There are several reasons why you might want to keep YouTube running while your screen is off:

• Save Battery Life: Keeping your screen on drains battery like crazy. Listening with the screen locked can significantly extend your device's battery life.
• Listen to Music or Podcasts: YouTube is a treasure trove of music, interviews, and podcasts. Locking the screen lets you enjoy these without interruption, just like a regular music app.
• Avoid Accidental Touches: How many times have you accidentally paused or skipped a video while it's in your pocket? Locking the screen prevents those annoying mishaps.
• Multitasking: Maybe you want to listen to a lecture while taking notes or enjoy a podcast while working out. Locking the screen allows you to use other apps without stopping your audio.

These are just a few examples, but the bottom line is that playing YouTube with the screen locked offers convenience and enhances your overall user experience. Whether you're a student, a music lover, or just someone who wants to maximize their battery life, this feature can be a game-changer. The ability to listen to content without the constant drain of an active screen ensures that your device is ready when you need it most, and you're not always scrambling for a charger. Beyond the practical benefits, it also allows for a more immersive experience. Think about listening to an audiobook on YouTube while commuting – you can keep your phone tucked away, avoiding distractions and preserving battery, fully engaging with the story. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with visual stimuli, sometimes it's nice to just listen and let our minds wander. Playing YouTube with the screen locked gives you that opportunity, creating a more mindful and enjoyable audio experience. So, it's not just about saving battery or avoiding accidental touches; it's about enhancing your lifestyle and making the most of your digital content.

Method 1: Using YouTube Premium

The easiest and most straightforward way to play YouTube with your screen locked is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. Here's what you need to know:

• What is YouTube Premium? YouTube Premium is a paid subscription service offered by YouTube. It comes with several perks, including ad-free viewing, offline downloads, and background playback.
• Background Playback: This is the key feature we're interested in. With background playback, you can continue listening to YouTube videos even when you switch to another app or lock your screen.
• How to Subscribe:
  1. Open the YouTube app.
  2. Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
  3. Select "YouTube Premium."
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up.
• Cost: YouTube Premium costs vary by region. Check the YouTube website or app for the current price in your area.

While YouTube Premium does come with a monthly fee, many users find it well worth the cost. The ad-free experience alone is a significant improvement, and the ability to download videos for offline viewing is a huge bonus for travel or situations with limited internet access. Background playback is just the cherry on top. For those who rely heavily on YouTube for music, podcasts, or educational content, YouTube Premium is a seamless and convenient solution. It eliminates the need for workarounds or third-party apps, providing a hassle-free way to enjoy your favorite videos with the screen locked. Plus, by subscribing to YouTube Premium, you're also supporting the creators you love, as they receive a portion of your subscription fee. It's a win-win situation: you get a better viewing and listening experience, and creators get the financial support they need to continue producing great content. So, if you're looking for the simplest and most reliable way to play YouTube with your screen locked, YouTube Premium is definitely worth considering. It's an investment in your entertainment and productivity that pays off in numerous ways.

Method 2: Using a Web Browser (Android)

If you don't want to shell out for YouTube Premium, there are alternative methods. One popular workaround involves using a web browser on your Android device. Here's how it works:

• Open Chrome (or your preferred browser): Launch Google Chrome or any other web browser on your Android phone.
• Navigate to YouTube: Go to the YouTube website (www.youtube.com).
• Request Desktop Site: In Chrome, tap the three dots in the top right corner and select "Desktop site." This will load the desktop version of YouTube.
• Play Your Video: Find the video you want to listen to and start playing it.
• Lock Your Screen: Once the video is playing, lock your screen. The audio should continue to play in the background.
• Control Playback (if needed): If the audio stops, you can usually resume it by swiping down from the top of your screen to access the notification shade. You should see playback controls for the video.

This method works because the desktop version of YouTube is designed to allow background playback in web browsers. By requesting the desktop site, you're essentially tricking your phone into thinking you're using a computer, which enables the background audio feature. While this method is generally reliable, it can be a bit finicky. Sometimes, the audio may stop playing after a few minutes, or the playback controls may not appear in the notification shade. If that happens, try refreshing the page or restarting your browser. Another thing to keep in mind is that this method may not work with all browsers. Chrome is generally the most reliable option, but you can experiment with other browsers to see if they work as well. Also, be aware that YouTube may change its website code in the future, which could potentially break this workaround. However, as of now, it's a viable option for playing YouTube with your screen locked on Android without paying for YouTube Premium. It's a simple and free way to enjoy your favorite music and podcasts while saving battery life and avoiding accidental touches. Just remember to request the desktop site and keep an eye on the notification shade for playback controls.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps (Android)

Another option for Android users is to use third-party apps that are designed to play YouTube in the background. Here are a couple of popular choices:

• NewPipe: NewPipe is a lightweight, open-source YouTube client that focuses on privacy and doesn't rely on the official YouTube API. It allows you to play videos in the background, download videos, and more.
• SkyTube: SkyTube is another open-source YouTube client that offers similar features to NewPipe. It also allows you to block ads and customize your viewing experience.

To use these apps:

1. Download and Install: Download the APK file from the app's official website or a trusted source like F-Droid, and install it on your Android device. Note that you may need to enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in your device's settings.
2. Search for Videos: Open the app and search for the YouTube video you want to play.
3. Play in Background: Look for an option to play the video in the background. This may be a button or a setting in the app's menu.
4. Lock Your Screen: Once the video is playing in the background, lock your screen. The audio should continue to play.

While these third-party apps can be a convenient way to play YouTube with your screen locked, it's important to exercise caution when downloading and installing apps from unknown sources. Only download apps from trusted websites or app stores like F-Droid to minimize the risk of malware or security vulnerabilities. Also, keep in mind that these apps may not always be up-to-date with the latest YouTube features or changes, so they may not work perfectly all the time. However, for users who are concerned about privacy or want more control over their YouTube experience, these apps can be a good alternative to the official YouTube app. They offer a range of features beyond just background playback, such as ad blocking, video downloading, and customizable themes. Just be sure to do your research and choose an app that is reputable and well-maintained. And always be cautious when granting permissions to apps, especially those that request access to sensitive information. With a little bit of care, you can enjoy YouTube with your screen locked without compromising your security or privacy.

Method 4: Picture-in-Picture Mode (iOS)

For iOS users, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode offers a convenient way to watch YouTube videos while using other apps. While it doesn't exactly lock the screen, it allows you to minimize the video to a small, floating window that you can move around your screen.

• How to Use PiP:
  1. Start Playing a Video: Open the YouTube app and start playing the video you want to watch.
  2. Swipe Up or Tap the PiP Button: While the video is playing, either swipe up from the bottom of the screen (on devices without a home button) or tap the Picture-in-Picture button (if available).
  3. Video Minimizes: The video will minimize to a small, floating window that you can move around your screen.
  4. Lock Your Screen (Optional): You can then lock your screen. The audio will continue to play, but the video will disappear.

Keep in mind that Picture-in-Picture mode may require a YouTube Premium subscription in some regions. Also, the availability of the PiP button may vary depending on the video and your device. If you don't see the PiP button, try updating your YouTube app or restarting your device. While PiP mode isn't exactly the same as playing YouTube with the screen locked, it offers a similar level of convenience. You can listen to your favorite music or podcasts while using other apps, without having to keep the YouTube app in the foreground. And if you want to save battery life, you can simply lock your screen while the audio is playing. This method is particularly useful for multitasking, as it allows you to keep an eye on the video while working on other tasks. For example, you can watch a tutorial while following along with the instructions, or you can listen to a lecture while taking notes. The floating video window can be resized and moved around the screen, so you can customize it to fit your needs. And if you need to focus on something else, you can simply swipe the video off the screen to dismiss it. Overall, Picture-in-Picture mode is a versatile and convenient way to enjoy YouTube videos on your iOS device. It's not a perfect solution for playing YouTube with the screen locked, but it's a good alternative that offers a similar level of functionality.

Conclusion

There you have it! Several ways to enjoy YouTube with your screen locked. Whether you opt for the convenience of YouTube Premium, the browser workaround, third-party apps, or Picture-in-Picture mode, you can now listen to your favorite content without draining your battery. Happy listening, guys!