Keep Playing YouTube (2026)

If YouTube stops mid-playlist, you are usually hitting the idle prompt or background restrictions. Use this checklist to keep videos playing longer.

Step-by-step checklist

• Stay active: occasional interaction resets the idle timer.
• Disable power saving: battery saver can pause background tabs.
• Keep the tab visible: hidden tabs are more likely to pause.
• Update your browser or app: old builds break after YouTube updates.
• Limit heavy extensions: reload loops and adware are common causes.

Desktop tips

• Use a clean browser profile to isolate problems.
• Turn off media-key integrations if they pause playback on focus changes.

Mobile tips

• Background playback is limited on iOS and Android.
• If the screen locks and audio stops, you need a platform-specific workaround.

Start here:

• Keep YouTube Playing in Background

Best long-session solution

For long sessions (work, study, sleep), a prompt handler is the most reliable fix. YT Nonstop detects the idle dialog and clicks it automatically. Join the waitlist to get early access.

Related guides

• YouTube Keeps Pausing
• Video Paused Continue Watching YouTube
• YouTube Nonstop