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Guide
Keep YouTube Playing in Background (2026)
Background playback keeps stopping? Here is what works on iOS, Android, and desktop.
Background playback is the most common reason YouTube stops when you switch tabs or lock your phone. The fix depends on the device.
Desktop
- Keep the tab visible during long sessions.
- Disable battery saver or aggressive sleep settings.
- Avoid reload-based extensions that interrupt playback.
Android
- Battery optimization can pause background audio. Set YouTube or your browser to “Unrestricted” in battery settings.
- Use a browser workflow that supports background audio (varies by device).
- Check Bluetooth: unstable connections can stop playback.
iPhone / iPad
- iOS limits background playback without Premium or specific browser workflows.
- Use supported features like Brave Playlist or similar browser options if available.
More details:
If the idle prompt still appears
Even with background fixes, YouTube may still show the idle prompt. The most reliable fix is a prompt handler.
YT Nonstop will auto-dismiss the prompt without touching other UI elements. Join the waitlist to get early access.