How to Play YouTube Videos in Audio-Only Mode on iPhone Without YouTube Premium
For years, I’ve used a little-known trick to play YouTube videos in audio-only mode on my iPhone without a YouTube Premium subscription. I’ve been doing this since the iPhone 5 days, and while the method has evolved slightly, it still works like a charm on most iPhones running the latest iOS firmware. After debating whether to share this gem, I’m ready to let you in on the secret. Here’s how to listen to YouTube content like a podcast, even with your screen locked.
Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone Users
Start Playing a YouTube Video: Open the YouTube app on your iPhone and play the video you want to listen to.
Enter Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode: While the video is playing, tap the home button (or swipe up on newer models) to return to your home screen. This should trigger Picture-in-Picture mode, where the video continues playing in a small floating window. If PiP doesn’t activate, ensure it’s enabled in your iPhone’s Settings > General > Picture in Picture.
Keep the Video Playing: To prevent the video from pausing, open another app, like Safari, while the video plays in PiP mode.
Lock Your iPhone: With the video still playing in PiP mode, press the side lock button to lock the screen.
Quickly Resume Playback: Immediately after locking, press the side button again to wake the screen. On the lock screen, you may see an option to continue playing the video. If not, swipe down (or up, depending on your iOS version) to open the Control Center and press the play button in the media controls.
Enjoy Audio-Only Playback: Lock your iPhone again by pressing the side button. The video’s audio should continue playing, even with the screen off, turning your YouTube video into an audio stream.
Important Notes
Picture-in-Picture Is Required for Newer Models: On modern iPhones (iOS 14 and later), PiP mode is essential for this trick to work. However, older devices like the iPhone 5 could play YouTube audio in the background without needing PiP mode, a feature that changed with newer iOS updates.
Disable Always-On Display: If your iPhone has an “Always On Display” setting (available on some iPhone 14 Pro and later models), this trick may not work. Disable it in Settings > Display & Brightness > Always On Display.
iPhone Compatibility: This method works on most iPhones running the latest iOS firmware, from older models like the iPhone 5 to the newest releases. It’s been tested and confirmed over years of use.
iOS-Only Trick: These instructions are specifically for iPhone users. Android users will need to find a different workaround, as this method is tailored to iOS.
Why This Works
When you lock your iPhone while a video is in PiP mode, the YouTube app is tricked into allowing background playback through the media controls. This bypasses the restriction that typically pauses videos when the app isn’t active—a feature usually reserved for YouTube Premium subscribers.
Final Thoughts
This trick has been a game-changer for me since the iPhone 5 era, letting me listen to music, podcasts, or lectures on YouTube without keeping my screen on or paying for a Premium subscription. It’s perfect for iPhone users who want audio-only playback on the go. Try it out and let me know how it works for you! Be aware that YouTube may patch this method in future iOS updates, so enjoy it while it lasts.
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How to Play YouTube Videos in Audio-Only Mode on iPhone Without YouTube Premium
For years, I’ve used a little-known trick to play YouTube videos in audio-only mode on my iPhone without a YouTube Premium subscription. I’ve been doing this since the iPhone 5 days, and while the method has evolved slightly, it still works like a charm on most iPhones running the latest iOS firmware. After debating whether to share this gem, I’m ready to let you in on the secret. Here’s how to listen to YouTube content like a podcast, even with your screen locked.
Step-by-Step Guide for iPhone Users
Important Notes
Why This Works
When you lock your iPhone while a video is in PiP mode, the YouTube app is tricked into allowing background playback through the media controls. This bypasses the restriction that typically pauses videos when the app isn’t active—a feature usually reserved for YouTube Premium subscribers.
Final Thoughts
This trick has been a game-changer for me since the iPhone 5 era, letting me listen to music, podcasts, or lectures on YouTube without keeping my screen on or paying for a Premium subscription. It’s perfect for iPhone users who want audio-only playback on the go. Try it out and let me know how it works for you! Be aware that YouTube may patch this method in future iOS updates, so enjoy it while it lasts.
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