YouTube Not Working In Background? Here's How To Fix It!

9 min read 11-15- 2024
YouTube Not Working In Background? Here's How To Fix It!

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YouTube has become a primary source for entertainment, education, and news for many people around the world. However, a common frustration that users encounter is when YouTube doesn’t work in the background on their mobile devices. This issue not only disrupts the listening experience but can also limit the way users enjoy their content. Fortunately, there are several effective solutions to tackle this problem. In this article, we will explore common reasons why YouTube might not be playing in the background and provide practical fixes to enhance your viewing experience. 📱🎥

Why YouTube Doesn’t Work in Background?

There are several factors that can cause YouTube to stop playing in the background. Understanding these reasons can help in applying the right fixes.

1. YouTube App Settings ⚙️

Sometimes, it might just be a matter of tweaking some settings in the YouTube app. Ensure that the settings for background play are correctly configured.

2. Device Limitations 📱

Older devices or those with outdated operating systems may face issues with background applications. Always check your device’s compatibility with the app.

3. Battery Optimization Settings 🔋

Many smartphones come equipped with battery optimization features that can restrict background activity to conserve power, affecting apps like YouTube.

4. Network Issues 🌐

Weak or unstable internet connections can prevent YouTube from streaming content smoothly, leading to interruptions when you switch apps.

5. App Updates 🔄

An outdated version of the YouTube app can cause various glitches, including background play issues. Ensure your app is always updated to the latest version.

Solutions to Fix YouTube Not Working in Background

Now that we understand the potential reasons behind the issue, let’s delve into how to fix it effectively.

Enable Background Play in YouTube Settings

To allow YouTube to function in the background, follow these steps:

  1. Open the YouTube App: Tap to launch the YouTube application.
  2. Go to Settings: Click on your profile picture in the upper right corner, then select Settings.
  3. Background Play: Tap on Background & Downloads, then select the appropriate option (Always On, Headphones Only, Off).

Disable Battery Optimization for YouTube

If your phone restricts apps to save battery, follow these steps to disable optimization for YouTube:

For Android:

  1. Open Settings: Go to your phone’s settings.
  2. Battery: Look for the battery section.
  3. Battery Optimization: Tap on Battery optimization or App power management.
  4. YouTube: Find YouTube in the list and select Don’t optimize.

For iOS:

  1. Settings: Open your iPhone settings.
  2. Battery: Scroll down and tap on Battery.
  3. Background App Refresh: Ensure that Background App Refresh is enabled for YouTube.

Check Your Internet Connection 🌐

A poor internet connection can impede streaming. Here’s how to ensure your connection is stable:

  • Wi-Fi: If you are using Wi-Fi, check the signal strength. Move closer to the router if necessary.
  • Mobile Data: If using mobile data, confirm that you have a strong signal. You can try toggling Airplane mode on and off to refresh your connection.

Update the YouTube App 🔄

Make sure you are using the latest version of the YouTube app. Here’s how to update:

On Android:

  1. Open Google Play Store.
  2. Search for YouTube.
  3. Update: If an update is available, tap Update.

On iOS:

  1. Open the App Store.
  2. Search for YouTube.
  3. Update: Tap Update if available.

Clear Cache for YouTube App

Clearing the cache can resolve many temporary issues. Here’s how to do it:

For Android:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Apps: Scroll to Apps or Application Manager.
  3. YouTube: Find and select YouTube.
  4. Storage: Tap on Storage and then select Clear Cache.

For iOS:

iOS doesn’t have a direct option to clear cache, but you can delete and reinstall the app:

  1. Long Press YouTube App: Tap and hold the YouTube app until options appear.
  2. Delete App: Select Remove App > Delete App.
  3. Reinstall: Go to the App Store and reinstall YouTube.

Restart Your Device 🔄

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve various issues:

  1. Power Off: Long press the power button on your device.
  2. Restart: Select Restart or Power off and then turn it back on.

Consider YouTube Premium

YouTube offers a subscription service called YouTube Premium. This service allows users to play videos in the background without interruption. Here are some benefits:

Feature YouTube Free YouTube Premium
Background Play No Yes
Ad-free Videos No Yes
Offline Downloads No Yes
Access to YouTube Music No Yes

Conclusion

Experiencing YouTube not working in the background can be frustrating, but it’s often solvable with a few adjustments. From checking app settings to ensuring a stable internet connection, the steps outlined above can significantly improve your user experience. If the problem persists even after following these suggestions, it might be worth reaching out to YouTube support for additional assistance. Enjoy your videos and music seamlessly in the background! 🎶📺