How To Play YouTube in Background on Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra?

Introduction
YouTube is one of the most popular video streaming platforms, but one of its major drawbacks is the inability to play videos in the background without interruptions. If you’re using a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, you might be wondering how to keep YouTube playing while multitasking. This guide will show you several methods to achieve background playback, both with and without YouTube Premium.
Why Playing YouTube in the Background is Important
Playing YouTube in the background offers several advantages:
- Multitasking: Listen to music, podcasts, or lectures while using other apps.
- Battery Saving: You can turn off the screen and listen to audio.
- Efficiency: Makes it easier to consume content without interruptions.
Understanding YouTube’s Background Playback Restrictions
By default, YouTube restricts background playback for free users. To enable it, you usually need:
- YouTube Premium subscription
- Picture-in-Picture (PiP) mode enabled
- Third-party apps or browser tricks
Method 1: Using YouTube Premium
Steps to Enable Background Playback:
- Subscribe to YouTube Premium
- Open YouTube and play any video
- Press the Home button or switch apps
- The video will continue playing in the background automatically
Benefits of YouTube Premium:
✔️ No ads
✔️ Background playback
✔️ Offline downloads
✔️ YouTube Music access
Method 2: Using Samsung’s Built-in Features
Enabling picture-in-picture mode:
- Open Settings > Apps > YouTube
- Tap Advanced and enable Picture-in-Picture
- Play a video and Swipe Up to activate PiP mode
Method 3: Using Web Browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Steps for Chrome:
- Open Chrome and visit YouTube.com
- Tap the three-dot menu > Desktop site
- Play a video, then switch apps
- Swipe down and tap play from the notification panel
Method 4: Using Third-Party Apps
Some apps allow YouTube background playback.
- NewPipe (Open-source, ad-free YouTube client)
- YouTube Vanced (Discontinued, but alternatives exist)
- FloatTube (Enables floating video mode)
⚠️ Note: Third-party apps may violate YouTube’s policies.
Method 5: Using Samsung’s Edge Panels and Multi-Window
Using edge panels:
- Swipe from the edge to open the panel
- Add YouTube to the Edge panel shortcuts
- Play a video and continue multitasking
Using Multi-Window:
- Open Recent Apps
- Tap YouTube’s icon > Select Open in split screen
- Use another app while the video plays in a smaller window
Method 6: Using YouTube Vanced or ReVanced (Non-Official Methods)
- YouTube Vanced (discontinued) still works on older devices
- ReVanced is an alternative, but it requires manual installation
⚠️ Warning: These methods involve APKs and may not be safe.
Optimizing Battery Life While Playing YouTube in Background

- Lower screen brightness
- Enable power-saving mode
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
PiP Mode Not Working | Enable PiP in Settings |
YouTube Closes in Background | Turn off Battery Optimization for YouTube |
No Sound in Background | Use the browser method instead |
Comparison of All Methods
Method | Ease of Use | Requires Premium? | Additional Apps Needed? |
YouTube Premium | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Samsung PiP Mode | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Web Browser | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Third-Party Apps | ⭐⭐ | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Multi-Window | ⭐⭐⭐ | ❌ No | ❌ No |
FAQs on YouTube Background Play
1. Can I play YouTube in the background without Premium?
Yes! You can use PiP mode, a web browser, or third-party apps.
2. Why does my YouTube video stop when I switch apps?
YouTube restricts background play for non-premium users. Try the browser method or enable PiP mode.
3. Is YouTube Vanced still available?
YouTube Vanced was discontinued, but ReVanced is an alternative.
4. Does Picture-in-Picture mode work on all apps?
No, some apps disable it. Make sure PiP is enabled for YouTube.
5. How do I stop YouTube from pausing automatically?
Check battery settings and disable battery optimization for YouTube.
6. Is using third-party apps safe?
It depends. Official apps like NewPipe are safer, but modified APKs carry risks.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra offers multiple ways to play YouTube in the background. If you want a seamless experience, YouTube Premium is the best choice. However, free methods like PiP mode, browsers, and Samsung’s Edge panels can also work well. Choose the method that suits your needs!