PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteYes—but the supported solution is YouTube Premium. On a phone or tablet, sign in to the account with the membership, start a YouTube video, and lock the screen. The audio can continue in the background. For music and podcasts, YouTube Music Premium is usually the more suitable option.
Yes—but the supported way to listen to YouTube with your phone or tablet screen off is YouTube Premium. Sign in to the YouTube account that has the membership, start a video, then lock the device. The audio should continue in the background. For songs and podcasts, YouTube Music Premium is usually the better fit because it is built for music listening and also supports background play, offline downloads, and audio-only playback.
This applies primarily to the YouTube and YouTube Music mobile apps on Android and iPhone/iPad. YouTube also documents background playback in a mobile browser, but the native app is the more reliable option.
How to listen to YouTube with the screen off
- Install or update the YouTube app or YouTube Music app.
- Sign in to the Google account that owns the YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium membership.
- Play the video, song, or podcast.
- Press the phone or tablet’s lock button, or switch to another app.
- Use the lock-screen, notification-panel, or connected-headphone controls to pause, resume, or skip when your device supports those controls.
If playback stops as soon as the screen locks, check the troubleshooting section below. A Premium subscription on one Google account does not automatically apply when the YouTube app is signed in to a different account.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- WORLD’S BEST IN-EAR ACTIVE NOISE CANCELLATION — Removes up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2* so you can stay fully immersed in the moment.*
- BREAKTHROUGH AUDIO PERFORMANCE — Experience breathtaking, three-dimensional audio with AirPods Pro 3. A new acoustic architecture delivers transformed bass, detailed clarity so you can hear every instrument, and stunningly vivid vocals.
- HEART RATE SENSING — Built-in heart rate sensing lets you track your heart rate and calories burned for up to 50 different workout types.* With iPhone, you will have access to the Move ring, step count, and the new Workout Buddy,* powered by Apple Intelligence.*
- LIVE TRANSLATION — Communicate across language barriers using Live Translation,* enabled by Apple Intelligence.*
- EXTENDED BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 8 hours of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge. Or up to 10 hours in Transparency using the Hearing Aid feature.*
Choose the right YouTube app
| What you want to hear | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures, documentaries, interviews, news, tutorials, or other general videos | Regular YouTube app with YouTube Premium | It lets you keep listening while using another app or with the screen locked. |
| Songs, albums, playlists, music videos, or podcasts | YouTube Music with YouTube Music Premium | It is designed for audio-focused listening and adds background play, downloads, and audio-only playback. |
| Occasional multitasking while still watching video | Picture-in-picture | The video remains visible in a small floating window; it does not turn the screen off. |
| Travel or unreliable connectivity | Offline downloads | Downloaded content does not depend on a continuous connection, subject to YouTube’s availability and membership rules. |
YouTube Premium versus YouTube Music Premium
YouTube Premium is the general solution for screen-off playback in the YouTube mobile app. It is appropriate when the source is a documentary, interview, lecture, news report, or any other ordinary YouTube video whose audio you want to hear without keeping the display on.
YouTube Music Premium is more directly suited to music and podcast listening. YouTube Music says Premium supports background play while the screen is off, offline downloads, ad-free music videos, and audio-only mode for music and most podcasts. Audio-only mode is also available to podcast listeners without a membership for eligible items, but it is not available for every podcast or piece of content.
YouTube Premium includes access to YouTube Music, but you still use the appropriate app for the content. A general YouTube video is not automatically converted into a YouTube Music track simply because you have Premium.
Turn background play on or change its behavior
In the YouTube mobile app, open Settings > Background play. Depending on the app version, language, and device, this may appear within a background-and-downloads area. The available choices generally include:
Rank #2
- JBL Deep Bass Sound: Get the most from your mixes with high-quality audio from secure, reliable earbuds with 8mm drivers featuring JBL Deep Bass Sound
- Comfortable fit: The ergonomic, stick-closed design of the JBL Vibe Beam fits so comfortably you may forget you're wearing them. The closed design excludes external sounds, enhancing the bass performance
- Up to 32 (8h + 24h) hours of battery life and speed charging: With 8 hours of battery life in the earbuds and 24 in the case, the JBL Vibe Beam provide all-day audio. When you need more power, you can speed charge an extra two hours in just 10 minutes.
- Hands-free calls with VoiceAware: When you're making hands-free stereo calls on the go, VoiceAware lets you balance how much of your own voice you hear while talking with others
- Water and dust resistant: From the beach to the bike trail, the IP54-certified earbuds and IPX2 charging case are water and dust resistant for all-day experiences
- Always on: background playback continues when you leave the app or lock the screen.
- Off: playback stops when the app is no longer in the foreground.
- Headphones or external speakers: background playback is limited to a connected external audio output.
Menu names can vary slightly, so do not assume every Android or iOS device displays identical wording. Also note that background play is not available in the YouTube Shorts player.
A practical accessory for screen-off listening
Headphones are optional: they do not unlock background playback and cannot replace YouTube Premium. They can, however, make the feature more useful by letting you lock the phone and control audio without holding the device. You can use Bluetooth headphones or wireless earbuds, then choose the “Headphones or external speakers” background-play setting if you want playback restricted to an external audio device. YouTube’s documented feature is the background-play setting; battery life, fit, water resistance, and sound quality depend on the particular accessory.
Picture-in-picture is not screen-off playback
Picture-in-picture (PiP) keeps a small, movable video window above other apps. It is useful when you want to browse, message, or take notes while continuing to watch, but the display remains on. It is therefore not a way to listen with the screen completely off.
On Android, YouTube says PiP must be enabled both in Android’s app permissions and in YouTube’s playback settings. The general path is:
- Open Android Settings > Apps > YouTube > Picture-in-picture and allow it.
- Open YouTube and go to its playback settings.
- Enable picture-in-picture if the option is available.
- Start a video and leave the YouTube app to test the floating player.
YouTube Premium members can use PiP for all videos according to YouTube’s Premium guidance. In the United States, non-Premium users can generally use PiP for eligible non-music videos, but music videos and certain other content are excluded. YouTube’s Android documentation specifically identifies music content such as official music videos, Art Tracks, children’s songs, and user-generated song covers as Premium-only for PiP. Availability varies by country, device, and content.
Rank #3
- LONG BATTERY LIFE: With up to 50-hour battery life and quick charging, you’ll have enough power for multi-day road trips and long festival weekends.(USB Type-C Cable included)
- HIGH QUALITY SOUND: Great sound quality customizable to your music preference with EQ Custom on the Sony | Headphones Connect App.
- LIGHT & COMFORTABLE: The lightweight build and swivel earcups gently slip on and off, while the adjustable headband, cushion and soft ear pads give you all-day comfort.
- CRYSTAL CLEAR CALLS: A built-in microphone provides you with hands-free calling. No need to even take your phone from your pocket.
- MULTIPOINT CONNECTION: Quickly switch between two devices at once.
For Premium users on Android, dismissing the PiP window can transition the video into background-play mode, according to YouTube’s PiP documentation.
Can you use a mobile browser instead of the app?
Yes. Open m.youtube.com in a mobile browser, sign in to the Premium account, and start playback. YouTube has an official guide for background playback in a mobile browser, although it notes that restrictions apply.
Browser behavior can differ according to the browser, operating-system power controls, permissions, and updates. For that reason, use the native YouTube or YouTube Music app as the default solution. A browser workaround that happens to work today is not a guarantee of ongoing support.
Download videos, music, or podcasts for offline listening
If you are traveling or expect weak internet access, downloading is more dependable than streaming continuously. YouTube Premium supports offline video downloads in the YouTube mobile app. YouTube Music Premium supports downloads of music and podcasts in the YouTube Music app.
Rank #4
- 65 Hours Playtime: Low power consumption technology applied, BERIBES bluetooth headphones with built-in 500mAh battery can continually play more than 65 hours, standby more than 950 hours after one fully charge. By included 3.5mm audio cable, the wireless headphones over ear can be easily switched to wired mode when powers off. No power shortage problem anymore.
- Optional 6 Music Modes: Adopted most advanced dual 40mm dynamic sound unit and 6 EQ modes, BERIBES updated headphones wireless bluetooth black were born for audiophiles. Simply switch the headphone between balanced sound, extra powerful bass and mid treble enhancement modes. No matter you prefer rock, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues or classic music, BERIBES has always been committed to providing our customers with good sound quality as the focal point of our engineering.
- All Day Comfort: Made by premium materials, 0.38lb BERIBES over the ear headphones wireless bluetooth for work are the most lightweight headphones in the market. Adjustable headband makes it easy to fit all sizes heads without pains. Softer and more comfortable memory protein earmuffs protect your ears in long term using.
- Latest Bluetooth 6.0 and Microphone: Carrying latest Bluetooth 6.0 chip, after booting, 1-3 seconds to quickly pair bluetooth. Beribes bluetooth headphones with microphone has faster and more stable transmitter range up to 33ft. Two smart devices can be connected to Beribes over-ear headphones at the same time, makes you able to pick up a call from your phones when watching movie on your pad without switching.（There are updates for both the old and new Bluetooth versions, but this will not affect the quality of the product or its normal use.）
- Packaging Component: Package include a Foldable Deep Bass Headphone, 3.5MM Audio Cable, Type-c Charging Cable and User Manual.
These downloads remain controlled by the relevant app and membership system; they are not exported as ordinary audio files. YouTube Music says downloaded music and podcasts can generally remain available offline for up to 30 days, subject to the service’s terms and availability. See YouTube’s offline-download guidance for the current requirements.
What to check when playback stops after locking the screen
Work through this list in order:
- Verify the account and membership. Open YouTube’s account menu and confirm that the signed-in Google account has an active YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium membership.
- Check Background play. Go to Settings > Background play and make sure it is not set to Off. If it is set to Headphones or external speakers, connect the relevant audio device.
- Update the app. Install the latest available version of YouTube or YouTube Music, then close and reopen it.
- Restart the device. A phone reboot can clear a stuck audio session or notification process.
- Allow background data. Check the operating system’s app settings and make sure YouTube is allowed to use background mobile data if you are not on Wi-Fi.
- Review notification controls. YouTube includes notification settings among its troubleshooting checks. Fully blocked notifications can interfere with the playback controls shown on some devices.
- Stop competing audio. Another app may have taken audio focus—for example, a game, social-media app, navigation app, or another music player.
- Check the connection. Streaming interruptions can look like a background-play failure. Try a stable Wi-Fi connection or an already downloaded item.
- Check location and eligibility. Premium availability and feature behavior vary by country, and some individual videos may not be eligible for background play or offline downloads.
A channel membership is not the same as YouTube Premium. Paying to support or access a particular channel does not necessarily provide Premium background playback; YouTube warns that some videos may remain ineligible even when the viewer has a channel membership. iOS users who purchased through iTunes must be signed in to the YouTube account associated with that purchase to access the relevant Premium benefits. YouTube documents these account and eligibility issues in its membership guidance and iOS purchase guidance.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Country availability and travel limitations
YouTube Premium and YouTube Music Premium are offered only in listed countries and territories, and some features can behave differently when you change locations. The official availability and travel guidance lists supported locations, including the United States.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →YouTube says memberships should be used predominantly in the country where they were purchased. Misrepresenting your location or attempting to bypass regional availability with a VPN can result in cancellation. When traveling, Premium benefits may change, and offline content is generally available for a limited period rather than indefinitely. Do not assume that a subscription purchased in one country will provide identical access everywhere.
Best Value
- REBUILT FOR COMFORT — AirPods 4 have been redesigned for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. With a refined contour, shorter stem, and quick-press controls for music or calls.
- PERSONALIZED SPATIAL AUDIO — Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking places sound all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience for music, TV shows, movies, games, and more.*
- IMPROVED SOUND AND CALL QUALITY — AirPods 4 feature the Apple-designed H2 chip. Voice Isolation improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions. Using advanced computational audio, it reduces background noise while isolating and clarifying the sound of your voice for whomever you’re speaking to.*
- MAGICAL EXPERIENCE — Just say “Siri” or “Hey Siri” to play a song, make a call, or check your schedule.* And with Siri Interactions, now you can respond to Siri by simply nodding your head yes or shaking your head no.* Pair AirPods 4 by simply placing them near your device and tapping Connect on your screen.* Easily share a song or show between two sets of AirPods.* An optical in-ear sensor knows to play audio only when you’re wearing AirPods and pauses when you take them off. And you can track down your AirPods and Charging Case with the Find My app.*
- LONG BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge. And get up to 30 hours of total listening time using the case.*
What about unofficial tricks and modified apps?
Unofficial browser tricks, modified YouTube apps, downloaders, and third-party players may stop working without notice. They can also create terms-of-service, privacy, security, or malware risks. They are not a dependable substitute for the supported options:
- YouTube Premium for general video background play.
- YouTube Music Premium for music and podcast listening.
- Picture-in-picture when you want a visible floating video and the content and location are eligible.
- Offline downloads when connectivity is unreliable.
Does this work on TVs and other living-room devices?
YouTube’s supported-device information presents background and offline playback as mobile-app features. It does not establish general screen-off background play as a feature for televisions or other living-room devices. On a phone or tablet, use the mobile YouTube or YouTube Music app; for other device types, check the capabilities documented for that specific device and app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is picture-in-picture the same as listening with the screen off?
No. Picture-in-picture leaves a small video window visible on the screen. Screen-off listening requires background playback, which YouTube officially provides through Premium on supported mobile apps and locations.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Should I use YouTube Premium or YouTube Music Premium?
YouTube Premium is the better choice for documentaries, lectures, interviews, and other regular YouTube videos. YouTube Music Premium is more suitable for songs, playlists, music videos, and podcasts.
Can I play YouTube with the screen off in a mobile browser?
Yes, YouTube documents background playback in a mobile browser at m.youtube.com for signed-in Premium users, but browser and operating-system restrictions can apply. The native app is the safer default.
Why does YouTube stop when I lock my phone?
Check that you are signed in to the account with the active membership, confirm Settings > Background play is not Off, update and restart the app, allow background data, stop other audio apps, and check network and regional eligibility.
The Bottom Line
The short answer: use YouTube Premium in the YouTube app for documentaries and other general videos, or YouTube Music Premium for songs and podcasts. Start playback, lock the phone, and use the lock-screen or headphone controls. PiP keeps video visible but does not turn the screen off, while offline downloads are the better choice for travel or poor connectivity.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
