Want to watch YouTube while still using your iPhone? Picture-in-Picture (PIP), multitasking, and background play are game-changers for maximizing your device’s functionality.
With iOS 14 and the YouTube app, you can efficiently manage both entertainment and productivity. Understanding these features, from PIP mode to YouTube Premium, empowers you to seamlessly stream videos while texting, browsing, or using other mobile apps.
In this article, you’ll learn how to watch YouTube and still use iPhone seamlessly. You’ll discover tricks like enabling PIP mode, using the Control Center, and leveraging background play. We’ll cover step-by-step instructions, essential app settings, and pro tips to enhance your user experience.
By the end of this guide, you’ll master how to minimize YouTube, utilize floating windows, and explore advanced iMessage and Safari multitasking features. Stay engaged and optimize your iPhone’s functionality for an effortless multimedia experience. Let’s dive in and unlock these powerful features.
How To Watch YouTube And Still Use iPhone: Quick Workflow
To watch YouTube videos while using other apps on your iPhone, you can utilize the Picture-in-Picture (PiP) feature, which allows videos to play in a small window while you multitask. Here are the steps to enable and use this feature:
Enabling Picture-in-Picture on iPhone
- Open Settings: Start by opening the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Access General Settings: Scroll down and select General.
- Select Picture in Picture: Tap on Picture in Picture and ensure that Start PiP Automatically is enabled.
- Open YouTube App: Launch the YouTube app on your iPhone.
- Adjust YouTube Settings:
- Tap on your profile icon at the bottom right corner.
- Select the gear icon to access settings.
- Under General, make sure that Picture in Picture is turned on.
Watching YouTube Videos
- Once you have enabled PiP, play any video in the YouTube app.
- To minimize the app and continue watching, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or press the home button if your device has one). The video will continue playing in a small window that you can move around your screen.
Important Notes
- The Picture-in-Picture feature is generally available for YouTube Premium subscribers, though there may be some availability for free users depending on updates from YouTube
- If you do not have a Premium subscription, you can still listen to audio from YouTube videos using a web browser like Safari or Firefox by requesting the desktop version of the site and controlling playback via the Control Center
Using YouTube Premium for Background Playback
Features of YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is a game-changer. First off, ad-free experience. No interruptions while you’re engrossed in your favorite tech tutorials or music videos. It’s a clean, seamless experience.
Beyond that, exclusive content—original series and documentaries you won’t find elsewhere. Imagine having YouTube Originals at your fingertips.
Then comes the clincher: background playback. Imagine you can exit the YouTube app, launch your email, and the audio continues. Yes, it operates in the background.
Don’t overlook offline downloads. Download your favorite playlists or videos. Watch them later without data usage. Ideal for commutes or places with terrible signal.
Cost and Accessibility
Subscription plans are straightforward. Individual plans for solo users. Family plans to share the love. Even a free trial if you’re skeptical and want to test the waters first.
How does it stack up against other media apps? Here’s the breakdown: Sure, the YouTube Music App is here, Spotify and Apple Music offer streaming too. But they lack the vast video library YouTube offers.
Then there’s third-party apps—they try to mimic YouTube Premium’s features. They might say “Background playback for free!” but beware of potential risks. Privacy concerns, app removals—it’s a gamble.
Free Methods to Play YouTube in the Background
Using Web Browsers
Browser Compatibility
Certain browsers are up for the task. Firefox and Opera? Yes, they work. They let you play YouTube in the background.
Safari and Chrome? Not so much. Limitations hold them back. Say goodbye to background playback.
Step-by-Step Guide for Desktop Site Method
It’s all about tricking YouTube into thinking you’re on a desktop. First, head to YouTube’s mobile site.
Request the desktop site. How? Browser settings, hit “Request Desktop Site.” Bam, YouTube thinks you’re on a computer.
Video starts playing? Exit the browser. Access the Control Center. Resume playback.
Additional Tips for Browser Method
Playback sometimes gets dodgy. Allow a few minutes of playback before locking the screen.
Adjust device settings. Smooth out hiccups. Ensure seamless playback. Every tweak helps.
Utilizing Picture-in-Picture Mode
Availability on Android and iOS
On Android, it’s a go. iOS? For YouTube Premium users, it’s a built-in feature.
In some regions, PiP (Picture-in-Picture) might be free. Check your device’s specifics. PiP is where tiny floating windows thrive.
Steps for Enabling PiP Mode
Full-screen the video. Enjoy every pixel.
Exit the app. Boom. Tiny window, video still playing. Multitask away.
Now, you know how to play YouTube in the background for both systems. There’s a workaround for everyone.
Alternative Workarounds for Background Playback
Using Private Browsing on Safari
Switching to private mode on Safari can work for background playback. It’s a straightforward hack, though not foolproof.
Here’s the kicker: the success rate depends on your device version. This method shines on older models but struggles with the latest iOS updates. Apple’s ever-evolving security sometimes blocks this trick.
Third-Party Apps and Tools
App Recommendations
Several third-party apps stand out. YubePiP is one. Another is the YouTube Music App. Both have distinct features.
YubePiP offers Picture-in-Picture for free. Handy, right? Meanwhile, the YouTube Music App excels in seamless playback, especially for music videos.
Considerations When Using Third-Party Apps
There’s always a catch. Potential risks loom large. Apps might get removed, leaving you in a lurch.
Privacy concerns are real. Some of these tools might not safeguard your data. Always a gamble.
Listen to user reviews. Reputations matter here. Good feedback can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a privacy nightmare.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Playback Interruption Problems
Ever had YouTube pause when the screen locks? Frustrating, right? Happens a lot with iPhones. Check if your device is in Low Power Mode. This mode can kill background activities.
Next, those playback controls in the Control Center sometimes vanish. Restarting your YouTube app can help. It refreshes its connection to the system controls.
Device Settings and Optimizations
Your device settings can make a huge difference. Start by ensuring you have a sufficient battery charge. Low battery levels can disrupt streaming services. Disable Low Power Mode just to be sure.
Then, dive into Screen Time settings. Restrictions imposed here sometimes halt YouTube. In your iPhone settings, navigate to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Ensure nothing hinders playback.
Another tip: app permissions. Your YouTube app should have necessary permissions to run in the background. Navigate to Settings > YouTube and toggle the required permissions on.
FAQ on How To Watch YouTube And Still Use iPhone
How do I enable Picture-in-Picture mode on my iPhone while watching YouTube?
Ensure your iPhone is updated to iOS 14 or later. Open the YouTube app and start playing a video. Swipe up from the bottom or press the Home button to go to the Home screen, and your video should minimize into a floating window.
Can I use YouTube in the background on my iPhone?
Yes, but you’ll need YouTube Premium for official background play. Alternatively, you can use Safari. Start the video in Safari, then switch to PIP mode by following similar steps to the YouTube app method.
What iOS version supports Picture-in-Picture mode for YouTube?
iOS 14 and later support PIP mode. Ensure your device is up-to-date. Access this feature by using the latest YouTube app or browser version for best performance.
How do I switch to another app while watching YouTube on my iPhone?
Enable PIP mode or background play, then switch apps. You can text, browse Safari, or even use social media while your YouTube video keeps playing in a minimized or background window.
Does YouTube Premium automatically enable background play on iPhones?
Yes, subscribing to YouTube Premium activates background play. Start your video, then switch apps or lock your screen. The audio continues while other functionalities stay active.
How do I use split screen for YouTube on my iPhone?
iPhone doesn’t support true split screen, but PIP mode is a workaround. Activate PIP mode to watch a minimized YouTube video while you use another app full-screen.
Can I watch YouTube videos in a floating window on my iPhone?
Yes, start your video, then swipe up or press the Home button. The YouTube video will shift into a floating window that you can drag around your screen.
Why isn’t Picture-in-Picture working for YouTube on my iPhone?
Check if your iOS is updated and that your YouTube app is the latest version. Without these, PIP mode may not function correctly. Also, ensure you’re using the YouTube app or Safari browser.
Is there a need to use specific apps for multitasking with YouTube on iPhone?
No specific extra apps are needed. The built-in YouTube app and Safari browser suffice. With iOS’s multitasking features, you can handle emailing, texting, or other tasks effortlessly while watching videos.
What tips can enhance my multitasking experience on the iPhone using YouTube?
Update regularly, use YouTube Premium for easy background play, and keep your Control Center accessible. Ensure your apps are well-organized for swift switching, helping you optimize your iPhone’s capabilities for multitasking efficiently.
Conclusion
Understanding how to watch YouTube and still use iPhone unlocks new productivity levels. By leveraging Picture-in-Picture mode, background play, and multitasking features, you can efficiently manage your tasks while enjoying your favorite content. Ensuring iOS is updated to the latest version is crucial for these functionalities.
Key Takeaways:
- for Picture-in-Picture mode, update your iPhone to at least iOS 14.
- Use YouTube Premium for background play.
- Utilize Safari for alternative background play solutions.
- Integration of multitasking features like the Control Center and efficient app management optimize your experience.
Employing these tips ensures you get the most out of your iPhone while streaming YouTube videos. Stay on top of updates and explore these features to enhance your productivity seamlessly. By following this guide, you should be able to watch YouTube and still use your iPhone effectively. Maximize your device without interruptions and enjoy a streamlined multimedia experience.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
- How to Keep Your Tech Headaches at Bay - January 15, 2025
- How to Clear Cache on Android for Speed - January 14, 2025
- Game Art Outsourcing in 2025: The Developer’s Guide - January 14, 2025
