How to listen to music on YouTube with the screen off for free

  • You can listen to music on YouTube with the screen off using browsers like Brave.
  • On Android, copying the video link and opening it in a browser allows you to take advantage of the media player.
  • On iPhone, Safari and desktop mode allow you to continue playback with the screen locked.
  • You can also try YouTube Music or alternative streaming services with free options.

How to listen to YouTube with the screen off

Listening to music on YouTube with the screen off without paying for YouTube Premium is a necessity for many users. Although the free version of this video platform doesn't allow this directly, there are some tricks you can use to continue enjoying your favorite music or podcasts without the screen on.

Here we explain in detail several effective methods that work on both Android and iOS devices, without the need to install third-party apps or perform complicated configurations. You'll only need a browser and a few steps to get it done.

Listening to YouTube with the screen off: Browsers that play in the background

One of the easiest methods to listen to music on YouTube with the screen off is to use a Web navigator instead of the official app. In particular, there are browsers like Brave that allow this function natively.

Steps to do it in Brave:

  • Download and install the browser Brave from Google Play Store or App Store.
  • Open Brave and go to the YouTube website.
  • Find the video you want to listen to and start playing it.
  • Go to Settings → Multimedia → Background Playback and activate it.
  • You can now turn off the screen and the audio will continue to play without interruption.

This browser is an excellent option because it also allows control playback From the notification bar, pause or resume playback without having to unlock your phone.

Trick to listen to music with the screen turned off

Trick with any browser on Android to listen to YouTube with the screen off

If you don't want to install Brave, you can use the background playback feature offered by some mainstream browsers like Chrome or Firefox.

Google ChromeAndroid
Related article:
Ultimate Guide to Putting YouTube in the Background on Android: All the Methods, Tricks, and Tips 2025

Step by step method:

  • Open the app YouTube on your device and search for the video you want to listen to.
  • Select the button Share and choose the option of Copy link.
  • Open your favorite browser (Chrome or Firefox) and paste the URL into the address bar.
  • When the video starts playing, lock your phone screen.
  • The audio will pause momentarily, but when you unlock the screen the Media player on the lock screen. Tap Play to resume playback without unlocking your phone.

This method works with most Android phones and it's a great way to avoid paying for YouTube Premium.

Using the web version on iOS

On iPhone you can also listen to music in the background using safariThe process is similar to that of Android, although with slight differences.

How to do it on iOS:

  • Open Safari and go to youtube.com.
  • Find the video you want to listen to and play it.
  • Activate the option desktop mode in the browser.
  • Exit the browser or lock the screen.
  • Swipe down to open the Control center and touch the button Play in the media player.

This trick is especially useful on iPhone, as it allows you to enjoy the content without the need for additional applications.

Alternative: YouTube Music and other options

In addition to these tricks, another alternative is to use YouTube Music. Although its free version does not allow background playback, you can try the YouTube Premium free trial to see if the service suits you before paying. You can also explore other platforms streaming like Spotify, Apple Music or Amazon Music, which do allow background playback in their free version with ads.

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These methods allow you to continue enjoying your favorite music on YouTube without paying for YouTube Premium and without unnecessary complications. Share the information so that more people know about the topic.


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