Have you ever wondered how to enjoy YouTube in the background without paying for the Premium subscription? Until recently, some users used creative solutions to bypass the restrictions. However, Google has decided to close these loopholes. Discover how this impacts the user experience on mobile.
The 3 key points not to miss
- Google has blocked background playback on mobile browsers for non-Premium users.
- This update affects several browsers, including Brave, Vivaldi, and Firefox.
- The block also includes other workarounds like desktop mode and picture-in-picture.
Google strengthens its restrictions
Google has recently strengthened its restrictions for background playback on YouTube, a feature previously reserved for Premium subscribers. This decision has been gradually implemented since the end of January 2026, affecting various browsers such as Brave, Vivaldi, and Edge. Now, when the screen is locked or the app is minimized, the sound cuts off for non-Premium accounts.
Impact on third-party browser users
Third-party browser users, who were used to bypassing YouTube’s restrictions, now find themselves without options. Browsers like Firefox and Samsung Internet offered features allowing background playback, but these methods have been rendered obsolete by Google’s recent updates.
Measures to prevent bypassing
In addition to preventing background playback, Google has disabled other popular tricks. For example, the “desktop” mode and the picture-in-picture option no longer allow audio playback to continue when the app is in the background or the screen is off. This approach aims to standardize the user experience and encourage subscription to YouTube Premium.
Context and competition
YouTube Premium positions itself as a paid offering with benefits such as no ads and advanced features, including background playback. This strategy aims to attract more paying subscribers by limiting free options. Competitors like Spotify and Apple Music also offer music services with paid subscriptions, but YouTube remains unique in its diversity of video content. Google’s decision to strengthen restrictions could prompt some users to consider subscribing to fully enjoy YouTube’s features.
