There’s no consistent, verified evidence this works. It may rely on a temporary iOS quirk in specific versions, but it’s not reliable. Use the Safari desktop mode method instead.
Browser‑based methods (Safari desktop mode, third‑party browsers) don’t meaningfully violate the TOS—you’re just using the website. Modified/sideloaded apps do violate the TOS; bans aren’t commonly reported, but the risk exists.
It’s not Apple’s restriction. iOS allows background audio. YouTube intentionally limits it for free users to encourage Premium subscriptions.
It has worked consistently since at least 2019. Breaks do happen when YouTube updates the desktop site, but they typically last days to a couple of weeks at most.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
There’s no consistent, verified evidence this works. It may rely on a temporary iOS quirk in specific versions, but it’s not reliable. Use the Safari desktop mode method instead.
Browser‑based methods (Safari desktop mode, third‑party browsers) don’t meaningfully violate the TOS—you’re just using the website. Modified/sideloaded apps do violate the TOS; bans aren’t commonly reported, but the risk exists.
It’s not Apple’s restriction. iOS allows background audio. YouTube intentionally limits it for free users to encourage Premium subscriptions.
It has worked consistently since at least 2019. Breaks do happen when YouTube updates the desktop site, but they typically last days to a couple of weeks at most.
TL;DR:
- Safari desktop mode is the most reliable free workaround for background YouTube playback on iPhone.
- The viral TikTok method (YouTube app → other app → lock screen) has no independent verification and likely does not work consistently.
- YouTube actively patches exploits, so anything that works today could stop after an iOS or site update.
- Third‑party browsers like Brave offer built‑in background playback with minimal fuss.
Look, I get it—you’re trying to listen to a video essay or some music on YouTube, you lock your iPhone and suddenly… silence. Unless you pay for Premium, playback dies the moment you lock the screen or switch apps.
I recently saw a viral claim that combining the YouTube app with TikTok and then locking the screen enables background audio. I dug in to see whether it actually works in 2024 or if it’s just another recycled trick from years ago.
What I found: you can get background playback without Premium, but many methods you see on social media are temporary, unreliable, or simply wrong.
How to keep YouTube audio playing on a locked iPhone
TL;DR
Why YouTube Blocks Background Playback in the First Place
YouTube used to allow background playback for free users until around 2015. It was removed to make YouTube Premium more attractive. It isn’t a technical limitation—it’s a business decision.
This isn’t Apple being restrictive. Other video apps (e.g., Vimeo) play audio in the background just fine on iOS. YouTube deliberately pauses playback when you lock your screen because background audio is a flagship Premium feature.
With over 2.5 billion monthly active users globally in 2024, even converting a small fraction to paid subscribers is significant. But many people don’t want to pay just to keep audio playing while they check messages.
The Viral TikTok \”Hack\” Everyone’s Talking About
About that video claiming you can play YouTube, open TikTok, lock your phone, and magically get background audio—bad news.
After combing Reddit (r/ios, r/iphone, r/youtube) and other forums, there are zero credible reports of this specific method working consistently—not even a one-off success worth relying on.
The method supposedly goes like this:
- Open YouTube and play a video
- Swipe it away
- Open TikTok
- Lock your phone
- Wait a few seconds and the audio keeps playing
What’s probably happening: it’s either a temporary iOS quirk affecting specific versions, a misunderstanding of what triggered the behavior, or it simply doesn’t work consistently enough to be useful.
Be skeptical of \”100% working\” claims. Even if something works today, YouTube patches these tricks quickly.
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Warning…
There’s no reliable, independently verified evidence that the TikTok lock‑screen trick works consistently. Treat any \”100% working\” claims with caution.
The Safari Desktop Mode Method (Actually Reliable)
Here’s the method that has worked across iOS versions for years:
- Open Safari and go to youtube.com
- Tap the \”AA\” icon in the address bar
- Select \”Request Desktop Website\”
- Play your video
- Lock your screen or switch apps
- Open Control Center and press Play
This works because the desktop site allows background audio by design. You’re effectively telling YouTube you’re on a desktop, where background playback is standard.
It isn’t flawless. Occasionally YouTube makes changes that disrupt it, but it usually returns quickly as Safari and site updates settle.
This workaround has been documented since at least 2019, making it one of the longest‑lasting free alternatives to Premium.
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Success tip
If background audio stops, open Control Center and tap Play. When YouTube tweaks the desktop site, this method can break temporarily but typically resumes within days.
Using Third‑Party Browsers That Don’t Care About YouTube’s Rules
If you’re tired of toggling desktop mode, some browsers bring background playback without extra steps.
Brave Browser
Brave supports background playback by default. Open YouTube in Brave, start a video, lock your screen—the audio continues. Because you’re in a browser, YouTube’s app restrictions don’t apply.
Firefox with Extensions
Firefox on iPhone can support background playback, though it may require minor settings tweaks or Safari‑style workarounds. iOS browsers have limited extension support compared to desktop.
Why Don’t More People Use These?
Most iPhone users stick with Safari for convenience, logins, and synced data. Switching browsers can feel clunky, and you might need to re‑authenticate your YouTube account. If YouTube is your primary audio source though, using Brave is often simpler than repeating the Safari desktop‑mode dance.
Modified YouTube Apps (For the Brave and Tech‑Savvy)
There’s an underground ecosystem of modified YouTube apps (e.g., YouTube++, uYou+) that enable Premium‑like features for free. They require sideloading apps outside the App Store, which introduces trust and security considerations, plus the hassle of re‑signing every 7 days unless you have a developer certificate.
It’s beyond the scope of “just wanting background audio.” Communities like r/sideloaded have guides if you choose to explore. These tools can violate YouTube’s Terms of Service, and while bans aren’t commonly reported, the risk exists.
![\"Error](\"https://fixedgearfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/error-icon.png\"){kind=icon}
Caution
Sideloaded, modified clients can violate YouTube’s TOS and pose security/privacy risks. Proceed only if you fully understand the implications and trust your source.
What About YouTube Premium? Is It Actually Worth It?
As of 2024 in the U.S., YouTube Premium costs $13.99/month and includes:
- Ad‑free videos on all devices
- Background playback
- Offline downloads
- YouTube Music Premium
- Picture‑in‑Picture on iOS
If you watch a lot of YouTube (especially on TV/desktop where ad‑blocking is weaker), Premium can be worth it. If you mainly want audio while the screen is locked, free workarounds can get you close.
Alphabet reports over 100 million combined Premium and Music subscribers (early 2024), still a small slice of YouTube’s total user base.
When Premium Makes Sense
- You watch YouTube on multiple devices daily
- Ads drive you up the wall
- You’d use YouTube Music anyway
- You want reliable offline downloads (e.g., flights)
When to Skip It
- You only need background audio occasionally
- Safari/Brave workarounds don’t bother you
- You’re fine with ads in exchange for free access
- You already pay for Spotify or Apple Music
Why These Workarounds Keep Getting Patched
YouTube knows background playback is a major reason people subscribe. Every time a workaround goes viral, it’s patched within weeks or months. The Safari desktop site method survives because it isn’t a true \”exploit\”—it leverages the desktop site’s intended behavior—but even it can temporarily break when YouTube changes detection or playback logic.
Quick Comparison
| Method | How reliable in 2024? |
|---|---|
| Safari desktop mode | High (long‑running; occasional hiccups) |
| Brave browser | High (built‑in background audio) |
| Firefox (iOS) | Medium (may need tweaks/workarounds) |
| TikTok lock‑screen trick | Low/Unverified |
| Modified YouTube apps | High functionality; high risk (TOS/security) |
| YouTube Premium | Highest (official, paid) |
The Bottom Line on Background YouTube Playback
There’s no perfect, permanent free solution that works exactly like Premium. If the Safari desktop method or switching to Brave feels like a hassle, Premium is the most convenient answer. If you’re determined to stay free, start with Safari’s desktop mode; if that’s too clunky, use Brave.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
There’s no consistent, verified evidence this works. It may rely on a temporary iOS quirk in specific versions, but it’s not reliable. Use the Safari desktop mode method instead.
Browser‑based methods (Safari desktop mode, third‑party browsers) don’t meaningfully violate the TOS—you’re just using the website. Modified/sideloaded apps do violate the TOS; bans aren’t commonly reported, but the risk exists.
It’s not Apple’s restriction. iOS allows background audio. YouTube intentionally limits it for free users to encourage Premium subscriptions.
It has worked consistently since at least 2019. Breaks do happen when YouTube updates the desktop site, but they typically last days to a couple of weeks at most.