iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On a Samsung Galaxy phone, “background” can mean two different things: a floating picture-in-picture (PiP) video while you use another app, or audio that continues after you lock the screen. For PiP, enable the YouTube app’s Android permission and its in-app Playback setting. For screen-off playback, YouTube requires an eligible membership, account, location, and content. Follow the steps below for the behavior you want.
Choose between a floating video and screen-off playback
| What you want | Feature | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Keep watching while using another app | Picture-in-picture (PiP) | The video stays visible in a small movable window over other apps. |
| Keep playback going after locking the phone | Background Play | Playback continues with the screen off, subject to account, membership, location, and content eligibility. |
These are separate features. Turning on PiP does not by itself enable screen-off playback.
Set up YouTube picture-in-picture on a Samsung phone
YouTube’s Android help describes two controls to check: the Android app permission and YouTube’s own PiP setting. Samsung’s exact menu labels can vary by Galaxy model and One UI version.
- Open Android Settings, then select Apps > YouTube.
- Open Advanced > Picture-in-picture and turn on Allow picture-in-picture.
- Open YouTube and go to Settings > Playback. Turn on Picture-in-picture.
- Play an eligible video, then return to the Home screen using the Home button or system gesture. YouTube should shrink into a movable floating window.
If the Samsung menu differs, search Settings for “picture-in-picture,” then confirm the YouTube app’s Playback setting is enabled. YouTube documents the Android and in-app controls in its PiP instructions for Android.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Content and availability affect PiP
YouTube describes PiP for non-music videos as available to users on Android and iOS, while PiP for music content is a Premium benefit. In an April 29, 2026 TeamYouTube announcement, updated June 4, YouTube said it was expanding PiP globally for long-form non-music videos and clarified the continuing Premium distinction for music. Availability can still depend on account, region, content, and rollout. See the TeamYouTube PiP announcement.
Keep YouTube playing after locking the screen
Screen-off playback is controlled by YouTube’s Background Play setting, not PiP. YouTube’s Premium benefits page says background play in the mobile apps requires signing in to the account associated with an eligible membership in a supported location.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
- In the YouTube mobile app, sign in to the account with the qualifying membership.
- Open Settings > Background & Downloads > Background Play.
- Select Always on to allow playback to continue after you leave the player, or Headphones or external speakers if playback should continue only when audio equipment is connected.
- Play an eligible video and lock the screen to check that playback continues.
YouTube also lists an Off option. Its Premium benefits page excludes Shorts from the background-play description. Check YouTube’s Premium benefits and Background Play details for current eligibility.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Premium Lite availability is limited by rollout and content
In a March 2, 2026 TeamYouTube post, updated with a regional update on April 9, YouTube announced Background Play and Downloads for Premium Lite for most videos, excluding Shorts and music-related content. The announcement describes a rollout, so do not assume the feature is available to every Premium Lite member or in every location. Review the Premium Lite announcement and check the options shown in your own account.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Fix YouTube when it stops playing in the background
If playback stops when you leave YouTube or lock your phone, work through these checks:
- Confirm the account and eligibility: Make sure the app is signed in to the account with the qualifying membership, and that the membership is active and the feature is supported in your location.
- Check the setting: Revisit Settings > Background & Downloads > Background Play and select the behavior you intend to use.
- Try another video: YouTube notes that some videos may not be available for background play even with a membership.
- Update YouTube: Install an available app update, then try again.
- Check background data and audio conflicts: Confirm YouTube can use background data and that another app is not taking over audio playback.
- Check connectivity and notifications: Verify the internet connection and YouTube’s notification settings.
- Restart: Close and reopen YouTube; if the problem remains, restart the phone.
YouTube’s troubleshooting page provides its guidance for background play that is not working on Android.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
