Many users subscribe to YouTube Premium mainly to get rid of ads, but the paid plan also unlocks several additional features.
One of the most popular among them is background playback, which allows videos to keep playing while the app is minimized or the screen is locked. Until recently, a large number of non-Premium users were able to access this feature for free using simple browser-based tricks. That window now appears to be closing.
For years, savvy users relied on third-party mobile browsers such as Samsung Internet, Brave, and Vivaldi to play YouTube videos in the background without paying for a subscription.
These browsers allowed audio to continue even when users switched apps or locked their phones, effectively bypassing YouTube Premium restrictions. The method was widely shared and required little technical effort, making it extremely popular.
Over the past few days, however, an increasing number of users began reporting that background playback had suddenly stopped working across these browsers. Following the surge in complaints, Google officially confirmed that it is actively blocking these loopholes.
In a statement, Google explained that background playback is designed to be a Premium-only feature. While some non-Premium users may have previously accessed it through mobile web browsers in certain situations, the company says it has now “updated the experience to ensure consistency across all platforms.” In simple terms, Google wants the same rules to apply everywhere—whether users are on the app or the mobile web.
Although Google has not shared how many users are affected, the move signals a clear push to protect YouTube Premium’s value. From a business standpoint, the decision makes sense. Background playback is one of the key features that encourages users to upgrade, especially those who listen to podcasts, music, or long videos on the go.
It’s worth noting that while other workarounds may still exist, they are far more complicated and less user-friendly than simply opening a browser. Most require additional steps or technical know-how, which significantly limits their appeal. By shutting down the easiest and most widely used methods, Google has likely achieved its primary objective.
For users who rely heavily on background playback, this change may serve as a tipping point toward subscribing to YouTube Premium. For everyone else, it marks the end of an era where a simple browser switch could unlock paid features for free.