If you’re a frequent YouTube user, you may have encountered the frustration of having your video pause whenever you switch to another app on your device. This common issue can interrupt the flow of your viewing experience and disrupt your multitasking efforts. Thankfully, there are several tried and tested methods that can help you prevent YouTube from pausing when opening another app. In this article, we will explore these methods, providing you with easy-to-follow steps to ensure uninterrupted YouTube playback while using your device.
Disabling YouTube’s Background Playback Feature
Disabling YouTube’s background playback feature can help prevent the app from pausing when opening another app. This feature allows YouTube to continue playing audio even when the app is in the background or the screen is locked. While it can be convenient for some users, it can also interfere with the smooth functioning of other apps.
To disable this feature, open the YouTube app and tap on your profile picture in the top right corner. From the menu that appears, select “Settings.” In the settings menu, tap on “Background & downloads.” Here, you will find an option to turn off the “Play in the background” feature.
Once you have disabled the background playback feature, YouTube will pause when you switch to another app, allowing the new app to function without any interruptions. This can be particularly useful when using productivity apps, games, or any other apps that require your full attention. Remember to toggle the feature back on when you want to resume background playback on YouTube.
Adjusting Your Device’s Battery Optimization Settings For YouTube
One of the ways to stop YouTube from pausing when opening an app is by adjusting your device’s battery optimization settings specifically for the YouTube app. Many devices have built-in power-saving features that can affect the performance of certain applications, including YouTube.
To adjust the battery optimization settings for YouTube, follow these steps:
1. Go to the “Settings” menu on your device.
2. Scroll down and select “Battery” or “Power.”
3. Look for the section that manages battery optimization or app power usage.
4. Find and tap on the YouTube app from the list of applications.
5. Choose the option that allows you to “Optimize” or “Not Optimize” the app for battery usage.
6. If there is an “Adaptive Battery” option, consider disabling it for YouTube.
7. Press the “Back” button or navigate back to the main settings menu.
By adjusting the battery optimization settings for YouTube, you are instructing your device to prioritize the app’s performance and prevent it from being paused or closed in the background. Remember to repeat these steps whenever you update the YouTube app or your device’s software to ensure uninterrupted playback.
Clearing The Cache And Data Of The YouTube App
Clearing the cache and data of the YouTube app is a simple yet effective method to stop YouTube from pausing when opening another app. Over time, the cache and data of the app can accumulate, leading to potential conflicts and performance issues. By clearing them, you can ensure a smooth playback experience on YouTube.
To clear the cache and data of the YouTube app, follow these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Application Manager”, depending on your device.
3. Find and tap on “YouTube” from the list of installed apps.
4. Tap on “Storage” or “Storage & cache”.
5. Under the “Cache” section, tap on “Clear cache” to remove the temporary files stored by the app.
6. If the issue persists, you can also tap on “Clear data” or “Clear storage” to remove all app data, including your preferences and sign-in information. Note that this will reset the app to its default settings.
By clearing the cache and data of the YouTube app, you can potentially resolve any conflicts and stop it from pausing when opening another app.
Checking And Updating Your Device’s Software Version
Keeping your device’s software up to date is crucial for ensuring that all the applications, including YouTube, run smoothly without any issues. An outdated software version may sometimes disrupt the functioning of various apps, including the YouTube app.
To check for software updates on your device, follow these steps:
1. On iOS devices: Go to “Settings” > “General” > “Software Update”. If an update is available, tap on “Download and Install” to update your device.
2. On Android devices: Go to “Settings” > “Software Update” (or “System Update” or similar). Tap on “Check for updates” and follow any prompts to update your device if a new version is available.
Once you have updated your device’s software, open the YouTube app again and see if the issue of YouTube pausing when opening another app is resolved. If not, you can try the other methods mentioned in this article to further troubleshoot the problem.
Disabling Battery-saving Modes On Your Device
Battery-saving modes on smartphones are designed to extend battery life by limiting background activities and reducing performance. However, these modes can also interfere with the smooth playback of YouTube videos. To prevent YouTube from pausing when opening another app, consider disabling the battery-saving mode on your device.
Start by accessing the Settings menu on your smartphone. Look for the Battery or Power section, where you can find the battery-saving options. The exact location and wording of this option may vary depending on your device’s operating system and manufacturer.
Once you find the battery-saving mode, disable it or choose a less restrictive option. This will allow YouTube (and other apps) to run at full capacity, without interruptions or restrictions. However, keep in mind that disabling battery-saving mode may consume more power, resulting in faster battery drainage.
By disabling battery-saving modes, you can prioritize smooth playback on YouTube and enjoy uninterrupted videos, even when using other apps on your device.
Enabling The “Don’t Keep Activities” Developer Option On Android Devices
Enabling the “Don’t Keep Activities” option on your Android device can help prevent YouTube from pausing when opening other apps. This option is available in the developer settings of your device and can be accessed by following these steps:
1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “About phone” or “About device.”
3. Look for the “Build number” or “Build version” entry and tap on it repeatedly until you see a message saying “You are now a developer!”
4. Go back to the main Settings menu and scroll to find “Developer options.”
5. Tap on “Developer options” and locate the “Don’t Keep Activities” option.
6. Toggle the switch to enable this option.
Enabling “Don’t Keep Activities” ensures that when you switch between apps, the previous app’s activity is immediately destroyed. This can help prevent YouTube from pausing when opening other apps as it keeps the YouTube app active in the background.
Keep in mind that enabling developer options may lead to unintended consequences if other settings are modified. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution and adjust only the necessary settings to prevent any unwanted behavior.
Closing Unnecessary Apps Running In The Background
Closing unnecessary apps running in the background is an effective method to stop YouTube from pausing when opening an app. When multiple apps are running simultaneously, they consume valuable device resources, leading to performance issues and interruptions in YouTube playback.
To close unnecessary apps on your device, follow these steps:
1. On Android: Tap the square or recent apps button on your device to view the apps running in the background. Swipe left or right to navigate through the apps and swipe up or sideways to close them.
2. On iOS: Double-click the home button or swipe up from the bottom of the screen to view the app switcher. Swipe left or right to find the apps you want to close and swipe them up or off the screen to close.
By closing unnecessary apps, you free up memory and processing power, allowing YouTube to run smoothly without interruptions. Additionally, this practice helps conserve battery life and improves overall device performance.
Contacting YouTube Support For Further Assistance
If you have exhausted all other options and are still experiencing issues with YouTube pausing when opening another app, it may be time to reach out to YouTube support for further assistance. YouTube has a dedicated support team that can help troubleshoot and resolve any technical problems you may be facing.
To contact YouTube support, you can visit the YouTube Help Center and navigate to the “Contact us” section. Here, you will find various options to get in touch with their support team. You can choose to contact them via email, chat, or even request a phone call.
When reaching out to YouTube support, it is important to provide them with detailed information about the problem you are facing. Explain the steps you have already taken to troubleshoot the issue and any error messages you may have encountered. The more information you can provide, the better they will be able to assist you in finding a solution.
Keep in mind that response times may vary, so be patient while waiting for a reply from YouTube support. They will work with you to try and resolve the issue and ensure that you can enjoy uninterrupted playback on YouTube while using other apps.
FAQ
1. How does enabling background app refresh help prevent YouTube from pausing?
Enabling background app refresh allows apps to run in the background, even when you switch to another app. When YouTube is allowed to run in the background, it won’t pause when you open another app, giving you uninterrupted playback.
2. Why is force-closing other running apps recommended to prevent YouTube from pausing?
Force-closing unnecessary apps frees up your device’s resources, allowing YouTube to have more system space to operate smoothly. This can help prevent the app from pausing when you open another app, as it has enough resources to run in the background.
3. What are the benefits of using YouTube Premium to avoid pausing when opening another app?
YouTube Premium, a subscription-based service, offers the benefit of background playback. This means you can continue to listen to videos even when switching to other apps or locking your device. By subscribing to YouTube Premium, you can prevent YouTube from pausing when opening an app, ensuring uninterrupted viewing or listening experience.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are several tried and tested methods to prevent YouTube from pausing when opening an app. These include disabling the “Background App Refresh” feature, enabling the “Picture-in-Picture” mode, using a third-party app to play YouTube videos, and ensuring a stable internet connection. By following these steps, users can enjoy uninterrupted video playback on YouTube while using other applications on their devices.