How to Lock the Screen on YouTube: A Comprehensive Guide

YouTube is a popular platform for watching videos and listening to music. However, locking the screen can be quite useful if you want to listen to audio content or enjoy a video while multitasking on your device. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to lock the screen while using YouTube, allowing you to continue listening to your favorite content without keeping the app open.

Locking the Screen on YouTube on Android Devices:

Open the YouTube app:

Locate the YouTube app on your Android device’s home screen or app drawer.
Tap on the app to launch it.

Find the video or audio you want to play:

Use the search bar or browse YouTube’s recommended videos to find the content you wish to watch or listen to.

Start playing the video or audio:

Tap on the video thumbnail to start playback.

Access the notification panel:

Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification panel.

Locate the YouTube notification:

Scroll through the notifications until you find the YouTube playback notification.
This notification appears when YouTube is playing in the background.

Expand the notification:

Expand the YouTube notification by swiping it with two fingers or using the expand icon.

Tap the lock icon:

Within the expanded notification, you should see a lock icon.
Tap on it to lock the screen while the video or audio continues to play.

Locking the Screen on YouTube on iOS Devices:

Launch the YouTube app:

Locate the YouTube app on your iOS device’s home screen.
Tap on the app to open it.

Search for the video or audio:

Use the search bar within the YouTube app to find the desired content.

Start playing the video or audio:

Tap on the video thumbnail to start playback.

Access the control center:

Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to bring up the control center.

Find the media controls:

Within the control center, locate the media playback controls.
These controls appear when media is playing on your device.

Tap the play button:

If the video or audio is paused, tap the play button to resume playback.

Lock the screen:

Press the sleep/wake button on the side or top of your device to lock the screen.
The video or audio will continue playing in the background.

Locking the Screen on YouTube on Desktop:

Open YouTube in a web browser:

Launch your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox) on your desktop computer.
Type “www.youtube.com” in the address bar and press Enter to access the YouTube website.

Find the video or audio you want to play:

Use the search bar or explore the YouTube homepage to locate the desired content.

Start playing the video or audio:

Click on the video thumbnail to initiate playback.

Open a new tab:

Right-click on the browser’s tab bar and select “New Tab.”
Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut (e.g., Ctrl/Cmd + T) to open a new tab.

Switch to the new tab:

Click on the newly opened tab to navigate to it.

Continue browsing or working:

You can now browse the internet, work on other tasks, or even minimize the browser window.
The YouTube video or audio will keep playing in the background.

FAQs

Can I lock the screen on YouTube and use other apps simultaneously?

Yes, by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can lock the screen on YouTube and continue using other apps or performing different tasks on your device.

Will the video or audio continue playing when I lock the screen?

Yes, locking the screen on YouTube allows the video or audio to keep playing in the background. You can listen to the content while the screen is locked.

Can I control playback while the screen is locked?

On Android devices, you can access playback controls from the notification panel when the screen is locked. On iOS devices, the media controls are available in the control center. However, advanced playback features such as seeking through the video timeline might not be accessible when the screen is locked.

Can I receive notifications from other apps while the screen is locked on YouTube?

Yes, you will still receive notifications from other apps even when the screen is locked on YouTube. The locking of the screen only affects the YouTube app itself.

Does locking the screen on YouTube consume more battery?

Locking the screen on YouTube should not significantly impact battery consumption since the video playback continues in the background. However, remember that playing videos or audio for an extended period can still contribute to overall battery usage.

How can I unlock the screen and resume using YouTube normally?

To unlock the screen and resume using YouTube normally, you can unlock your device using the designated method (e.g., fingerprint, PIN, pattern, Face ID) and open the YouTube app as you would typically do.

Conclusion

Locking the screen on YouTube allows you to enjoy your favorite videos or music without keeping the app open. Whether you’re using an Android device, an iOS device, or a desktop computer, the steps provided in this guide will help you easily lock the screen while still enjoying the content. So, try it out to enhance your multitasking experience on YouTube.