Samsung Internet: YouTube background play not working

If you're experiencing issues with YouTube videos stopping in the background when exiting Samsung Internet, even after enabling the 'Background play' option, it could indeed be due to YouTube's restrictions on background playback for Samsung Internet. Google often enforces policies that limit background playback for certain browsers or devices to comply with its terms of service.
Hand holding a Galaxy S25 showing a video playing on the home screen.
Hand holding a Galaxy S25 showing a video playing on the home screen.

Samsung Internet: YouTube background play not working

1

Enable Background play.

Open the Samsung Internet app on your Galaxy phone or tablet, and then touch and hold the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the lower right corner. Tap Useful features, and then tap Background play. Tap On or Only on headphones or external speakers to enable the Background play option.

Galaxy S25 settings screen showing a settings list with Useful features highlighted with a blue rounded rectangle.

Note
Some websites do not support Background play.
2

Check for app updates.

Navigate to and open the Galaxy Store on your device. Tap the Menu icon (the three horizontal lines) in the lower right corner. Select Updates from the top of the menu. Look for the Samsung Internet app, and then tap the Update icon next to it. If the app isn't listed, updates aren't available at this time. Continue to check back later.

Updates screen in Galaxy Store on the Galaxy S25 Ultra showing an update icon next to Samsung Internet highlighted with a blue circle.

Note
Make sure the Samsung Internet app on your phone or tablet is updated to the latest version 29.0.4 or higher through the Galaxy Store.
3

Restart your phone or tablet.

If the issue persists, restart your device and try again.

Swipe down from the top of the screen using two fingers to open the Quick settings panel. Tap the Power icon in the upper right corner of the screen (next to the Settings icon), then tap Restart, and then tap Restart again.

Power menu screen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra with the Restart icon highlighted with a blue circle.

4

Play YouTube in the background.

While playing YouTube in Samsung Internet, tap the Home button or press the Recents apps button to switch to another app. The Samsung Internet app will close, but the YouTube audio may continue playing in the background even when the screen is off or while using other apps. To reaccess the app, swipe down from the top left corner of the screen to open the Notification panel, and then tap the Live notification for Samsung Internet.

Notification screen on the Galaxy S25 Ultra showing a media player highlighted with a blue rectangle.

Note
Background playback of YouTube content may be restricted when using internet browsers due to Google's policies. 
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