For years, many smartphone users have shared a popular "life hack": playing YouTube videos in the background or with the screen off by using mobile browsers like Samsung Internet, Brave, or Vivaldi all without paying for a subscription. However, that era is coming to an abrupt end as Google officially moves to bridge this loophole.
The Sudden Silence
Recently, a surge of users particularly those on Samsung Internet noticed that as soon as they minimized their browser or locked their phone screen, the audio from YouTube cut out instantly. This feature, which previously worked as a reliable workaround for non-subscribers, appears to be deactivated globally.
According to reports from Android Authority, the issue isn't isolated to Samsung. Users of Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, and even Brave have reported similar interruptions. Some users noted a brief notification labeled “MediaOngoingActivity” appearing just before the media control bar vanished from their lock screens.
Google Confirms: "It’s a Feature, Not a Bug"
A Google spokesperson confirmed to Android Authority that this is a deliberate update intended to consolidate Background Play as an exclusive benefit for YouTube Premium members.
"Background play is designed as a premium feature. While some users were previously able to access it via certain mobile browsers, we have updated the experience to ensure consistency across all platforms and to honor the value of our Premium membership," the statement suggested.
The Only "Safe" Way Forward
Currently, the most stable and secure option remains subscribing to YouTube Premium. Beyond background play, it offers an ad-free experience, offline downloads, and full access to the YouTube Music app. For those still seeking third-party "shortcuts," experts warn of potential data security risks and the likelihood that Google will eventually shutter those loopholes as well.
- One reason why browsers are making it harder to block ads or background playback is the enforcement of the Manifest V3 structure in the Chromium engine. This limits the ability of extensions to block Google scripts, making hacking more difficult at a fundamental level.
- This is part of a larger campaign that began in late 2023 when YouTube started banning users with ad-blockers. Google views ad revenue and premium subscriptions as the lifeblood for developing its AI (Gemini) to compete with other rivals.
- Reports indicate that Google is coordinating with hardware manufacturers to use the Attestation API, a system for checking whether an app or browser has been modified to circumvent platform policies. This makes using "mod" or pirated apps more vulnerable to a full Google account ban.
- In some regions, YouTube has begun experimenting with a "Premium Lite" package, a cheaper option that removes only ads (and may not include background play), for users who don't want to pay full price but still want a smooth viewing experience.
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Source: androidauthority
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