What’s Happening?
Users of several Android browsers report that the background‑play feature of YouTube Premium no longer works. When the browser is minimized or the screen is turned off, audio stops and a fleeting “MediaOngoingActivity” notification appears before the controls disappear.
Browsers Affected
Most reports come from Samsung Internet users, but the issue has also been seen on:
- Brave
- Vivaldi
- Microsoft Edge
One Brave user says the problem is resolved after a recent update.
Why It Might Be Happening
YouTube has been actively blocking workarounds that let non‑subscribers access Premium features. A crackdown in November already caused widespread confusion for ad‑block users. The new background‑play failure appears to be another measure aimed at discouraging the use of browsers and extensions that bypass the paywall.
What You Can Do
If you rely on background play, consider the following options:
- Use Chrome, which still supports the feature for Premium members.
- Check for updates to your browser; some users report fixes after updating.
- Contact YouTube support or follow official channels for announcements.
Future Outlook
Google has not commented yet. Android Authority will update the story as soon as more information becomes available.