How to Open YouTube in Browser Instead of App on iPhone/Android

"YouTube links keep opening in the app automatically and it's annoying..."
"I want to use YouTube in a browser like on PC"

 

Have you ever wanted to open YouTube in a web browser instead of the app when researching or trying to use specific browser extensions?

 

However, most smartphones are configured by default to automatically open YouTube links in the app.

 

This article addresses the search intent of "youtube website not app" and explains how to comfortably watch YouTube in Safari, Chrome, or other browsers without being forced into the app.

 

We'll provide step-by-step instructions for both iPhone and Android, clear enough to follow without images.

1. [iPhone/iPad] Tips to Open YouTube in Safari Browser

For iPhone users, you can easily open the browser version with just a few tricks, without changing any settings.

Method 1: Long Press Links (Easiest)

This is the most convenient method when opening YouTube links from Google search results or web pages.

1. Long press the YouTube link instead of tapping it.
2. When the menu appears, select "Open in New Tab".
3. YouTube will now open as a Safari tab instead of launching the app.

Method 2: Type URL Directly

The app tends to activate when clicking from search results, but typing the URL directly will open it in the browser.

1. Tap Safari's address bar.
2. Type youtube.com and press "Go".
3. This ensures you access the mobile website version.

Method 3: Use "Request Desktop Website"

If you want to see the PC version display, follow these steps:

1. Open YouTube (mobile version) in Safari.
2. Tap the "aA" or "AA" icon to the left of the URL bar.
3. Select "Request Desktop Website".
4. The page will now display in the same layout as on PC.

2. [Android] Setting Chrome to Open YouTube in Browser

For Android, the most reliable method is to disable the "Open in app" feature in system settings. Menu names may vary slightly depending on your device model, but the basic process is the same.

Steps: Disable YouTube App's "Open by Default"

1. Open your phone's "Settings" app.
2. Select "Apps" (or "Apps & notifications").
3. Find and tap "YouTube" from the app list.
4. Tap "Open by default" (or "Set as default").
5. Turn off the "Open supported links" switch, or change it to "Ask every time".

With this setting, next time you tap a YouTube link, you'll be able to choose whether to open it in Chrome or the YouTube app.

3. Why "Website Instead of App"? 3 Benefits

There are several significant advantages to using the browser version:

① Background Playback (Sometimes Available)

While this is a paid Premium-only feature in the app, the browser version (especially in certain browsers like Firefox or Brave, or when using desktop mode) sometimes allows free background playback.

② Ad Blocking Works

If you have "ad blocker" extensions installed in Safari or Chrome, you can hide ads that can't be removed in the app version, making for a more comfortable viewing experience.

③ Open Multiple Videos in Tabs

While the app only allows one video at a time, browsers let you open "videos to watch later" in multiple new tabs.

4. How to Switch Back to "Open in App"

If you change the settings but decide "the app was more convenient after all," don't worry.

• iPhone: Just tap the "Open in YouTube app" banner displayed at the top of the screen to return.
• Android: Simply turn "Open by default" back on (allow) in settings to restore.

Summary: Make YouTube More Convenient with Your Browser

If you're searching for "youtube website not app," you probably want to use YouTube more smartly.

 

• For iPhone: Long press links and open in a new tab.
• For Android: Turn off "Open supported links" in settings.

 

Use these techniques to enjoy a free YouTube experience without app restrictions!