How to turn autoplay on or off on YouTube

We’ve all been there. You’re watching YouTube and, once your video ends, another seemingly unrelated clip begins automatically. The feature is known as autoplay and may be great if you’re not picky about your entertainment, but it can be annoying if you are or you’re just putting on something to fall asleep. Let’s discuss how to turn off autoplay on YouTube.

What is autoplay on YouTube?

Autoplay is YouTube’s way of getting you to watch more content and generate more ad revenue. Instead of stopping playback, YouTube’s algorithm picks a video related to your last one, or something related to your watch history. This sometimes results in discovering gems, but it can also be jarring — imagine watching something on the history of goth music but then being served deadlift tips or stand-up comedy. If you’re putting on ambient nature sounds to fall asleep, but often listen to trance music, you might be startled by a set from Tomorrowland.

How to turn off autoplay on YouTube

Instructions vary based on your platform, but they’re never very complicated. It’s just a question of where to look.

Mobile app (within Settings)

Disabling autoplay on mobile is done within Settings. Tap your profile picture, then go to Settings > Autoplay. Flip the switch under (or next to) Autoplay next video within the Autoplay menu.

Mobile app (within a video)

To find autoplay controls, go to any video you want and start playing it. Tap anywhere on the video itself to reveal playback options.

The autoplay toggle is located along the top, next to the Cast, Subtitles/CC, and Settings buttons. Flip it.

Desktop

Go to YouTube and start playing a video.

Move your mouse over the video to reveal playback controls.

The autoplay toggle is located along the bottom, next to the Cast, Subtitles/CC, and Settings buttons.

If the toggle is switched to the right and it has a play triangle in the middle, then autoplay is on. Click the toggle to turn the feature off.

How to turn off autoplay when the button is missing

If you’re signed into YouTube and the autoplay button is missing, try doing these steps:

• Sign out and play a video.
• The toggle switch for autoplay might reappear, turn it off. Even if it doesn’t, turning autoplay off while signed out will disable it for your signed-in sessions as well.

If that small trick doesn’t help, you should consider fixing these:

• Cache and Cookies: Sometimes a website’s cached data or cookies can cause settings to glitch. Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, then revisit the website and see if the autoplay button reappears or the settings function correctly.

• Adblockers: Some adblockers might unintentionally interfere with autoplay controls. Try temporarily disabling your adblocker and see if the button shows up. If it does, you might need to whitelist the website from your adblocker’s settings.

• App Updates: Outdated apps can have bugs affecting features like autoplay. Ensure you’re using the latest version of the app on your device. Updates often include bug fixes and may restore the missing button.

• Platform Updates: Platforms themselves can undergo updates that change the location of controls or settings menus. A recent update might have hidden the autoplay button. Check the platform’s official website or social media for any recent updates or announcements that might explain the missing button.

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