To turn off YouTube Autoplay, open a video and switch off Autoplay in the video player or its playback settings. On a computer the control is usually on or near the player. In the YouTube mobile app, tap the playing video to reveal its controls and find the Autoplay toggle, or open the app’s settings. The change stops YouTube from automatically starting another suggested video when the current one ends; it does not necessarily stop videos in a playlist or previews while browsing.
What happens when you switch Autoplay off?
With Autoplay on, YouTube can start a related video after the current one finishes, instead of waiting for you to make a selection. Turning it off keeps you in control of what plays next. This is especially helpful when you are watching before bed, using mobile data, or trying to avoid slipping into an endless chain of recommendations.
| Behavior | Controlled by next-video Autoplay? | What to change |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended video starts after current video | Yes | Turn off Autoplay in player settings |
| Next item in a playlist begins | Not always | Exit or stop the playlist |
| Silent thumbnail previews on the Home feed | No | Change playback in feeds in YouTube settings |
| Video loops or repeats | No | Disable Loop or Repeat separately |
Turn off YouTube Autoplay on iPhone or Android
- Open the YouTube app, then tap a regular video to begin watching.
- Tap the video player once so the playback controls appear.
- Find the Autoplay switch near the top of the player or in the player controls, and set it to off.
- If you cannot see the switch, open your profile/settings area and look under Autoplay; labels can move between app releases.
- Let the current video finish, without using a playlist, to confirm that the player waits for your next choice.
If you switch between multiple phones, a tablet, smart TV and a browser, check Autoplay on each surface. YouTube does not guarantee identical playback settings across every device.
Turn it off in a desktop browser
- Go to YouTube and open a video.
- Move the pointer over the video to reveal playback controls.
- Find the Autoplay toggle toward the controls area; turn it off.
- If the interface is different, open player Settings and look for the Autoplay control.
You can leave a video open and select another manually from the recommendations column. Autoplay off does not hide recommendations; it prevents the next recommended video from launching without your choice.
Turn off Autoplay on a smart TV or streaming device
On a TV, game console or streaming stick, open YouTube, go to the app’s Settings and look for Autoplay or an equivalent playback preference. Device manufacturers and YouTube app versions arrange settings differently, so treat the control’s name rather than its screen position as the reliable clue. Test with a standalone video after saving the setting.
Why YouTube keeps playing more videos after you disable Autoplay
You are watching a playlist
A playlist is an ordered sequence of videos, and playing the next item is part of the playlist behavior. Exit the playlist context or stop playback when you are finished; disabling the recommendation toggle alone may not interrupt an active playlist sequence.
You’re seeing previews in the Home feed
Some thumbnails play muted previews as you scroll. That is playback in feeds, a separate setting. On mobile, look under Settings → General → Playback in feeds (or the current equivalent) and choose the most restrictive option available if you prefer still thumbnails.
Another device has its own setting
Turn off Autoplay independently on the TV or phone where the next video begins. Check whether you are signed into the same account, and update the app if the toggle is missing unexpectedly.
The video is looping
Loop repeats the same video, not a recommendation. Open the player’s options and switch off Loop if enabled. An embedded YouTube player on another website can also have controls configured by that site’s owner.
Frequently asked questions
Does turning off Autoplay stop ads?
No. Ads in or around a video are separate from whether the next recommended video begins automatically.
Will it prevent YouTube Shorts from playing?
No. Shorts use a different swipe-based viewing experience. See our YouTube Shorts controls guide for the available options rather than expecting the regular-video toggle to manage Shorts.
Does Autoplay off save mobile data?
It can reduce unwanted data use from extra videos after you finish watching. It does not change the resolution or data use of a video you actively play.
Why has the Autoplay icon moved?
YouTube regularly changes layout across apps and devices. If the exact position in an older screenshot differs, look in player controls or YouTube Settings for the option by name.
Official help: YouTube Help: Autoplay videos. For other player issues, see our YouTube captions troubleshooting guide.
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