Frequently Asked Questions¶
General¶
What is Playback?¶
A browser for Android that keeps audio and video playing after you leave the page - screen off, another app open, or in a small floating window - instead of stopping like a normal browser tab.
Which Android versions are supported?¶
Android 6.0 and later.
Does Playback work with any website, or just YouTube?¶
Any website. Type a web address or a search and Playback opens it like a browser. It has a few extras specifically for youtube.com - see Does Playback do anything special on YouTube? - and one-tap shortcuts to YouTube, YouTube Music, SoundCloud, Spotify Web, Vimeo, Dailymotion and Google, but you aren't limited to those.
Is there an iOS version?¶
No, Playback is Android only.
Background play and Floating video¶
How do I keep something playing after I lock my screen?¶
Start playback, then lock the screen, switch apps, or tap Background play in the in-page menu. Use the notification to play, stop, skip or reopen the app.
What is Floating video?¶
It shrinks the page you're watching into a small window that stays on top of other apps, so you can keep watching while you use something else. Drag it anywhere, resize it, or drag it to an edge to collapse it into a small bubble.
Why does Playback ask for "display over other apps"?¶
Android requires that permission for any app to draw a floating window, which is what powers Floating video. Playback only asks for it the first time you use that feature, and you can revoke it at any time in Android Settings - only Floating video stops working if you do.
Does Playback do anything special on YouTube?¶
Yes, on youtube.com: it automatically dismisses YouTube's own "Video paused. Continue watching?" prompt so background playback isn't interrupted.
Search and browsing¶
Where does a typed search go?¶
To the search platform set in Settings → Search Platform: Google, Bing, YouTube, Reddit, Yahoo, Twitch or DuckDuckGo. Google is the default.
Can I play a video already saved on my phone?¶
Yes. Tap Files on the home screen and pick a video with Android's own file picker.
What is Desktop mode?¶
A toggle in the in-page menu that loads a site's desktop version instead of its mobile version.
Favorites, History and Backup¶
How do I save a page?¶
Tap Favorite from the in-page menu or the playback notification. Open Favorites on the home screen to see them all.
Does Playback remember what I've watched?¶
Yes, in History on the home screen, stored on your device. You can clear it at any time from that screen. Local files you open aren't added to History.
Can I back up my favorites and history?¶
Yes, to your own Google Drive, from Settings → Backup & Restore. You can back up on demand or turn on automatic daily or weekly backup, which uses Wi-Fi only by default.
Privacy¶
Does Playback know what sites I visit or what I search for?¶
We don't collect your browsing or search history ourselves - it's stored only on your device. When you type a search, it's sent to whichever search platform you've chosen, the same as typing it into that site directly; once you open any site, that site's own privacy policy applies to what it collects. See the Privacy Policy for the full detail.
Does the App collect my microphone or camera?¶
No. Playback only passes a microphone request through to a website that asks for it in your browser session (for example, a site's own voice input) - it doesn't record or access the microphone itself, and it doesn't request camera access at all.
What does Playback send to Google or other services?¶
Advertising (for Free users), analytics about how you use the App's own screens, crash reports, and - only if you turn it on - your favorites, history and settings to your own Google Drive. Full detail, including exactly what's collected, is in the Privacy Policy.
Pro¶
What does Pro unlock?¶
No ads, a sleep timer, loop playback, and pinning a shortcut straight to the page you're on.
How do I restore a purchase?¶
Purchases are tied to your Google account. Reinstalling or signing in to Google Play with the same account restores them automatically.
How do I cancel a subscription?¶
Subscriptions are managed entirely through Google Play - open the Google Play app, go to Payments & subscriptions, and manage or cancel Playback Pro there.
Still stuck?¶
See Troubleshooting or email support@androxus.com.