How to Use YouTube's Take a Break Feature

Last Updated: June 21, 2022

Google's "Take a Break" feature is one of the more remarkable updates in YouTube's history. This feature lets you to set a reminder to take a break while watching videos on YouTube. The feature is “off” by default. This wikiHow article will teach you how to enable and use the "Take a Break" feature.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

On YouTube App for Android

1
Open the YouTube app on your device. The YouTube icon looks like a white Play button on a red rectangle.
- Make sure that your YouTube app is up to date, because of this feature only available on 13.17+ version. If it's not, go to the Google Play Store or App Store and update your app.
2
Tap on your profile picture or the grey icon at the top right corner of the app. This will open your "account" tab.

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3
Tap Settings. You will see the Settings option with a gear icon, under the Your data in YouTube label.
4
Navigate to the General settings. It will be the first option in the tab. Only Android users will need to select this option.
- If you are an iOS user, just skip to the next step.
5
Tap on Remind me to take a break option. When you tap on it, a dialog box will appear on your screen.
- You can also get to this Menu by clicking your profile picture and then Time watched.
6
Select your "Reminder frequency" from the dialog box. This value determines how many minutes of view time you'll have before the app will alert you to take a break.
- When you are done, go back to the normal window and enjoy your favourite videos.
- When the alert shows up, your video will pause until you dismiss it or resume playing the video.
7
Dismiss or adjust the reminder. Tap on the Dismiss option, when the reminder shows up. Or tap on SETTINGS to adjust the time.
- Alternatively, navigate to Settings > General > Remind me to take a break to manage the reminder.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

On YouTube App for iOS

1
Open YouTube.
2
Click profile button at top.
3
Click Settings.
4
Turn on Remind me to take a break option.
5
Set your time.

Community Q&A

Question

What if I don't take a break when it tells me to take a break?

Sydneyjane16

Community Answer

Nothing will happen, but it will remind you to take a break again later.
Question

Is the Take a Break feature available for PC users?

ICGIL

Top Answerer

Unfortunately, not at the moment. However, you can remind yourself to take a few minutes of break after surfing on YouTube for a while.

Warnings

When you pause or close a video on YouTube, the timer will also pause. The reminder timer only runs while you’re watching videos online on the YouTube app.

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This feature is currently only available on mobile phones, not tablets.

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