Where to find autoplay settings in your browser
Most web browsers let you control autoplay through their settings menu. In Chrome, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Site Settings. Scroll down to find Autoplay and click it. You can set autoplay to block for all sites, or allow it only when sound is muted. Firefox has a similar path: Settings, Privacy & Security, scroll to Permissions, then Autoplay. Safari on Mac goes through System Settings rather than the browser itself — open System Settings, Privacy & Security, scroll to Auto-Playing Media, and choose which sites can autoplay.
Edge follows Chrome's layout since it uses the same engine. Open Settings, Privacy, Search, and Services, then scroll to Permissions and select Autoplay. The default setting blocks autoplay with sound, but you can tighten it further to block all autoplay.
These browser settings apply to most websites you visit, but not all. Some video players built into websites override browser settings, which is why you may still see videos start on their own even after changing your preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari all have autoplay controls in their settings — the exact path depends on your browser and operating system.
- Browser-level settings block autoplay on most websites, but some video players can override them.
- YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services have their own autoplay toggles separate from browser settings.
- On mobile phones, autoplay is often tied to whether you are on WiFi or cellular data, and you can usually control it in the app settings.
- If a website still autoplays after you change settings, you may need to clear your browser cache or use a content blocker as a backup.
Turning off autoplay on YouTube
YouTube has its own autoplay setting that works independently of your browser settings. Sign into your YouTube account, click your profile picture in the top right, and select Settings. Go to Playback and Performance and toggle off Autoplay. This stops YouTube from playing the next video in a queue when one finishes.
The setting syncs across devices if you are signed into the same account, so disabling it on desktop also disables it on mobile YouTube. If you use YouTube without signing in, the autoplay toggle appears at the bottom of the video player itself — look for a toggle labeled Autoplay.
Disabling autoplay on Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming apps
Netflix lets you turn off autoplay in two places. On a web browser, go to Account Settings, then Playback Settings, and uncheck both "Autoplay next episode on all devices" and "Autoplay previews while browsing." On the Netflix app for phone or tablet, go to More (the three lines icon), then App Settings, then Autoplay, and toggle it off.
Disney+ has autoplay in its settings menu — tap your profile icon, go to App Settings, then Autoplay, and turn it off. Amazon Prime Video works the same way: open the menu, go to Settings, then Autoplay, and disable it. HBO Max, Hulu, and Apple TV+ all follow similar paths through their settings menus, though the exact wording varies slightly.
These streaming services remember your preference, but only within that app or account. Turning off autoplay on Netflix does not affect YouTube or other video sites.
Using content blockers to stop autoplay across all websites
If you want a blanket solution that works on every website, a content blocker extension can stop autoplay videos before they load. Popular options include uBlock Origin (available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge), which blocks autoplay by default once installed. After adding it to your browser, click the uBlock icon and look for the media icon to toggle autoplay blocking on or off per site.
Other blockers like Adblock Plus and Privacy Badger also include autoplay controls, though you may need to enable the feature in their settings. Content blockers work by preventing the autoplay code from running, so they catch videos that browser settings alone might miss.
The trade-off is that some websites detect content blockers and ask you to disable them before watching. If that happens, you can whitelist the site in your blocker's settings to allow it there while keeping autoplay blocked everywhere else.
Controlling autoplay on mobile devices
On iPhone and iPad, autoplay settings live in the individual app. Open the app, find Settings or Preferences (usually in a menu or your profile), and look for Autoplay or Video Playback options. Most apps let you choose between "Always autoplay," "Autoplay on WiFi only," or "Never autoplay." Choosing "Autoplay on WiFi only" stops videos from draining your cellular data.
Android phones work the same way — the setting is inside each app rather than in the phone's system settings. YouTube, Netflix, and other apps all have their own autoplay toggle in their individual settings menus.
If your phone's browser is autoplaying videos on websites, you can also change the browser's autoplay permission. In Chrome for Android, tap the three dots, go to Settings, then Site Settings, then Autoplay, and choose your preference. Firefox for Android has the same setting under Settings, Privacy, and Autoplay.
What to do if videos still autoplay after changing settings
Some websites use video players that ignore browser autoplay settings. If you have disabled autoplay everywhere and videos still start on their own, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies. Old cached data sometimes overrides your current settings. In Chrome, press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (or Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac), select All Time, check Cookies and Cached Images, and click Clear Data.
If clearing the cache does not work, the website may be using a custom video player that does not respect browser autoplay rules. In that case, a content blocker like uBlock Origin is your most reliable option. You can also mute the tab itself — in Chrome, right-click the tab and select Mute Site, which stops audio from playing even if the video starts.
Some websites also set autoplay based on your account preferences rather than browser settings. If you have an account on the site, check your profile or account settings for a separate autoplay toggle, the same way you would on YouTube or Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some videos still autoplay even after I disabled it in my browser?
Websites can use custom video players that override browser autoplay settings. Streaming services like Netflix also have their own autoplay controls separate from your browser. Check both your browser settings and the website's account settings. If videos still autoplay, a content blocker extension is the most reliable fix.
Does disabling autoplay in Chrome also disable it on YouTube?
No. Chrome's autoplay setting controls most websites, but YouTube has its own separate autoplay toggle in your account settings. You need to disable autoplay in both places to stop YouTube from playing the next video automatically.
Will turning off autoplay save data on my phone?
Yes, if you choose "Autoplay on WiFi only" in your app settings. This stops videos from downloading over cellular data. If you disable autoplay completely, you save even more data because videos only play when you press the play button.
Can I disable autoplay on just one website while keeping it on others?
Yes, using a content blocker. Install uBlock Origin or a similar extension, then click its icon and toggle autoplay blocking on or off for individual sites. Your browser's built-in autoplay setting applies to all sites at once, so a content blocker gives you more control.
What is the difference between muting a tab and disabling autoplay?
Muting a tab stops the audio but the video still plays silently. Disabling autoplay stops the video from starting at all. Some browsers allow autoplay only when muted, so a video might start silently even if you have autoplay disabled — muting the tab prevents that.