Remove default html video play icon on mobile for browsers that don't autoplay

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

  • Goal: Hide the default HTML5 video play icon on mobile when videos don’t autoplay, and/or find a reliable mobile autoplay workaround on a Shopify storefront (fluff.co).

  • Context: The banner video fails to autoplay on some mobile browsers due to changing browser standards and autoplay policies. The visible default play overlay/icon is undesirable in those cases.

  • Constraints: The original poster can’t directly inspect on their phone (wireless-only connection), making debugging harder. A screenshot was provided to show the specific play icon overlay (image included and relevant for identifying the UI element).

  • Help requested: Guidance to remove or hide the default mobile play icon when autoplay is blocked, or updated techniques to enable autoplay across mobile browsers.

  • Additional input: Another participant reported the same issue and requested a solution.

  • Outcome/status: No solution or actionable steps were provided yet. The discussion remains open with unanswered questions about reliably hiding the icon or achieving autoplay on mobile.

Summarized with AI on January 28. AI used: gpt-5.
1

Hey! I’m looking to remove the default html video play icon on mobile for browsers that don’t autoplay the video. I’ve placed everything correctly but seems that the browser standars have changed so on some phones/browsers the banner video we have won’t play on mobile. I can’t personally inspect on mobile with my phone since I can only charge/connect to the phone wirelessly so I was wondering if anybody had insight on how I can remove the default html play button so that it won’t show up at least in the case when it doesn’t autoplay.

Thanks!

fluff.co is the store, screenshot for the icon I’m referring to

WhatsApp Image 2021-08-12 at 12.25.16.jpeg
WhatsApp Image 2021-08-12 at 12.25.16.jpeg660×1024 61.9 KB

Alternatively, if somebody has a new work-around for autoplaying videos that’d also be very helpful!

1 Like
2

I have the same issue. Any solution?