Are you tired of Spotify pausing every time you switch to another app on your Android or iOS device? You’re not alone! Many users face this frustrating issue, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this problem and provide you with solutions to keep Spotify playing seamlessly while using other apps.
Why Does Spotify Pause When I Use Other Apps?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why Spotify pauses when you use other apps. There are a few reasons for this:
Background App Refresh Limitation
Both Android and iOS have limitations on background app refresh. This means that when you switch to another app, the operating system might pause Spotify to conserve battery life and system resources.
Audio Focus Policy
Android has an audio focus policy that allows only one app to play audio at a time. When you switch to another app that requires audio, Spotify might pause to give the new app priority.
Spotify’s Own Audio Handling
Spotify has its own audio handling mechanism, which might cause it to pause when you switch to another app. This is especially true if the new app also uses audio.
Solutions to Keep Spotify Playing When Using Other Apps
Now that we’ve discussed the reasons behind the issue, let’s explore the solutions to keep Spotify playing seamlessly:
Enable Background Play on Spotify (Android Only)
On Android devices, you can enable background play on Spotify by following these steps:
- Open Spotify and go to Settings.
- Scroll down to Playback.
- Toggle on Background play.
This feature allows Spotify to continue playing music in the background even when you switch to another app.
Use the “OK Google, Play [Artist/Song]” Command (Android Only)
On Android devices, you can use the Google Assistant to play music on Spotify and keep it playing in the background. Here’s how:
- Long-press the home button to activate Google Assistant.
- Say “OK Google, play [Artist/Song]“.
This command will play the specified artist or song on Spotify and keep it playing even when you switch to another app.
Enable Audio Focus on Spotify (iOS Only)
On iOS devices, you can enable audio focus on Spotify by following these steps:
- Open Spotify and go to Settings.
- Scroll down to Playback.
- Toggle on Audio Focus.
This feature allows Spotify to request audio focus and keep playing music even when you switch to another app.
Use a Third-Party Music Controller App (iOS Only)
On iOS devices, you can use a third-party music controller app like AudioStreamer or Music Controller to keep Spotify playing in the background. These apps allow you to control music playback and keep Spotify active even when you switch to another app.
Check Your Power Saving Settings
Sometimes, power-saving settings might interfere with Spotify’s ability to play music in the background. Check your device’s power-saving settings and adjust them to allow Spotify to continue playing music.
Update Spotify and Your Operating System
Make sure you’re running the latest version of Spotify and your operating system. Updates often include bug fixes and performance enhancements that might resolve issues related to background playback.
Tips and Tricks to Optimize Spotify Playback
In addition to the solutions above, here are some tips and tricks to optimize Spotify playback:
Use a Wi-Fi Connection
Streaming music over Wi-Fi is generally more stable than using cellular data. Try to use a Wi-Fi connection whenever possible to reduce interruptions.
Close Unused Apps
Closing unused apps can help conserve system resources and reduce the likelihood of Spotify pausing due to resource constraints.
Use a Music Widget
Using a music widget on your home screen can provide quick access to controls and allow you to pause or play music without switching to the app.
Check for Conflicting Apps
Sometimes, conflicting apps might cause Spotify to pause. Check if you have any apps installed that could be interfering with Spotify’s playback.
Conclusion
Keeping Spotify playing while using other apps can be a frustrating experience, but with the right solutions and tips, you can enjoy uninterrupted music streaming. By understanding the reasons behind the issue and applying the solutions outlined in this article, you’ll be able to keep Spotify playing seamlessly on your Android or iOS device. Happy streaming!
Why does Spotify keep pausing when I use other apps?
Spotify is designed to pause when it detects that you’re using another app, especially ones that produce sound. This is a default feature to prevent audio conflicts and ensure a seamless listening experience. However, this feature can be annoying when you want to multitask or use multiple apps simultaneously.
The good news is that you can bypass this feature and keep Spotify playing in the background. The solutions vary depending on your device and OS, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll explore some troubleshooting methods to help you enjoy uninterrupted music.
How do I keep Spotify playing when I’m using other apps on my Android device?
To keep Spotify playing on your Android device, go to the Settings app, then select “Apps” or “Application Manager” (this may vary depending on your device). Find Spotify in the list of installed apps, then tap on it. Look for the “Battery” or “Power management” section and toggle off the “Background restriction” or “Background data restriction” option. This will allow Spotify to continue playing even when you’re using other apps.
Alternatively, you can also enable the “Picture-in-Picture” mode on your Android device. This feature allows you to use multiple apps simultaneously, including Spotify, without any interruptions. To enable Picture-in-Picture mode, go to the Spotify app, then tap on the three-dot menu icon. Select “Settings” and toggle on “Picture-in-Picture mode.”
How do I keep Spotify playing when I’m using other apps on my iPhone?
On your iPhone, you can keep Spotify playing in the background by going to the Settings app, then selecting “Spotify.” Toggle on “Background App Refresh” to allow Spotify to continue playing even when you’re using other apps. Additionally, make sure that “Low Power Mode” is turned off, as this feature can restrict background app activity.
If you’re still experiencing issues, try closing and reopening the Spotify app. Sometimes, this simple trick can resolve the problem. You can also try updating your iPhone’s operating system to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes.
Why does Spotify pause when I’m using other apps that don’t produce sound?
Spotify’s default behavior is to pause when it detects that you’re using another app, regardless of whether that app produces sound or not. This is a precautionary measure to prevent audio conflicts and ensure a smooth listening experience. However, it can be frustrating when you want to multitask or use apps that don’t interfere with Spotify’s audio output.
The good news is that you can bypass this feature using the methods outlined above. By disabling background restrictions or enabling Picture-in-Picture mode, you can keep Spotify playing even when you’re using other apps that don’t produce sound.
Can I keep Spotify playing when I’m using apps that do produce sound?
Spotify’s default behavior is to pause when it detects that you’re using another app that produces sound. This is to prevent audio conflicts and ensure a seamless listening experience. However, if you want to listen to Spotify along with another app that produces sound, you can try using a third-party music player or audio mixer app.
These apps can merge the audio outputs of multiple apps, allowing you to listen to Spotify and another app simultaneously. Keep in mind that the results may vary depending on the apps and device you’re using. You may need to experiment with different combinations to find the one that works best for you.
How do I troubleshoot Spotify pausing issues on my Windows or Mac computer?
If Spotify keeps pausing on your Windows or Mac computer, try closing and reopening the app. Sometimes, this simple trick can resolve the issue. You can also try updating Spotify to the latest version, as updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.
If the problem persists, try checking your computer’s power management settings. Ensure that Spotify is allowed to run in the background and that power-saving features aren’t restricting its activity. Additionally, check for any conflicting apps that may be causing Spotify to pause.
Can I keep Spotify playing when my device is in low-power mode?
Unfortunately, Spotify will pause when your device is in low-power mode, as this feature is designed to conserve battery life by restricting background app activity. However, you can try adjusting your device’s power management settings to allow Spotify to continue playing even when your device is in low-power mode.
Keep in mind that this may reduce the effectiveness of the low-power mode, and your device’s battery life may suffer as a result. Alternatively, you can try using a power bank or external battery to extend your device’s battery life and keep Spotify playing uninterrupted.