Isn’t it frustrating when you’re vibing to your favorite playlist on Spotify, but the moment you switch to another app on your iPhone, the music stops or gets interrupted?
You’re not alone. Many users struggle to keep Spotify playing while multitasking with other apps. Whether you’re a Spotify Premium user, relying on Bluetooth headphones, or toggling through the Control Center, I’ve got practical tips to help you master iPhone’s background audio.
You’ll learn to adjust iOS settings, manage battery settings, and even utilize Siri Shortcuts to maintain uninterrupted playback. By the end, you’ll be able to navigate apps like Safari, make calls, or send messages without a hitch in your music flow.
Throughout this guide, we’ll cover essential strategies, from background app refresh to optimizing iPhone RAM management. Ready to transform your listening experience? Let’s dive in.
How to Keep Spotify Playing While Using Other Apps: Quick Workflow
For Android Devices
- Adjust Battery Settings:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Apps.
- Find and select Spotify.
- Tap on Battery saver/Background data settings.
- Set background restrictions to No Restrictions.
- Enable Background Data Usage:
- Ensure that Mobile data is set to allow background data usage.
- Check App Permissions:
- Make sure Spotify has the necessary permissions in the app settings.
For iPhone Devices
- Enable Background App Refresh:
- Navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
- Ensure it is enabled for Spotify.
- Adjust Battery Settings:
- Go to Settings > Battery, and disable Low Power Mode.
- Control Center Access:
- Swipe down from the top right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to access the Control Center and control playback directly.
For PC
- Minimize the App:
- Minimize the Spotify window instead of closing it by clicking the minimize button.
- Adjust Spotify Settings:
- Open Spotify, click on your profile picture, go to Settings, and ensure that closing the app minimizes it instead of exiting.
Additional Tips
- If playback stops unexpectedly, consider restarting your device or reinstalling the Spotify app.
- Free Spotify accounts may have limitations on background playback compared to Premium subscribers, so upgrading might enhance your experience.
These steps should help you enjoy uninterrupted music playback on Spotify while using other apps!
How to Enable Spotify Background Play on Different Devices
iPhone/iPad
Enabling Background App Refresh
Navigate to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. Scroll to find Spotify and make sure the toggle is switched on.
Managing Battery Settings
Turn off Low Power Mode by going to Settings > Battery. Switch off Low Power Mode.
Set Spotify’s background settings to “No Restrictions”. Navigate to Settings > Spotify > Background App Refresh and ensure this is enabled.
Controlling Playback Through Control Center
Access playback controls via swipe gestures. Slide up from the bottom edge of the screen to open the Control Center. You can manage Spotify without reopening the app.
Use the Control Center to control playback. This includes pausing, playing next tracks, and adjusting volume.
Android
Allow Background Data Usage
Enable background data via Settings > Apps > Spotify > Mobile Data. Ensure “Allow background data usage” is switched on.
Ensure data usage is allowed when Data Saver is on. Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver and add Spotify to the list of unrestricted apps.
Disable Battery Optimization
Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization. Find Spotify and set it to “No Restrictions”.
Controlling Playback Through Quick Settings
Access playback controls from the notification bar. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the notification bar, where you can manage Spotify.
Multitask with apps while controlling Spotify. Open other apps while Spotify continues to play, with easy access to playback controls.
Windows and macOS
Allow Spotify to Run in Background on Windows
Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Advanced Options. Under Background Apps settings, enable “Run in Background”.
Background Settings on macOS
Adjust privacy permissions through System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Give Spotify the necessary permissions to control other apps and ensure background play.
Minimize Spotify for Continued Playback
Minimize Spotify without closing the window. Spotify continues to play even when minimized.
Ensuring Continuous Playback While Using Other Apps or Games
Multitasking on iPhone/Android
Keep Spotify Running While Using Other Apps
Swipe up from the bottom to access the home screen. This action minimizes the app but keeps it running.
Control Spotify from the app switcher or Control Center. Use the app switcher to return to Spotify or manage playback from the Control Center.
Using Picture-in-Picture Mode for Video Content
Enable Picture-in-Picture to continue playing videos in the background. Check the app settings to ensure Picture-in-Picture is activated.
Manage Picture-in-Picture for video podcasts and music videos. Resize and move the video window to keep it out of the way while using other apps.
Playing Spotify While Gaming
Using Multi-Window or Split-Screen Features on Android/iOS
Steps to enable multitasking while gaming. On Android, swipe up and hold to open the multitasking menu, then drag the app to the top. On iOS, swipe up and hold, then drag the app to the left.
Adjusting sound balance between game audio and Spotify. Go to the in-game settings to lower the game audio, ensuring Spotify remains crucially audible.
Background Playback on Game Consoles
How to keep Spotify running on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Open the Spotify app on the console, start your playlist, and switch to your game.
Muting in-game audio to enhance Spotify listening. Navigate your console’s settings to mute or lower the game’s audio, allowing uninterrupted Spotify enjoyment.
Optimizing Spotify for Background Play
Adjusting System Permissions
Ensuring Spotify Has Background Permissions on All Devices
iPhone: Enable Background App Refresh. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh and toggle Spotify.
Android: Disable Battery Saver and Data Restrictions. Navigate to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver and switch it off for Spotify.
Windows/Mac: Adjust app permissions and startup settings. On Windows, head to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Advanced Options and ensure “Run in Background.” On macOS, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and give Spotify the necessary permissions.
Managing Battery and Data Settings
Turning Off Battery-Saving Modes on Mobile Devices
Android: Disable Battery Optimization for Spotify. Find it under Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization and select “No Restrictions.”
iPhone: Deactivate Low Power Mode for uninterrupted playback. This can be done via Settings > Battery by toggling off Low Power Mode.
Reducing Data Consumption with Offline Mode
Downloading playlists for offline use. Open Spotify, go to the desired playlist, and tap the download button to make it available offline.
Reducing data usage by switching to Wi-Fi for streaming. Ensure Wi-Fi is on, and prioritize it for streaming to conserve mobile data.
Troubleshooting Common Playback Interruptions
Fixing Issues with Spotify Pausing on Lock Screen
Adjust notification and lock screen settings to allow Spotify to run. Navigate to Settings > Notifications > Spotify and enable everything.
Allowing Spotify content notifications. Go to Settings > Notifications > Spotify and toggle on content notifications.
Solving Problems with App Switching
Closing apps that might interfere with Spotify’s audio output. Identify and close any apps that could be taking over audio output like YouTube or Google Maps.
Restarting the Spotify app and phone for better performance. Close Spotify, restart your device, and reopen Spotify to ensure smooth operation.
Troubleshooting Spotify Not Playing in the Background
Common Reasons for Playback Issues
App configuration errors can throw a wrench into your Spotify experience. Notifications, background permissions—these settings must be nailed down.
Battery-saving settings on Android and iOS often go rogue, cutting off your tunes in favor of “saving” energy. It’s a high price for silent seconds.
Other ongoing apps can hijack the audio channel. Your Spotify tunes don’t have to battle Google Maps directions, but they often do.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Solutions
Solution 1: Turn Off Battery Saver
Steps to disable Battery Saver on Android and iOS:
For Android: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Saver. Slide that switch off.
For iOS: Open Settings > Battery. Toggle off Low Power Mode.
Set Spotify to “No Restrictions” in battery settings on Android. This can be found in Settings > Apps > Spotify > Battery.
Solution 2: Enable Background Data
Adjust data usage permissions for Spotify on mobile:
Navigate to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Data Usage. Turn on the background data switch.
Check mobile data/Wi-Fi settings for seamless streaming. Make sure your device isn’t blocking background data for Spotify under Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver.
Solution 3: Close Other Apps Using Audio Output
Identifying other apps that interfere:
Apps like YouTube, Google Maps, and Waze love to wrestle for control of your audio output.
Closing those apps:
Swipe up or press the app switcher button. Flick those interfering apps away.
Solution 4: Restart Your Device
Restart Spotify and your device. Sometimes a fresh start clears the cobwebs.
Re-login to Spotify for smoother functionality. Open Spotify, sign out, and then sign back in. A quick re-login can solve mysterious glitches.
Solution 5: Reinstall Spotify
Uninstall and reinstall the Spotify app:
Delete the app. Head to the App Store or Google Play, find Spotify, and reinstall it. Fresh app, fresh start.
Update the app regularly from the app store. Make sure you’re running the latest version. Developers are always fixing bugs and improving performance, so stay updated.
Advanced Features for Enhancing Background Playback
Using Offline Mode for Uninterrupted Playback
Downloading Playlists for Offline Use
Steps to download songs, albums, and playlists for offline play:
Open Spotify. Find your favorite playlist or album. There’s a download button (it’s a circle with a down arrow). Tap it. Watch as the green arrow confirms your tracks are now offline and immune to signal drops.
Manage storage space by prioritizing key playlists. A pro tip: favor low-storage impact playlists. Go to Settings > Storage and keep an eye on space. Cull rarely-listened-to tracks to make room for fresh bangers.
Integrating Spotify with Other Devices
Spotify Connect for Multi-Device Play
Seamlessly transfer music between phone, PC, and gaming consoles. Imagine this: you start playing a track on your iPhone. Midway, you walk to your PC. Open Spotify, and there’s an option to continue where you left off. Tap it. Music syncs flawlessly, thanks to Spotify Connect.
Use Spotify Connect to control playback across devices. This feature is a game-changer. You’re on the couch, phone in hand, controlling the Spotify playlist that’s actually playing on your living room speakers. No need to get up. Use your phone as a remote.
Using Third-Party Tools for Enhanced Background Play
Tools like ViWizard and AudKit to download and play Spotify offline. These tools pop open a new world. ViWizard converts your Spotify tunes into various formats. AudKit specializes in high-quality, offline playback.
Advantages of converting Spotify music to MP3 for uninterrupted play. The beauty lies in MP3s. Unshackled from internet chains, they play continuously without hiccups. Spotify may buffer, but those MP3 files march on. With tools like ViWizard and AudKit, converting your playlist into MP3 ensures uninterrupted playback, maintaining the flow even when your connection fizzles.
FAQ on How To Keep Spotify Playing While Using Other Apps On iPhone
Why does Spotify stop playing when I open another app on my iPhone?
iOS can sometimes prioritize active apps due to RAM management. Check your background app refresh settings and make sure Spotify is allowed.
Open Settings, go to General, and then Background App Refresh. Ensure Spotify is enabled. Also, keep your iOS updated for the best performance.
How can I keep Spotify playing in the background while using other apps?
First, make sure Spotify is set up for background audio. Go to Settings > Spotify and enable Background App Refresh. Use Control Center to manage playback. Slide down from the top-right corner and ensure the music widget shows Spotify. Keep your Spotify app updated.
Can I use Siri to control Spotify while using other apps?
Absolutely! Just set up Siri Shortcuts. Open the Siri & Search settings. Go to Spotify, select Add to Siri, and customize your commands. Now, say “Hey Siri, play my playlist on Spotify” to keep the music going while multitasking with other iOS apps.
Does iPhone’s battery saver mode affect Spotify playback?
Yes, it can. Battery Saver Mode restricts background processes to conserve energy, which might pause Spotify. Go to Settings > Battery and ensure Low Power Mode is off for uninterrupted playback. Keep your battery optimized but not at the cost of losing your music flow.
Will using mobile data impact Spotify running in the background?
Certainly. Mobile data settings can affect Spotify’s performance. Ensure Spotify has permission to use mobile data. Go to Settings > Cellular and toggle Spotify on. Also, consider activating Data Saver mode in Spotify to minimize data usage without stopping playback.
What can I do if Spotify keeps stopping when switching apps?
First, close and restart the Spotify app. If that doesn’t work, try reinstalling it. Clear the app cache: Go to Settings > Storage. Ensure Spotify is up-to-date. If problems persist, check for iOS updates or reset your iPhone’s network settings.
How do I manage Spotify notifications that disrupt playback?
Notifications during playback can be disruptive. Go to Settings > Notifications, select Spotify, and customize your preferences. Turn off unnecessary alerts. Enable Do Not Disturb mode when needed to keep your music undisturbed while using other apps.
Can I stream Spotify over AirPlay while using other apps?
Absolutely. Swipe down to access Control Center. Select the AirPlay icon and choose your compatible device. Ensure you’re connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Play Spotify as usual and switch to another app. Your music will continue to stream via AirPlay.
Is restarting my iPhone necessary for smooth Spotify playback?
Sometimes, restarting your iPhone clears temporary glitches. Hold the power button and swipe to restart. Make sure Spotify is updated, and check iOS settings for any changes affecting playback. Restarting can resolve memory and background process issues impacting Spotify.
Will background playback affect iPhone’s overall performance?
Background playback uses system resources but shouldn’t drastically affect performance. If you notice your iPhone lagging, close unused apps to free up RAM. Regularly update iOS and Spotify.
Monitor battery health and avoid excessive multitasking to maintain smooth performance and uninterrupted Spotify enjoyment.
Conclusion
To ensure you know how to keep Spotify playing while using other apps on iPhone, we’ve covered in-depth steps and settings:
Make sure Background App Refresh is active for Spotify through Settings > General. Utilize Control Center to manage ongoing playback even as you switch to another application. Keep Battery Saver Mode off to avoid interruptions. Activate Siri Shortcuts for seamless control.
Further, check Mobile Data settings to allow Spotify usage, and manage notifications to prevent disruptiveness. If issues persist, a simple restart, updating iOS and Spotify, or clearing the app cache might help.
By implementing these adjustments, your Spotify sessions should remain uninterrupted during multitasking, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable listening experience while navigating other iOS apps.
Follow these guidelines to optimize your experience and keep the music playing effortlessly, whether you’re browsing, replying to messages, or managing your tasks on your iPhone.
With over a decade in the tech field, Bogdan blends technical expertise with insights on business innovation in technology.
A regular contributor to TMS Outsource's blog, where you'll find sharp analyses on software development, tech business strategies, and global tech dynamics.
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