How to Keep Spotify Playing in the Background on Your iPhone: A Definitive Guide

So, you want to keep your Spotify tunes flowing while you’re multitasking on your iPhone? Excellent choice! There’s nothing quite like having your favorite podcast serenading you while you answer emails or browse Instagram. The good news is that it’s generally straightforward.

Here’s the direct answer: To keep Spotify playing in the background on your iPhone, simply start playing your desired music or podcast, then navigate away from the Spotify app. Spotify is designed to automatically continue playback even when you switch to other apps or lock your screen. Ensure your iPhone is not in Low Power Mode which can restrict background app activity. If you encounter issues, check your Spotify settings to confirm background app refresh is enabled and that data saver is off.

Now, let’s delve into the nuances and troubleshoot potential hiccups that may arise.

Mastering Background Playback: Beyond the Basics

While the process seems simple, several factors can interrupt your sonic bliss. Understanding these nuances is key to enjoying uninterrupted background listening. We’ll break down potential problems and offer solutions.

Decoding iPhone Audio Management

The iPhone’s operating system, iOS, prioritizes battery life and overall performance. This means it actively manages background processes, including audio playback. Sometimes, this management can inadvertently pause or terminate Spotify’s playback. Let’s investigate why this happens.

• Resource Constraints: iOS might shut down background processes if the device is running low on memory or processing power. This is more likely to happen on older iPhone models or when you have numerous apps running simultaneously.
• Aggressive Battery Saving: Features like Low Power Mode are designed to drastically extend battery life by limiting background activity, including music streaming. Disabling Low Power Mode ensures that Spotify is not being unfairly throttled.
• Conflicting Audio Apps: If another app is actively using audio (e.g., a voice recording app, a game with sound effects), it can interrupt Spotify’s playback. iOS can only support single application audio output.
• Network Connectivity Issues: A weak or unstable Wi-Fi or cellular connection can cause Spotify to buffer or pause. Ensure you have a reliable internet connection for seamless streaming.
• Spotify App Glitches: Occasionally, the Spotify app itself might experience a bug or glitch that disrupts background playback. Keeping the app updated to the latest version is crucial.

Troubleshooting Playback Problems: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are having trouble keeping Spotify playing in the background here is a quick guide.

Step 1: Verify Spotify Settings

Go to the Spotify app settings (found by tapping your profile picture in the top left of the home screen, then selecting “Settings and privacy”). Look for the following options:

• Playback: Look for options like “Crossfade” or “Gapless Playback.” While these shouldn’t directly affect background play, ensure they are configured according to your preference to avoid unexpected pauses.
• Data Saver: This should be disabled. Data Saver restricts data usage, potentially affecting background streaming stability.
• Background App Refresh: While this is managed at the iPhone system level, it is important to be aware of its role.

Step 2: Check iPhone System Settings

Navigate to your iPhone’s Settings app.

• Battery: Make sure Low Power Mode is turned off.
• Cellular: If you’re using cellular data, ensure Spotify has permission to use it. Go to Cellular > Spotify and make sure the toggle is enabled.
• General: In the General section, you will find background app refresh. Confirm that Background App Refresh is enabled and that Spotify is toggled on within the list of apps.

Step 3: Restart and Reinstall

If the problem persists:

• Force Quit Spotify: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen (or double-press the Home button on older iPhones) to access the app switcher. Swipe up on the Spotify app to force it to close.
• Restart Your iPhone: A simple restart can resolve many software glitches.
• Reinstall Spotify: As a last resort, delete the Spotify app and reinstall it from the App Store. This ensures you have a fresh installation without any corrupted files.

Beyond the Basics: Pro Tips for Seamless Listening

Here are some extra tips to enhance your background listening experience.

• Download Content for Offline Playback: This eliminates the need for a constant internet connection, preventing interruptions due to network issues.
• Use Headphones with Controls: Headphones with built-in playback controls (play/pause, skip) allow you to manage your music without unlocking your iPhone.
• Apple Watch Integration: If you have an Apple Watch, you can control Spotify playback directly from your wrist.
• Consider a Premium Spotify Subscription: A Premium subscription eliminates ads, which can sometimes interrupt background playback.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions about background Spotify playback on iPhones.

FAQ 1: Why does Spotify keep pausing when my iPhone screen locks?

This can happen if Low Power Mode is enabled. Disable it in your iPhone’s Battery settings. Also, check for any conflicting audio apps running in the background.

FAQ 2: How do I control Spotify playback from the lock screen?

Once Spotify is playing, media controls should automatically appear on your lock screen. Use these controls to pause, play, skip, or adjust the volume.

FAQ 3: What is Background App Refresh and how does it affect Spotify?

Background App Refresh allows apps to update their content even when they’re not actively in use. Enabling it for Spotify can help ensure seamless background playback. Find it under Settings > General > Background App Refresh.

FAQ 4: Does Spotify consume a lot of battery when playing in the background?

Yes, continuous streaming does consume battery. To minimize battery drain, download content for offline playback and close other unnecessary apps.

FAQ 5: Will Spotify automatically resume playing after a phone call?

Generally, yes. iOS should automatically resume Spotify playback after a phone call ends. However, sometimes it might require a manual restart.

FAQ 6: My Bluetooth headphones keep disconnecting from Spotify. What should I do?

Ensure your Bluetooth headphones are properly paired with your iPhone. Try unpairing and re-pairing them. Also, update your headphones’ firmware if updates are available.

FAQ 7: Does having multiple apps open affect Spotify’s background playback?

Yes, having many apps open simultaneously can strain your iPhone’s resources and potentially interrupt Spotify’s playback. Close unnecessary apps to free up memory.

FAQ 8: How do I prevent Spotify from automatically playing when I connect to my car’s Bluetooth?

In Spotify settings, look for the “Car View” option (sometimes labeled differently) and disable “Automatically Resume Playback.” Alternatively, manage Bluetooth settings in your car’s infotainment system.

FAQ 9: I’m using a VPN. Could that be affecting Spotify’s background playback?

Yes, VPNs can sometimes interfere with network connectivity and cause streaming issues. Try disabling your VPN temporarily to see if that resolves the problem.

FAQ 10: My Spotify keeps crashing. Is there anything I can do?

Ensure your Spotify app is up-to-date. If it continues to crash, try reinstalling the app. Contact Spotify’s support if the problem persists.

FAQ 11: How do I clear Spotify’s cache on my iPhone?

Spotify doesn’t have a direct “clear cache” button on iOS. You can try clearing the cache by offloading the app in Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Spotify > Offload App. This removes the app but keeps your documents and data. Reinstalling the app will clear the cache entirely.

FAQ 12: Can I use Siri to control Spotify playback in the background?

Yes! You can use Siri voice commands to control Spotify playback while it’s running in the background. Try commands like “Hey Siri, play Spotify,” “Hey Siri, pause Spotify,” or “Hey Siri, skip to the next song on Spotify.”

By mastering these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite Spotify tunes uninterrupted, no matter what you’re doing on your iPhone. Happy listening!