Spotify has become one of the most popular music streaming services in the world, providing users with access to a vast library of songs and playlists. However, one common issue that many Spotify users encounter is the music stopping when the phone’s screen is locked or when switching to other apps. This can be frustrating, especially if you want to listen to music while doing other tasks on your phone. In this blog post, we will explore several methods to keep Spotify playing on the lock screen, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted music playback.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To implement the methods mentioned in this blog post, you will need a smartphone or tablet running the Spotify app. The methods mentioned here are specifically for Android devices, as iOS has some limitations in terms of background playback.
What Requires Your Focus?
When trying to keep Spotify playing on the lock screen, there are a few key areas that require your attention. These include managing battery optimization settings, adjusting app permissions, and utilizing third-party apps. By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure that your Spotify audio continues playing even when your screen is locked.
Method 1. How to Keep Spotify Playing on Lock Screen Via Battery Optimization Settings
To keep Spotify playing on the lock screen via battery optimization settings, you need to follow these steps:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Navigate to "Battery" or "Battery optimization" settings.
3. Locate Spotify in the list of apps and tap on it.
4. Choose "Not optimized" or "Don’t optimize" to exclude Spotify from battery optimization.
5. Press "Done" or "Save" to apply the changes.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Ensures uninterrupted music playback on the lock screen. | 1. May slightly increase battery consumption. |
| 2. Easily accessible settings on Android devices. | 2. Limited compatibility with certain Android versions or device models. |
Method 2. How to Keep Spotify Playing on Lock Screen Via App Permissions
To keep Spotify playing on the lock screen via app permissions, you need to follow these steps:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.
2. Go to "Apps" or "Application manager" settings.
3. Find Spotify in the list of apps and tap on it.
4. Select "Permissions" or "App permissions."
5. Enable the "Display over other apps" or similar permission.
6. Close the settings and lock your device to test if Spotify continues playing.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows Spotify to stay visible and play music on the lock screen. | 1. May decrease battery life due to continuous app visibility. |
| 2. Gives you more control over the app’s behavior on the lock screen. | 2. Requires additional permission management and configuration. |
Method 3. How to Keep Spotify Playing on Lock Screen Via Third-Party Apps
To keep Spotify playing on the lock screen via third-party apps, you need to follow these steps:
1. Visit the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for "Lock Screen Widget" or "Music Widget" apps.
3. Install a trusted widget app that supports Spotify integration.
4. Follow the app’s instructions to set it up and add the Spotify widget to your lock screen.
5. Start playing music on the Spotify app and lock your device to see if the widget displays and controls the music playback.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides a dedicated widget on the lock screen for easy music playback control. | 1. Requires installation and configuration of a third-party app. |
| 2. Offers additional customization options and features compared to built-in solutions. | 2. May have compatibility issues with certain Android versions or device models. |
Method 4. How to Keep Spotify Playing on Lock Screen Via External Accessories
To keep Spotify playing on the lock screen via external accessories, such as Bluetooth speakers or headphones, you need to follow these steps:
1. Pair your Android device with a compatible Bluetooth accessory.
2. Open the Spotify app and start playing music.
3. Connect the Bluetooth accessory to your Android device.
4. Lock your device and verify if the Spotify audio continues playing through the accessory.
Pros:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Allows you to keep Spotify playing on the lock screen without any additional setup. | 1. Requires the presence of a compatible external accessory. |
| 2. Provides a seamless and wireless music playback experience. | 2. Limited to situations where external accessories are available. |
Why Can’t I Keep Spotify Playing on Lock Screen?
There are several reasons why you may not be able to keep Spotify playing on the lock screen. Here are a few common reasons and their respective fixes:
1. Your device may have aggressive battery optimization settings that prioritize power-saving over continuous app operation. To fix this, exclude Spotify from battery optimization as explained in Method 1.
2. The app permissions on your device may not allow Spotify to display over other apps or stay active on the lock screen. Refer to Method 2 for instructions on how to enable the required permissions.
3. Certain Android versions or device models may have limitations or restrictions on background audio playback. Unfortunately, there may not be a direct fix for this issue, except for considering alternative methods mentioned earlier or upgrading your device.
Implications and Recommendations
Based on the methods discussed, here are three suggestions to improve your Spotify experience on the lock screen:
1. Regularly check and adjust battery optimization settings to ensure that Spotify is not restricted from running in the background. This way, you can enjoy uninterrupted music playback even when your screen is locked.
2. Use third-party apps or widgets specifically designed for lock screen music control. These apps offer additional features and customization options beyond what is available in the default Spotify app, enhancing your overall music listening experience.
3. Consider investing in external accessories like Bluetooth speakers or headphones. These accessories provide a convenient way to continue enjoying Spotify on the lock screen without any additional configuration or settings.
5 FAQs about Keeping Spotify Playing on Lock Screen
Q1: Can I keep Spotify playing on the lock screen on iOS devices?
A: Unfortunately, iOS has certain limitations that restrict background audio playback for non-system apps like Spotify. While there are some workarounds available, they may not provide the same level of seamless playback as on Android devices.
Q2: Will keeping Spotify playing on the lock screen drain my battery?
A: Keeping Spotify playing on the lock screen can have a slight impact on battery life, especially if you disable battery optimization or enable display over other apps permission. However, the impact is usually minimal and varies depending on your device’s configurations.
Q3: Why does Spotify stop playing when I switch to another app?
A: By default, Spotify pauses its playback when you switch to other apps to ensure a smooth user experience. This behavior can be modified by adjusting the battery optimization settings or using third-party lock screen widget apps.
Q4: Can I control Spotify playback on the lock screen without unlocking my device?
A: Yes, you can control Spotify playback on the lock screen through built-in controls or third-party lock screen widgets. These widgets allow you to pause, play, skip tracks, and adjust volume without unlocking your device.
Q5: Do all Android devices support background music playback on the lock screen?
A: While most Android devices do support background music playback on the lock screen, some older or budget devices may have limitations due to hardware or software constraints. It is best to refer to your specific device’s specifications or consult the manufacturer’s documentation for detailed information.
Final Words
Keeping Spotify playing on the lock screen is essential for many users who want to enjoy uninterrupted music playback while multitasking on their Android devices. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your Spotify music continues to play even when your screen is locked. Whether it’s adjusting battery optimization settings, enabling app permissions, using third-party apps, or relying on external accessories, these methods provide you with various options to enhance your Spotify experience on the lock screen. So, next time you want to groove to your favorite tunes while your phone is locked, give these methods a try and enjoy uninterrupted musical bliss.