Are you tired of your music stopping every time you try to switch between apps or multitask on your Android device? Do you want to listen to your favorite tunes while browsing the internet, checking your social media, or playing games? You’re not alone! Playing music in the background is a common requirement for many Android users, and in this article, we’ll show you how to do it seamlessly.
Understanding Android’s Music Playback System
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of playing music in the background, it’s essential to understand how Android’s music playback system works. Android uses a concept called “audio focus” to manage multiple audio streams. Audio focus is a mechanism that allows only one app to play audio at a time, ensuring that you don’t get confused by multiple audio streams playing simultaneously.
When you start playing music on your Android device, the music app requests audio focus. If another app tries to play audio while the music app has audio focus, the music app will pause or stop playing. This is why, when you try to play music and then switch to another app, the music stops.
Methods to Play Music in the Background on Android
Now that you know how Android’s music playback system works, let’s explore the methods to play music in the background on your Android device.
Method 1: Using a Music App with Background Play Support
One of the easiest ways to play music in the background is to use a music app that supports background play. Many popular music apps, such as Spotify, Google Play Music, and Tidal, have built-in support for background play.
To play music in the background using a music app, follow these steps:
- Download and install a music app that supports background play from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the music app and select the song or playlist you want to play.
- Tap the “Play” button to start playing the music.
- Press the home button or switch to another app. The music will continue playing in the background.
Method 2: Using Android’s Built-in Music App
If you don’t want to use a third-party music app, you can use Android’s built-in music app to play music in the background. The built-in music app is called “Google Play Music” on most Android devices.
To play music in the background using the built-in music app, follow these steps:
- Launch the Google Play Music app on your Android device.
- Select the song or playlist you want to play.
- Tap the “Play” button to start playing the music.
- Press the home button or switch to another app. The music will continue playing in the background.
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Music Player with Background Play Support
If you prefer to use a third-party music player, you can use an app like VLC, Poweramp, or Pulsar Music Player. These apps support background play, allowing you to listen to music while using other apps.
To play music in the background using a third-party music player, follow these steps:
- Download and install a third-party music player that supports background play from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the music player and select the song or playlist you want to play.
- Tap the “Play” button to start playing the music.
- Press the home button or switch to another app. The music will continue playing in the background.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Background Music Playback
While playing music in the background is relatively straightforward, you may encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: Music Stops When I Switch Apps
If your music stops playing when you switch apps, it’s likely because the app you’re switching to is requesting audio focus. To resolve this issue, try the following:
- Check if the app you’re switching to has an option to allow background music playback. Some apps, like YouTube, have a setting to allow background playback.
- Try using a music app that supports background play, as mentioned earlier.
Issue 2: Music Doesn’t Resume After a Phone Call or Notification
If your music doesn’t resume after a phone call or notification, it’s likely because the music app lost audio focus. To resolve this issue, try the following:
- Check if the music app has an option to automatically resume playback after a phone call or notification.
- Try using a music app that supports background play and has an option to automatically resume playback.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your music listening experience on Android:
TIP 1: Use a Tasker Profile to Automate Music Playback
If you want to automate music playback based on specific events, such as when you connect your headphones or enter a specific location, you can use a tasker profile. Tasker is a powerful automation app that allows you to create custom profiles and tasks.
TIP 2: Use a Music Widget to Control Music Playback
If you want to control music playback without having to open the music app, you can use a music widget. Many music apps, including Google Play Music, offer widgets that allow you to play, pause, and skip tracks directly from your home screen.
TIP 3: Customize Your Music App with Plugins and Extensions
Many music apps, including Poweramp and Pulsar Music Player, offer plugins and extensions that allow you to customize the app’s behavior and add new features. For example, you can use a plugin to add lyrics support or to customize the app’s UI.
Conclusion
Playing music in the background on your Android device is a straightforward process that requires minimal setup. By using a music app that supports background play, you can enjoy your favorite tunes while multitasking on your device. Remember to troubleshoot common issues and take advantage of additional tips and tricks to enhance your music listening experience. Happy listening!
Can I play music in the background on Android without any additional apps?
Yes, you can play music in the background on Android without any additional apps. Android devices come with a built-in music player that allows you to play music in the background. You can simply open the music player, select the song you want to play, and then press the home button to minimize the app. The music will continue to play in the background while you use other apps or navigate through your device.
However, it’s worth noting that the built-in music player may not provide advanced features such as equalizer settings, playlist management, or lyrics display. If you want to access these features, you may need to download a third-party music player app. Additionally, some Android versions may have limitations on playing music in the background, so you may need to check your device’s settings to ensure that background playback is enabled.
How do I stop music from playing in the background on Android?
To stop music from playing in the background on Android, you can simply open the music player app and pause or stop the music. Alternatively, you can also use the notification shade to control the music playback. Swipe down from the top of your screen to open the notification shade, and then look for the music player notification. Tap on the notification to open the music controls, and then tap the pause or stop button to stop the music.
If you’re having trouble finding the music player notification, you can also try swiping away the notification to dismiss it. This will stop the music from playing in the background. Additionally, you can also go to the Settings app, then select “Apps” or “Application Manager”, and then find the music player app. You can then stop the app or force-stop it to prevent it from playing music in the background.
Can I play music in the background on Android while using other apps?
Yes, you can play music in the background on Android while using other apps. In fact, this is one of the main benefits of playing music in the background. You can listen to your favorite music while browsing the internet, checking social media, playing games, or using any other app on your device. As long as the music player app is running in the background, you can use other apps without interrupting the music playback.
However, it’s worth noting that some apps may not work properly or may crash if the music player app is running in the background. This is because some apps may require exclusive access to your device’s audio resources, and the music player app may interfere with this. In such cases, you may need to stop the music playback or close the music player app to ensure that the other app works properly.
How do I control music playback in the background on Android?
You can control music playback in the background on Android using the notification shade or the music player app itself. When music is playing in the background, you’ll see a notification in the notification shade that shows the song title, album art, and playback controls. You can tap on the notification to open the music controls, and then use the play/pause, next, and previous buttons to control the music playback.
Alternatively, you can also open the music player app directly to control the music playback. Most music player apps provide a mini-player or a widget that allows you to control the music playback from within the app. You can also use gestures or buttons on your device to control the music playback. For example, you can use the volume buttons to play/pause the music or skip to the next/previous track.
Can I play music in the background on Android while my device is locked?
Yes, you can play music in the background on Android while your device is locked. In fact, this is a common scenario where you may want to listen to music while your device is locked to conserve battery life or for convenience. When you play music in the background on Android, the music will continue to play even when your device is locked.
However, it’s worth noting that some devices or Android versions may have limitations on playing music in the background while the device is locked. For example, some devices may require you to wake up the device and unlock it to control the music playback. Additionally, some music player apps may not support background playback when the device is locked, so you may need to check the app’s settings to ensure that this feature is enabled.
How do I troubleshoot issues with music playback in the background on Android?
If you’re experiencing issues with music playback in the background on Android, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, try restarting the music player app or your device to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, try checking the app’s settings to ensure that background playback is enabled. You can also try clearing the app’s cache and data to see if that resolves the issue.
Additionally, you can also try checking the device’s settings to ensure that background playback is enabled. Go to the Settings app, then select “Sound” or “Audio”, and then look for the “Background playback” or “Media playback” setting. Make sure that this setting is enabled to allow music playback in the background. If you’re still experiencing issues, you can try searching online for specific solutions or troubleshooting steps related to your device or music player app.
Can I play music in the background on Android while using other audio apps?
In general, you can play music in the background on Android while using other audio apps, but this may depend on the specific apps you’re using. Some audio apps may not work properly or may interfere with each other if they’re running simultaneously in the background. For example, if you’re using a video streaming app that requires exclusive access to your device’s audio resources, it may not work properly if you’re also playing music in the background.
However, many modern audio apps are designed to work together seamlessly, and you can often play music in the background while using other audio apps without issues. For example, you can play music in the background while making a phone call, using a video conferencing app, or listening to podcasts. If you experience any issues or conflicts, you can try stopping one of the apps or adjusting the audio settings to resolve the issue.