It’s incredibly frustrating when you’re enjoying a song on your Android phone, only to have it abruptly cut short when you switch to another app. This common issue can be caused by several factors, and understanding the root of the problem is the key to finding a solution.
Understanding the Android Music Player Behaviour
Android’s default behaviour is to prioritize the app you’re actively using. This means that when you switch to another app, the music player often gets put into the background, potentially pausing or stopping playback entirely. There are several reasons why this happens:
1. Resource Management:
Android is a resource-intensive operating system, and it needs to manage its resources efficiently to maintain optimal performance. When you open a new app, Android allocates more resources to that app, potentially taking resources away from the music player. This can lead to the music player being paused or even stopped altogether to ensure smooth operation of the new app.
2. Battery Optimization:
Modern Android devices have advanced battery optimization features that help extend battery life. These features can often restrict background processes, including music players, to conserve power. This is particularly true for apps that are running in the background for extended periods.
3. App Permissions:
Some Android apps, especially those focused on media playback, require specific permissions to operate in the background. If these permissions are denied, the app might not be able to continue playing music when you switch to another app.
4. Music Player Settings:
Most music players have their own settings that control how they behave in the background. These settings might influence the music player’s ability to continue playback when you switch to another app.
Troubleshooting and Solutions
Now that you understand the potential causes, let’s delve into troubleshooting steps and solutions to fix the issue:
1. Check App Permissions:
- Navigate to your phone’s settings.
- Find “Apps & notifications” or “Apps” and select the music player app.
- Go to “Permissions” and ensure that the app has access to “Background activity” or similar permissions.
- Allow the app to access the “Storage” and “Audio” permissions to ensure it can play music.
2. Adjust Battery Optimization Settings:
- Open your phone’s settings and go to “Battery” or “Battery optimization.”
- Locate the music player app and choose “Don’t optimize” or “Allow background activity” to prevent the app from being restricted.
- You might need to adjust the “Battery Usage” settings for the app as well.
3. Review Music Player Settings:
- Open your music player app and navigate to its settings.
- Look for options related to background playback, such as “Keep playing in background” or “Continue playing after app closure.”
- Ensure these options are enabled.
4. Consider Using a Different Music Player:
If the issue persists despite troubleshooting, you might want to try a different music player. Some popular alternatives include:
- YouTube Music
- Spotify
- Pandora
- Amazon Music
These apps are specifically designed for music streaming and are likely to handle background playback more reliably.
5. Enable Developer Options:
- Open your phone’s settings and tap on “About phone.”
- Repeatedly tap on the “Build number” until you see a message indicating “Developer options” are now enabled.
- Go back to the main settings page and locate “Developer options.”
- Find the option “Don’t keep activities” and disable it. This ensures that the music player app remains in memory when you switch to another app.
6. Use Third-Party Background Playback Tools:
There are third-party apps available on the Play Store that can help ensure your music continues playing even when you switch to another app. Some popular options include:
- Float Music: A floating music player that allows you to control your music from any app.
- Background Music Player: A simple and effective app for playing music in the background.
7. Reboot Your Phone:
A simple reboot can sometimes fix minor software glitches that might be causing the music to stop playing.
8. Update Your Android OS and Apps:
Outdated software can sometimes contribute to issues like this. Ensure that your Android operating system and the music player app are updated to the latest versions.
9. Contact Device Manufacturer:
If none of the above solutions resolve the issue, it might be a hardware-related problem. Contact your device manufacturer for assistance or consider taking your phone to a repair shop.
Conclusion
Music is a vital part of many people’s lives, and having it cut short due to background playback issues can be frustrating. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can hopefully restore your music listening experience to its full potential. Remember to always check for app permissions, optimize battery settings, and explore alternative music players if necessary. With a little patience and effort, you can find a solution that works for you.
FAQ
Why does my music stop playing when I open another app on Android?
This is a common issue on Android devices, and it’s usually caused by the way the operating system handles background processes. When you open a new app, Android often prioritizes that app’s resources, including CPU and memory, to ensure a smooth user experience. This can lead to apps like music players being put into a background state, where they may pause or stop playing music to conserve resources.
However, there are often ways to keep your music playing even when you’re using other apps. You might need to adjust your settings, try a different music player, or use a feature like Android’s “Media Playback” to ensure your music continues to play uninterrupted.
How do I keep my music playing in the background on Android?
The most straightforward solution is to ensure your music player app is set to play music in the background. Many music apps have settings that allow you to control background playback. You might find a setting labeled “Background Playback,” “Play in Background,” or something similar. Toggle this setting on, and your music should continue playing even when you open other apps.
Some music players have a feature that allows you to minimize the app to a small window or notification that will keep the music playing. You can usually find this feature in the settings or by pressing the home button while the music is playing. You can then continue listening to music even as you navigate other apps.
Why does my music stop playing when I use my phone for other things like calling or texting?
This is a common occurrence because your phone prioritizes other essential functions like calls and texts over music playback. When you receive a call or send a text message, the system may temporarily pause your music to ensure you can hear the call or send the text without interruptions.
The system may also prioritize other apps over music playback depending on their importance. For example, if you’re using a navigation app for directions or a gaming app, the system may temporarily pause your music to ensure those apps function smoothly.
What can I do to fix this issue?
There are several ways you can try to fix this issue. First, ensure you have the latest version of your music player app and your Android operating system. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can address these kinds of issues. You can also try restarting your phone, as this can sometimes refresh the system and resolve temporary glitches.
If restarting your phone doesn’t work, try reinstalling your music player app. This will remove any corrupted data or settings that might be causing the problem. If you’re still experiencing issues, consider trying a different music player app, as some apps may be better at background playback than others.
Can I use my headphones to control music playback?
Many Android phones have buttons on their headphones that can be used to control music playback. You can usually use these buttons to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume. These buttons will work even when you’re using other apps, so you can easily control your music without having to open the music player app.
If your headphones don’t have built-in buttons, you can try using a music control app. Many apps allow you to customize the controls to your liking, and they can be used to play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume, even when you’re using other apps.
What if my music still stops playing?
If you’ve tried all of the above solutions and your music still stops playing when you open other apps, you may have a more serious issue with your phone or your music player app. If you’re using a third-party music player app, try using the default music player app that came with your phone.
If the problem persists, you may want to contact the manufacturer of your phone or the developer of your music player app for assistance. They may be able to provide you with further troubleshooting tips or a solution to the problem.
Are there any Android features that could help?
Android features like “Media Playback” can help manage background music playback. This feature is typically found in your device’s settings and allows you to control what apps are allowed to play music in the background. You can choose to keep certain apps running in the background while you use other apps.
These features can also help you manage the battery usage of your music player app. If you’re concerned about battery life, you can adjust the settings to reduce the amount of battery power that your music player app uses in the background.