Spotify is designed to continue playing music when you switch apps, lock your phone, or use another program. However, many users experience problems where Spotify is not playing in the background, pauses after a few seconds, or asks for permission to allow background activity.
This issue is usually caused by device restrictions rather than Spotify itself. Battery optimization, disabled background activity, unstable network connections, outdated apps, or other apps taking control of audio playback can prevent Spotify from running normally. To keep Spotify playing in the background, try these quick fixes first:
- Check your internet connection.
- Restart Spotify and your device.
- Update the Spotify app.
- Allow Spotify to run in the background.
- Disable battery-saving restrictions for Spotify.
The exact solution depends on whether you use Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac, Xbox, or PS5. Below are detailed fixes for each platform.
Quick Check: Why Is Spotify Not Playing in Background?
Before changing settings, check these common causes preventing Spotify from running in the background:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Quick Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify stops when screen is locked | Battery restrictions or background limits | Allow Spotify background activity |
| Spotify pauses when opening another app | Another app controls audio output | Close conflicting apps |
| Spotify stops after several minutes | Battery saver or sleep mode | Disable optimization for Spotify |
| Spotify cannot play without Wi-Fi | Mobile data restriction | Allow Spotify to use background data |
| Spotify keeps crashing | Outdated app or corrupted cache | Update or reinstall Spotify |
In most cases, Spotify background playback can be restored by changing your device settings rather than reinstalling the app.
How to Keep Spotify Playing in the Background on Android
Android devices provide several battery and background management options that can affect Spotify background playback. The exact menu names may vary depending on your phone brand, including Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others. You can try the following solutions to let Spotify play in the background on Android.
Allow Spotify to Play in the Background
The first step is checking whether Android is restricting Spotify's background activity.
Step 1. Open Settings on your Android phone and go to Apps.
Step 2. Find and select Spotify and tap App Battery usage.
Step 3. Under the background settings, you can choose Unrestricted, Allow background activity, or a similar option to allow Spotify to run in the background.
Step 4. After changing this setting, open Spotify, start playing music, and return to the home screen.
Disable Battery Optimization for Spotify
If battery optimization is enabled, it can automatically stop Spotify to reduce power consumption. To disable it:
Step 1. Open Settings and search for Battery optimization.
Step 2. Find Spotify in the app list and select Don't optimize or Unrestricted.
If your phone has a custom battery management system, you may need to check additional settings. For example:
- Samsung devices may use Sleeping Apps.
- Xiaomi devices may use Battery Saver restrictions.
- OnePlus devices may use App Battery Management.
Remove Spotify from any restricted app lists.
Enable Background Data Usage for Spotify
Another reason for Spotify not playing in the background is your unstable or no WiFi connection. If Spotify stops when you leave Wi-Fi or switch networks, background data restrictions may be the cause. You need to allow Spotify to use your mobile data:
Step 1. Open Settings on your Android mobile device, select Apps, and choose Manage Apps.
Step 2. Select Spotify in the app list, and tap on Data Usage or Mobile Data.
Step 3. Turn on the background data and allow data usage while Data Saver is on (if available).
This allows Spotify to continue streaming in the background when it is not open on your screen or your phone's lock screen is locked.
Remove Spotify From Sleeping Apps
Another cause of Spotify stops playing in background is the feature of Sleeping Apps. It enables your mobile device to restrict data usage and saves Battery. Some Android phones automatically place rarely used apps into sleep mode. Now, try to close them to fix the issue.:
Step 1. Open Settings and go to Battery and device care.
Step 2. Select Battery and open Background usage limits.
Step 3. Check Sleeping apps and Deep sleeping apps, then you can remove Spotify if it appears there.
After removing Spotify from sleep restrictions, test background playback again.
Turn Off Android Battery Saver Mode
The battery saver feature restricts background activity for all apps at once from draining the battery and affects their performance. If Spotify works normally but stops when your battery is low, Battery Saver may be interrupting playback. To check:
Step 1. Open Settings app on your Android phone or tablet
Step 2. Go to Battery and disable Battery Saver or Power Saving Mode.
You can also add Spotify as an exception if your phone supports this option.
Clear Spotify Cache
A corrupted cache can sometimes cause playback problems. Spotify for Android app provides a direct option to clear Spotify app's cache. Follow the steps below:
Step 1. Open Spotify app and tap your profile picture.
Step 2. Go to Settings and privacy and select Storage > Clear cache.
Clearing the cache does not delete your Spotify playlists or saved music.
How to Keep Spotify Playing in the Background on iPhone
Unlike many Android devices, iPhones usually let Spotify to continue playing in the background after you leave the app or lock the screen. If Spotify stops in the background on iOS, the problem is often related to Low Power Mode, app issues, network restrictions, or another app interrupting audio playback.
Disable Low Power Mode on iPhone
Low Power Mode reduces background activity to save battery. In some cases, it can affect how apps refresh and maintain network connections.
Step 1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
Step 2. Tap Battery and then you can turn off Low Power Mode.
Step 3. Then reopen Spotify, start playing music, and lock your screen to test whether background playback works.
Check Background App Refresh for Spotify
Background App Refresh is not required for normal Spotify playback, but enabling it can help Spotify maintain app activity for certain features. To check this setting:
Step 1. Open Settings app on your device and select General.
Step 2. Tap Background App Refresh and make sure Spotify is enabled.
Close Apps That Interrupt Spotify Audio
Some apps may automatically take control of your iPhone's audio system. Common examples include:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Video recording apps
- Voice chat apps
If Spotify pauses when opening another app, completely close the other application and try playing music again.
How to Fix Spotify Not Playing in Background on Windows and Mac
Spotify desktop apps normally continue running when minimized. However, some users confuse closing the window with minimizing the application. If Spotify disappears or stops after clicking the close button, check the following settings.
Enable Spotify to Minimize Instead of Closing on Windows
The Spotify desktop app includes a setting that controls what happens when you close the window.
- Open the Spotify desktop app.
- Click your profile picture.
- Select Settings.
- Find Startup and Window Behavior.
- Enable the option similar to Close button should minimize the Spotify window.
After enabling this setting, clicking the X button will minimize Spotify instead of fully closing the application. You can continue listening while using other Windows programs.
Check Windows/Mac Audio and Background Settings
If Spotify pauses when connecting headphones, speakers, or Bluetooth devices, you can
For Windows computers:
- Open Windows Settings.
- Go to System > Power & battery.
- Disable aggressive battery-saving options if enabled.
- Restart Spotify.
Also check whether another application is controlling your audio output.
For macOS devices:
- Open System Settings.
- Select Sound.
- Confirm the correct output device is selected.
Bluetooth switching problems are a common reason Spotify appears to stop playing.
How to Allow Spotify to Play in the Background on Game Consoles
Spotify allows games players to listen to Spotify music while playing games. This section will provide a step-by-step guide on how to allow Spotify to run in background on PS5 and Xbox game consoles.
How to Keep Spotify Playing in the Background On Xbox
Step 1. Power on your game console and open the Spotify app on it. If you haven't logged in to the Spotify app yet, start it with your email and password.
Step 2. Select your favorite playlist or album to play in the background.
Step 3. Press the Xbox button and return to your game. Spotify will continue playing on Xbox while the game runs.
How to Keep Spotify Playing in the Background On PS5
Remember: Power on your PlayStation and launch the Spotify app.
Step 1. Log in to your Spotify account with your email and password.
Step 2. Search and play any Spotify album or playlist.
Step 3. Close Spotify, launch the game you like and play Spotify on PS5 in background.
How to Control Spotify Playback in the Background
Now that Spotify has been given the required permissions to run in the background, let's explore how to control Spotify playback on your mobile device or computer:
On iPhone:
Step 1. Swipe down from the upper-right corner (iPhone X and later) or up from the bottom edge of the screen (iPhone 8 and earlier) to access the Control Center.
Step 2. Find the Spotify playback widget, here you can play, pause, skip tracks or adjust volume.
On Android:
Step 1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification panel.
Step 2. From here, you can pause, skip tracks, adjust the volume, or repeat a track without needing to go back to the Spotify app.
On Windows:
Windows users can control Spotify without switching windows. Options include Spotify Mini Player controls, keyboard media keys, and taskbar controls.
To use taskbar controls:
Step 1. Hover over the Spotify app icon in your Windows taskbar.
Step 2. This will display simple playback controls, allowing you to pause, skip, or adjust the volume directly from the taskbar.
On Mac
On Mac, you can also use Spotify mini player, keyboard media controls, and Bluetooth headphone controls. Besides, many wireless headphones also allow playback control directly through built-in buttons.
Alternative Solution: Listen to Spotify Music Offline Without Background Restrictions
If Spotify still stops playing in the background after trying all troubleshooting methods, the issue may be related to your device environment rather than the Spotify app itself. For example, older phones, restricted Android systems, unstable networks, or devices without official Spotify support may continue interrupting background playback.
In these situations, another option is to save your Spotify music as local audio files and play them with a regular media player. Local music files are not affected by:
- Spotify app background restrictions
- Battery management limitations
- Network interruptions
- Device compatibility issues
However, Spotify does not provide a direct way to export songs as common audio files such as MP3, WAV, or FLAC. Spotify downloads are encrypted and can only be played inside the official Spotify app. DRmare Spotify Music Converter is designed to convert Spotify songs, albums, and playlists into common audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, and other formats. Instead of relying on the Spotify app running in the background, converted files can be played through standard music players on computers, phones, cars, and other supported devices.
Below is the given step-by-step guide to convert Spotify music to MP3 format via the DRmare Spotify Music Converter. Please follow it and start.
- Step 1 Import Spotify songs to DRmare Spotify Music Converter
Start by opening the DRmare Spotify Music Converter and logging into the built-in Spotify web player. Navigate to any playlist and tap the 'Add' button to import it directly into the tool.
- Step 2 Set output preferences for Spotify songs
After adding Spotify music to the converter, click on the 'Menu' icon at the top of the interface and choose 'Preferences'. You can set several output parameters for your selected songs. Just select audio format as MP3 or others you like. You can also set bit rate, channel, sample rate, and more.
- Step 3 Download and convert Spotify songs
After making all the changes in the settings, click on the 'OK' > 'Convert' button. The software will start downloading and converting your selected Spotify songs to MP3. Wait for the process to complete. After that, you can locate the converted Spotify songs in the local folder of your computer. Now, transfer the songs to any device and play Spotify music in the background via any media player.
FAQs About Spotify Background Playback
Why is Spotify not playing in the background when I lock my phone?
Spotify may stop when your phone screen is off because battery optimization, background restrictions, or network settings prevent the app from continuing to run. Allow Spotify background activity and disable battery-saving restrictions to fix the issue.
Why does Spotify stop playing when I open another app?
Spotify may pause because another application takes control of audio playback, or your device restricts background activity. Close apps that use audio, such as video or recording apps, and check Spotify's background permissions.
Does Spotify need permission to play in the background?
Spotify does not have one universal background permission setting. On most devices, background playback is controlled through system settings such as battery management, app permissions, and data restrictions.
Can Spotify play in the background without Premium?
Yes. Spotify can play in the background on supported devices even with a free account, although free users may have limitations such as ads and playback restrictions depending on region and device.
In Conclusion
Spotify background playback problems are usually caused by device settings rather than a problem with your Spotify account. If you refer to the above solutions to keep Spotify playing in the background on your iPhone, Android, Windows PC, Mac, Xbox, and PS5.
If your device continues stopping Spotify even after changing these settings, using local music files can provide a more reliable listening experience because playback no longer depends on Spotify staying active in the background.
With the right settings, you can enjoy uninterrupted Spotify music while browsing, working, gaming, driving, or using other apps.
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