Switching to a new phone can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior from your favorite apps. That’s exactly what happened to me when I got my hands on the latest Samsung S23. The Spotify app I relied on for my daily dose of music suddenly started stopping whenever I locked my screen and put the phone in my pocket. It was like listening to my favorite tunes had become a chore. Determined to find a solution, I embarked on a quest to uncover the mystery behind Spotify’s sudden pauses.
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Disabling Battery Optimizations To Stop The Spotify App From Closing
One common culprit for apps unexpectedly closing when the screen is locked is aggressive battery management. Many phones, including Samsung models, employ this feature to extend battery life. However, it can sometimes become too aggressive, leading to apps like Spotify getting shut down as soon as the screen locks.
To prevent this from happening with Spotify, you need to disable battery optimizations. If you have a Samsung phone, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Find and select the Spotify app, then tap Battery.
- Go to Battery Optimization.
- Switch the list to All and turn off optimization for the Spotify app.
For other Android phones, open your phone’s settings, navigate to the Apps menu, find and open the Spotify app, choose Battery, and disable any optimization features. Also, make sure to disable any battery saving features under the Battery section of the Settings.
If you’re an iPhone user experiencing this issue, go to your phone’s settings, select the Battery tab, find the Low Power Mode option, and turn it off.
Clear Spotify’s Cache And Restart The App
Temporary files, known as cache files, are essential for apps to function efficiently. However, over time, these files can accumulate and take up valuable space. Additionally, corrupted cache files can cause Spotify to malfunction.
Thankfully, removing cache files is a simple process that won’t affect your app usage or result in data loss. Here’s how to clear the Spotify cache:
Android:
- Go to your phone’s settings.
- Tap on the Apps menu and select All Apps.
- Find and open the Spotify app.
- Click on Storage and then tap on Clear Cache.
iOS:
- Open the Spotify app.
- Click on the Settings icon and choose the Storage tab.
- Tap on the Delete Cache option.
Restart Your Phone To Play Spotify With The Screen Locked
Sometimes, a good old restart can do wonders. Many users have reported that restarting their phones fixed the Spotify pausing issue. It only takes a few minutes, making it worth a try.
To restart your phone:
Android:
- Press the Power button until the shutdown screen appears.
- You’ll see options for Power off and Restart. Tap on Restart.
iOS:
- Press the Power button until the shutdown screen comes up.
- If your iOS device has Face ID, press the Power and one of the Volume buttons until the power off screen appears. Otherwise, press and hold the side button.
- Move the power off slider and wait until the screen goes blank.
- Hold the Power button again to restart.
After restarting, try playing some music, lock your screen, and see if Spotify plays smoothly.
What If Spotify Stops Playing In Background?
If your Spotify app stops playing when it’s in the background, even without locking your phone, there’s another angle to consider. On iOS devices, you’ll need to enable Background app refresh for Spotify to keep updating while out of focus. Follow these steps:
- Go to Settings, then General.
- Tap Background App Refresh and turn on the feature.
On Android, the steps may vary depending on your device. Usually, you can find it in the battery section of your settings. For Samsung phones, look for an option called Put Unused Apps to Sleep under Battery in Device Care. Disable Put unused apps to sleep and Auto disable unused apps if present.
Once you’ve made these changes, switch out of the Spotify app and see if it continues playing in the background.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Spotify pause when I turn off my screen?
Spotify may pause when you turn off your screen due to enabled battery optimization or disabled background app refresh.
How to keep Spotify playing in the background?
To ensure Spotify keeps playing in the background, enable background app refresh and disable battery optimization on your phone.
Does Spotify have a sleep feature?
Yes, Spotify has a sleep feature. To enable it, open the app, click on the three-dot menu, and find the Sleep timer option.
Remember, a smooth Spotify experience is just a few settings tweaks away. Keep the music playing wherever you go!
