In today’s fast-paced digital era, multitasking has become a necessary skill for many of us. Whether it’s replying to emails while attending a virtual meeting or browsing social media while streaming a podcast, we are constantly finding ways to accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously. However, what about listening to music? Many iPhone users have often wondered if they can play their favorite tunes while using other apps. The answer is yes, and in this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of multitasking with your favorite tunes on your iPhone.
Imagine this scenario: you’re engrossed in a fascinating article on your preferred news app, but at the same time, you wish to listen to your favorite playlist. Well, fret not, as the iPhone allows you to do just that. With a few simple steps and the right settings, you can seamlessly juggle between apps without interrupting your music playback. So, whether you want to stream music from your favorite platform or simply listen to your downloaded tracks, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we delve into the world of multitasking on your iPhone while enjoying your favorite tunes.
Understanding iPhone’s limitations
A. Background restrictions
When it comes to playing music while using other apps on your iPhone, it’s important to understand the limitations imposed by the device itself. The iPhone has certain background restrictions that can affect how music apps function.
One common limitation is the inability of music apps to continue playing in the background when you switch to another app. This means that as soon as you exit the music app, the playback will stop. This can be frustrating if you want to listen to music while browsing the web or using other apps on your device.
Another restriction is related to battery life. Playing music in the background can drain your iPhone’s battery faster, so Apple has implemented measures to prioritize battery conservation. As a result, some apps may have limited functionality while running in the background, which can affect the playback of music.
B. Audio interruption management
In addition to background restrictions, iOS also manages audio interruptions when you receive calls or notifications. When a call comes in or a notification arrives, the music will automatically pause to allow you to answer the call or view the notification. While this is useful for ensuring you don’t miss important communications, it can disrupt your music listening experience.
To mitigate these interruptions, iOS provides options to customize how your iPhone handles audio interruptions. You can choose to have calls and notifications not interrupt your music playback, allowing you to continue listening without interruptions. Alternatively, you can configure your iPhone to lower the volume of the music instead of pausing it completely when an interruption occurs.
Overall, understanding the background restrictions and audio interruption management of your iPhone is crucial when it comes to multitasking with music. By being aware of these limitations, you can make informed decisions about which apps to use and how to optimize your music listening experience.
Utilizing built-in iOS features
A. Control Center
One of the easiest ways to multitask with music on your iPhone is by using the Control Center. To access the Control Center, swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen on iPhone X or later models, or swipe up from the bottom on earlier models. Once you have the Control Center open, you can control your music playback without leaving your current app.
In the Control Center, you will find a music widget that displays the album artwork and playback controls for the currently playing song. You can play or pause the music, skip to the next or previous track, adjust the volume, and even access lyrics and additional options depending on the music app you are using.
B. App switcher
Another built-in feature that allows you to multitask with music is the app switcher. To access the app switcher, swipe up from the bottom of your screen and pause in the middle of the screen (for iPhone X or later models) or double-click the home button (for earlier models).
Once you have the app switcher open, you can swipe left or right to navigate through your recently used apps. While browsing through your apps, you can continue listening to your music by using the music controls in the Control Center, as mentioned earlier. This allows you to switch between apps seamlessly without interrupting your music playback.
Both the Control Center and app switcher are convenient ways to multitask with your music, as they provide quick and easy access to playback controls without the need to switch back and forth between apps.
Overall, the built-in iOS features of the Control Center and app switcher make it effortless to multitask with your favorite tunes on your iPhone. Whether you’re browsing the internet, checking emails, or using any other app, you can conveniently control your music playback without any interruptions.
RecommendedUsing streaming apps
A. Spotify
One of the most popular streaming apps for music lovers, Spotify allows users to listen to their favorite tunes while using other apps on their iPhone. To multitask with Spotify, simply open the app and start playing a song or playlist. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. From here, you can play, pause, skip, and adjust the volume of the music without leaving the app you are currently using. To switch to a different song or playlist, just open Spotify and make your selection.
B. Apple Music
For those who prefer Apple’s own music streaming service, multitasking with Apple Music is just as easy. Start by opening the app and playing a song or playlist. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. Similar to Spotify, you can control playback and adjust the volume without having to switch apps. Apple Music also offers a handy widget that you can add to your iPhone’s home screen or widgets panel for quick access to your music.
C. SoundCloud
SoundCloud is another popular streaming app that allows users to multitask with their favorite tunes. To use SoundCloud while using other apps, open the app and start playing a song or playlist. Then, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center. You can control playback, adjust volume, and even skip tracks without interrupting your current app. SoundCloud also offers a widget that you can add to your home screen for easy access.
Overall, streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud make multitasking with music on your iPhone a breeze. With the Control Center and widgets, you can easily control playback and manage your music without interrupting your workflow.
However, it is important to note that these streaming apps may require a subscription or have limitations on certain features. Make sure to check the app’s settings and terms of use to fully utilize their multitasking capabilities.
In the next section, we will explore third-party music apps that offer unique features and options for multitasking with your favorite tunes on the iPhone.
Third-party music apps
A. Pandora
One popular third-party music app that allows you to multitask while listening to music on your iPhone is Pandora. Pandora is a streaming service that creates personalized radio stations based on your music preferences. To play music on Pandora while using other apps, follow these steps:
1. Download and install the Pandora app from the App Store.
2. Launch the app and sign in or create a new account.
3. Customize your listening experience by selecting your favorite artists, genres, or songs.
4. Start playing music by selecting a radio station or playlist.
5. Once the music is playing, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
6. In the Control Center, you will see the Pandora widget with playback controls.
7. Tap the play button to resume playback or use the skip and pause buttons to control the music.
With Pandora, you can easily switch between apps while enjoying your favorite tunes. You can browse the web, send emails, or use any other app on your iPhone without interrupting the music playback.
B. YouTube Music
YouTube Music is another popular third-party music app that allows you to multitask while playing music on your iPhone. Here’s how you can use YouTube Music to listen to music while using other apps:
1. Download and install the YouTube Music app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and sign in with your Google account or create a new one.
3. Search for the music you want to listen to or browse through the app’s recommendations.
4. Once you have selected a song or playlist, start playing the music.
5. To continue listening while using other apps, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to access the Control Center.
6. In the Control Center, you will find the YouTube Music widget with playback controls.
7. Tap the play button to resume playback or use the skip and pause buttons to control the music.
YouTube Music also offers a premium subscription service that allows for ad-free listening and background playback, meaning you can listen to music even when you exit the app entirely.
By utilizing popular third-party music apps like Pandora and YouTube Music, you can easily multitask on your iPhone while enjoying your favorite tunes. Whether you prefer personalized radio stations or on-demand streaming, these apps provide a seamless music listening experience while using other apps on your iPhone.
Downloading music for offline listening
A. Apple Music
Downloading music for offline listening is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite tunes without relying on an internet connection. The Apple Music app offers a simple solution for this, allowing you to download songs, albums, and playlists to your iPhone.
To download music from Apple Music, follow these steps:
1. Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone.
2. Find the song, album, or playlist you want to download.
3. Tap the three dots (…) next to the item.
4. From the dropdown menu, select “Download” to start the download process.
Once the download is complete, you can access your downloaded music by going to the “Library” tab in the Apple Music app. From there, you can listen to your downloaded songs, albums, and playlists anytime, even when you’re offline.
B. Spotify
If you’re a Spotify user, you can also download music for offline listening using the app. This feature, known as Offline Mode, allows you to save your favorite songs, albums, and playlists directly to your iPhone.
To download music from Spotify, follow these steps:
1. Open the Spotify app on your iPhone.
2. Find the song, album, or playlist you want to download.
3. Tap the three dots (…) next to the item.
4. From the options, select “Download” to start the download process.
Once the download is complete, you can access your downloaded music by going to the “Your Library” tab in the Spotify app. From there, you can listen to your downloaded songs, albums, and playlists offline.
Downloading music for offline listening is especially useful when you’re in an area with limited or no internet access. It allows you to continue enjoying your favorite music without interruptions.
By utilizing the offline download feature in music streaming apps like Apple Music and Spotify, you can have a vast collection of songs available at your fingertips, regardless of your internet connection. Whether you’re on a road trip, on a plane, or simply in an area with spotty internet coverage, downloading music for offline listening ensures you always have access to your favorite tunes.
Overall, downloading music for offline listening is a fantastic option for multitasking with music on your iPhone, allowing you to enjoy uninterrupted music playback regardless of your current circumstances.
Using picture-in-picture
A. YouTube
Picture-in-picture (PiP) is a useful feature that allows you to continue watching videos in a small resizable window while using other apps on your iPhone. This feature is especially handy when it comes to watching YouTube videos while multitasking. To enjoy PiP with YouTube, follow these steps:
1. Open the YouTube app on your iPhone.
2. Find the video you want to watch and start playing it.
3. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to go home or press the home button if you have one.
4. The video will automatically switch to a floating window in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
5. You can resize or move the PiP window by pinching or dragging it to a different location.
6. To pause or resume playback, tap on the PiP window.
7. If you want to close the PiP window, simply swipe it off the screen or tap on the X button.
B. Safari
Aside from YouTube, Safari also supports picture-in-picture mode for various video players on websites. If you come across a video that supports PiP while browsing in Safari, here’s how you can use this feature:
1. Open Safari on your iPhone.
2. Visit a website that contains a video player window.
3. Play the video you want to watch.
4. While the video is playing, swipe up from the bottom of the screen or press the home button to go to the home screen.
5. The video will enter PiP mode automatically and will appear as a small window that you can drag and resize.
6. To control playback, tap on the PiP window.
7. If you wish to close the PiP window, swipe it off the screen or tap on the X button.
The picture-in-picture feature allows you to continue enjoying your favorite videos while simultaneously using other apps or browsing the web. It enhances the multitasking experience on your iPhone, enabling you to stay entertained while being productive.
Please note that not all apps or websites support picture-in-picture mode, so its availability may vary depending on the specific app or website you are using.
Exploring Music Widgets
A. Installing widgets
Music widgets are a convenient way to access and control your favorite tunes while using other apps on your iPhone. By installing music widgets, you can have quick access to playback controls and information about the currently playing song right on your home screen or lock screen.
To install a music widget, follow these steps:
1. Swipe right from your home screen to access the Today View.
2. Scroll to the bottom and tap on the “Edit” button.
3. Look for the “Music” widget in the list of available widgets and tap the “+” button next to it.
4. Drag the “Music” widget to your desired position in the widget stack.
5. Tap “Done” to save the changes.
Once the music widget is installed, you can easily control your music playback without having to open the music app. The widget will display basic playback controls like play, pause, skip, and volume control.
B. Controlling music playback
Controlling your music playback using the music widget is straightforward. Here’s a rundown of the basic controls:
1. Play/Pause: Tap the play button to start or pause the music playback.
2. Next/Previous: Use the skip buttons to go to the next or previous song in your playlist.
3. Volume Control: Adjust the volume slider to increase or decrease the volume.
4. Song Information: The music widget also displays the song title, artist name, and album artwork.
Additionally, if you use streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Music, the widget may also offer some additional features. For example, you may be able to like or dislike a song, add it to your library, or even access personalized recommendations directly from the widget.
Remember, you can customize your widget stack to display multiple music widgets or combine them with other useful widgets like weather or calendar. Simply follow the same steps mentioned earlier to add more widgets and rearrange them according to your preference.
Conclusion
With the help of music widgets, multitasking with your favorite tunes on your iPhone has never been easier. You can control your music playback without interrupting your current task, whether you’re browsing the web, replying to messages, or checking your emails. Install your preferred music widget today and enjoy seamless multitasking while enjoying your favorite songs.
Voice control and Siri shortcuts
Hands-free music control
One of the most convenient ways to multitask with your favorite tunes on your iPhone is by utilizing voice control and Siri shortcuts. This allows you to control your music playback without even touching your device.
To use voice control, simply activate Siri by pressing and holding the Home button on older models or the side button on newer models. Then, you can use voice commands such as “Play music,” “Pause music,” “Skip to the next song,” or “Play my favorite playlist” to control your music playback.
Siri shortcuts take voice control a step further by allowing you to create custom voice commands for specific actions. For example, you can create a Siri shortcut that allows you to say “Good morning” and have Siri play your favorite playlist. To create a Siri shortcut, go to Settings > Siri & Search and tap on “All Shortcuts.” From there, you can create custom shortcuts for different music tasks.
Creating Siri shortcuts
To create a Siri shortcut for music playback, follow these steps:
1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on the “+” button to create a new shortcut.
3. Search for the “Play Music” action and select it.
4. Choose your desired music app and customize the action, such as selecting a specific playlist or artist.
5. Tap on the settings icon to give your shortcut a name and add a custom phrase that Siri will recognize.
6. Save the shortcut and exit the Shortcuts app.
Once your Siri shortcut is created, you can activate it by saying the custom phrase to Siri. For example, if you named your shortcut “Play favorite playlist,” you can say “Hey Siri, play favorite playlist” to start playing your favorite music.
Using voice control and Siri shortcuts not only makes multitasking with music more convenient, but it also allows for a truly hands-free experience. Whether you’re cooking in the kitchen, working out at the gym, or driving in your car, you can control your music playback with just your voice, keeping your hands free for other tasks.
Making use of headphones and Bluetooth speakers
A. Connecting wireless devices
Listening to music while using other apps on your iPhone becomes even more convenient when you make use of headphones or Bluetooth speakers. These wireless devices allow for a seamless audio experience while multitasking.
To connect your wireless headphones or speakers to your iPhone, follow these steps:
1. Enable Bluetooth: To do this, go to your iPhone’s Settings, tap on “Bluetooth,” and toggle the switch to turn it on.
2. Put your headphones or speakers into pairing mode: Refer to the manual or documentation that came with your device for specific instructions. Typically, you’ll need to press and hold a specific button on the device to enter pairing mode.
3. Find and select your device: Once your device is in pairing mode, it should appear in the list of available Bluetooth devices on your iPhone. Tap on it to connect.
4. Confirm the connection: After selecting the device, your iPhone will attempt to establish a connection. Once connected, you will see a notification on your iPhone indicating a successful pairing.
B. Controlling playback via headphones
Controlling music playback using your headphones is incredibly convenient and allows you to keep your iPhone in your pocket or bag. Here are some common controls you can use:
1. Play/Pause: Simply press the “Play” or “Pause” button on your headphones to start or stop playback.
2. Skip to the next or previous track: Most headphones have buttons that allow you to skip to the next or previous track. Press the appropriate button to navigate through your playlist.
3. Volume control: Adjust the volume by using the volume up and down buttons on your headphones. Increase the volume by pressing the volume up button or decrease it by pressing the volume down button.
4. Voice commands: Some headphones and wireless earbuds have built-in voice assistants, such as Siri or Google Assistant. You can activate these assistants by pressing and holding a specific button and then use voice commands to control playback, skip tracks, and adjust volume.
By utilizing headphones or Bluetooth speakers, you can enjoy your favorite tunes while using other apps on your iPhone without any interruptions. Whether you’re working, exercising, or simply multitasking, wireless devices provide convenience and enhance your overall music listening experience.
Remember to always refer to the user manual or manufacturer’s instructions for your specific headphones or speakers for detailed information on how to connect and control playback.
Troubleshooting Tips for Playing Music While Using Other Apps on iPhone
A. Fixing App Crashes
When attempting to multitask with music on your iPhone, you may occasionally encounter app crashes. This can be frustrating, but there are a few troubleshooting tips you can try to resolve the issue.
First, make sure that your iPhone’s operating system and the music app you are using are both up to date. Developers often release updates to fix bugs and improve performance, so keeping your apps updated is crucial.
If the app continues to crash, you can try force closing it and reopening it. To do this, double-click the home button (or swipe up from the bottom on newer iPhone models) to open the app switcher. Then, swipe left or right to find the app you want to close and swipe it away to force close it. Afterward, open the app again and see if the issue is resolved.
If the problem persists, you can also try deleting and reinstalling the app. Note that doing this will reset any app-specific settings or preferences, so you may need to adjust them again after reinstalling.
B. Resolving Audio Playback Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter audio playback issues while multitasking with music on your iPhone. If you experience problems such as audio skipping, stuttering, or no sound at all, consider the following troubleshooting steps.
First, check if the issue is specific to one app or if it occurs across multiple apps. If it’s limited to one app, try force closing and reopening the app as mentioned in the previous section.
If the problem persists, try restarting your iPhone. Press and hold the power button until the slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears to turn your device back on.
Additionally, ensure that your iPhone’s volume is turned up and not on mute. You can adjust the volume by using the physical volume buttons on the side of your device.
If you’re using Bluetooth headphones or speakers, try disconnecting and reconnecting them. Sometimes, connectivity issues can cause audio playback problems. Alternatively, try using wired headphones to see if the issue persists.
If none of these troubleshooting steps resolve the audio playback issues, you may want to contact the app developer or Apple support for further assistance.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can address common issues and enjoy uninterrupted music playback while multitasking with your favorite apps on your iPhone.