For most Apple users, Apple Music is second to none. However, it can become a little frustrating when you’re just getting in the groove, but the song keeps getting interrupted. But why does Apple Music keep pausing or skipping songs on iPhone or iPad? We have discussed this and how to fix it in this guide.

Before we understand why Apple Music keeps pausing or skipping music, double-check and make sure your AirPods are clean and free from debris, as it might cause them to pause songs accidentally. You can also do this for Bluetooth devices with built-in play/pause controls. If the issue persists, read along.

Why Does Apple Music Stop Playing Randomly
Before we begin troubleshooting, let us briefly look at why Apple Music might be pausing or skipping songs on your iPhone or iPad.

Apple’s servers are currently down, causing issues when using the Apple Music app.
Your AirPods are falsely detecting they aren’t in use.
Your device restricts the Apple Music app to save battery or reduce data usage.
There might be Bluetooth pairing issues interfering with the Apple Music app.
A bug in your device or a temporary glitch might cause the Apple Music app to behave erratically.
While it is tricky to diagnose the exact issue, you can follow the below troubleshooting methods to fix the issue regardless.

11 Fixes if Apple Music Keeps Pausing or Skipping Itself
Now that we know why Apple Music keeps stopping randomly, let us look at 11 ways to fix this issue on your iPhone or iPad.

1. Check Apple Music System Status
Checking the System Status for Apple Music helps ensure the issue is because of a device setting and not due to the Apple Music app being down. So, if the status is showing orange or red, there’s an issue on Apple’s end. In this case, wait a while before using the Apple Music app again. You can also re-check this page for updates.

However, if the system status is green, proceed with the below-mentioned steps.

2. Check Your Internet Connection
Having a seamless experience on Apple Music requires a stable network connection. So, if your internet connection has been facing hiccups, start by running a speed test. If the speeds are less than expected, switch to 5G, if available. If not, try switching to Wi-Fi and check again. If the network speed is adequate, continue to the following method.

Also Read: How to get a better signal (service) on iPhone

3. Disable Automatic Ear Detection
If you’re using AirPods to listen to Apple Music, the Automatic Ear Detection feature might be causing music to cut off due to the AirPods mistakenly detecting you’ve taken them out of your ear. Hence, you can turn off Automatic Ear Detection on your Apple device and see if the issue persists.

Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your device.

Step 2: Here, tap on Bluetooth.

Step 3: Now, tap on the information icon next to your AirPods.

Step 4: Turn off the toggle for ‘Automatic Ear Detection’.

This will turn off Automatic Ear Detection for connected AirPods.

4. Restart Your Device
You can clear temporary files and force all device functions to restart by forcing your iPhone or iPad to close and restart. This can also help troubleshoot Apple Music stopping randomly. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Depending on your device model, follow the below steps:

For iPhone SE 1st gen, 5s, 5c, and 5: Long-press the top button.
For iPhone SE 2nd gen onwards, 7, and 8: Long-press the side button.
For iPhone X and above and iPad: Long-press the power and any volume buttons simultaneously.
For iPad without Home Button: Press and hold the power button and any volume button simultaneously.
For iPad with Home Button: Press and hold the power button.
Step 2: Now, drag the slider till the end.

Once the screen turns off, long-press the Power button. Wait for the Apple logo to appear. Then, open the Apple Music app and check again.

5. Turn off Low Data Mode
As the name suggests, when enabled, Low Data mode ensures your device uses less data than usual. While this can be helpful if you’re on a metered connection, it can cause certain apps that run over the internet, like Apple Music, to behave erratically. This can also be why Apple Music keeps stopping at random intervals.

In this case, turn off Low Data Mode for your Wi-Fi or Mobile Data and check again.

6. Disable Low Power Mode
Like Low Data Mode, Low Power Mode helps conserve battery life by restricting certain app features and functions. This can also lead to your device throttling the Apple Music app, causing it to pause randomly. In this case, disable Low Power Mode on your device. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Battery.

Step 2: Turn off the toggle for ‘Low Power Mode’.

This will turn off Low Power Mode on your device. However, you might notice a higher-than-normal battery drain once this is done.

7. Force Close and Restart Apple Music
Forcing background apps to close also closes the app functions for those apps. These are then restarted once the app is relaunched. This can help fix any temporary app glitches and issues like Apple Music randomly skipping songs. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Swipe up from the bottom of the screen. Or, double-press the Home button, if available.

Step 2: Then, swipe up and clear all the background apps, including Apple Music, from your screen.

Then, tap on the Apple Music app icon again to relaunch the app. Now, try playing something and see if the issue has been fixed.

8. Unpair and Repair Bluetooth Device
If you’ve been using a Bluetooth device when listening to Apple Music, connection issues during pairing the device can cause Apple Music to pause or play at will. To fix this, you can unpair the Bluetooth device from your iPhone or iPad and repair it. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Bluetooth.

Step 2: From this list, tap on the relevant device.

Step 3: Then, tap on ‘Forget This Device’.

Step 4: Tap on Forget Device to confirm.

Once the Bluetooth device has been unpaired, restart Bluetooth services on your device.

Step 5: Go to Settings and tap on Bluetooth.

Step 6: Turn off the Bluetooth toggle.

Then, wait a while before turning the toggle back on again.

Step 7: Now, scroll through the list of available devices and tap on the device you wish to connect to.

Wait for the Bluetooth device to pair. Then, open the Apple Music app and try playing a song to check.

9. Check for Software Update
Keeping your iPhone or iPad up to date is a good way to ensure you never miss a security update or bug fix. This means if your device has been pending a software update, it might be time to bite the bullet and install it. This can also help introduce new features and fix any app issues like Apple Music keeps pausing music. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on General.

Step 2: Tap on Software Update.

Now, download and install the update if available. Then, once your device finishes restarting, open the Apple Music app and check if the issue has been resolved. If not, move on to the next method.

10. Uninstall and Reinstall Apple Music
Uninstalling the Apple Music app will delete all app data and settings. Once done, reinstall a fresh copy of the app. This can help in fixing most app-related issues on your device. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Long-press the Apple Music app.

Step 2: Then, tap on Remove App.

Step 3: Tap on Delete App. If prompted, tap on Delete to confirm.

Step 4: Once the Apple Music app uninstalls, go to the App Store and reinstall the app. Now, check and see if the issue has been fixed.

Download Apple Music

11. Reset All Settings on Your Device
While resetting your iPhone or iPad might sound daunting, it is a relatively quick and easy way to eliminate any unwanted settings or apps causing Apple Music to pause or skip songs when listening to music.

However, you should back up your iPhone or iPad data before proceeding, as resetting will delete everything. Once done, follow the below steps.

Tip: Check our article to know what happens when you reset your iPhone.

Step 1: Open the Settings app and tap on General.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap on ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’.

Step 3: Tap on Reset.

Step 4: Then, tap on ‘Reset All Settings’.

Now, follow the on-screen instructions to finish resetting your iPhone or iPad. Once done, open the Apple Music app and play any song to check if the issue has been resolved.

Play Music Uninterrupted
We hope this article helped you understand why your Apple Music keeps pausing or skipping songs and fix the issue on your iPhone or iPad. Additionally, if you’re frequently traveling, especially in an area known for network issues, consider downloading songs on Apple Music for offline listening.

Guiding Tech
https://www.guidingtech.com/why-does-apple-music-keep-pausing-or-skipping/