how to make apple music not automatically play

One of the most convenient features of Apple Music is its ability to automatically play songs based on your listening habits. However, there might be times when you want to control this feature more precisely. Here are several methods to ensure that Apple Music does not automatically play new music for you.

Method 1: Adjust Your Listening Settings

Apple Music offers an option to customize your listening experience. To disable automatic playback, go to Settings > Music, and then tap “Playback.” Here, you can choose whether you want to receive personalized recommendations or have the app automatically play new music. By disabling these options, you can prevent Apple Music from playing new songs without your explicit consent.

Method 2: Utilize AirPods Pro’s Noise-Canceling Function

If you’re using AirPods Pro with your iPhone, you can take advantage of their noise-canceling function to reduce the temptation to listen to new music. By keeping the noise-canceling turned off, you’ll be more aware of your surroundings and less likely to be drawn into the automatic playback mode.

Method 3: Customize Your Home Screen Widgets

Another way to avoid automatic playback is by customizing your home screen widgets. You can remove the “Recently Added” widget, which typically includes newly added songs. This will help minimize the likelihood of accidentally triggering the automatic playback feature.

Method 4: Turn Off Siri Suggestions

Siri’s suggestions can sometimes lead to automatic playback. If you find yourself frequently being prompted to play new songs by Siri, consider turning off these suggestions in Settings > Siri & Search > Suggestions. This will eliminate the possibility of Siri initiating automatic playback.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Apps

While Apple Music’s automatic playback feature is built into the app itself, you can also use third-party apps to manage your music experience. Apps like Spotify or Google Play Music do not have the same automatic playback feature, allowing you to control your music consumption more precisely.

Method 6: Create Custom Playlists

Creating custom playlists can help you organize your music in a way that suits your preferences. By manually selecting the songs you want to listen to, you can avoid the automatic playback feature altogether. You can create playlists based on different genres, artists, or even specific occasions.

Method 7: Disable Background Music

If you prefer to listen to music only when actively engaged with your device, you can disable background music in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Background Music. This setting ensures that Apple Music only plays music when you actively open the app.

Method 8: Use Restrictions for Kids

If you’re concerned about your child accidentally enabling automatic playback, you can set restrictions on their device. In Settings > General > Restrictions, you can enable parental controls and restrict certain settings, including Apple Music’s automatic playback feature.

By implementing one or more of these strategies, you can effectively control when Apple Music plays new music, ensuring a more personalized and controlled listening experience.