"Now Playing" is killing battery life!! Can it be turned off?

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Level 1

14 points

"Now Playing" is killing battery life!! Can it be turned off?

Apple Watch Series 6 44mm GPS+Cellular version 7.5

iPhone 8+ software 14.6

No matter where (iPhone or CarPlay) I play any music or videos the now playing pops up on my watch. If it's not the full screen it'll be the icon at the top of the watch face. My watch won't last longer than about 12 hours if I'm playing music or CarPlay. It's ridiculously frustrating.

I've tried the following:

turning off the wake screen setting "auto-launch audio apps". I've seen this supposed fix but it doesn't remove the icon at the top.

Turned off background refresh for now playing & podcasts.

turned off now playing cellular.

These are all the settings I could find for now playing.

Does anyone know the fix for this battery life drainer?

Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 7

Posted on Jun 15, 2021 11:14 PM

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Answer 1

CarlAVII

Community Specialist

Jun 16, 2021 5:24 PM in response to OmniCamaro

Hi there, OmniCamaro! Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities.

After reviewing your post, it sounds like you are running into some battery life issues with your Apple Watch. The ‘Now Playing’ feature is not intended to cause this type of issue, so we definitely understand that can be a concern and we'd love to help. Let’s start by making sure your watch is restarted and updated, then unpairing and re-pairing it if the issue persists.

We also suggest restarting your iPhone, before pairing it back. Please let us know if you have follow-up questions about this issue, or if the issue remains unresolved. Have a great day!

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Answer 2

Sharon_419

Community Specialist

Jun 17, 2021 10:24 AM in response to OmniCamaro

Thanks for getting back with us about this, OmniCamaro, and confirming that all steps were completed. We want to make sure you reach the right team for help with your Apple Watch battery concerns. We recommend that you contact Apple Support directly. Depending on your region, you may be able to reach them here: Get Support.

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities and have a wonderful day.

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Answer 3

OmniCamaro Author

Level 1

14 points

Jun 16, 2021 8:02 PM in response to CarlAVII

Power cycles completed before posting my question. Both devices up to date as noted in initial posting. Erasing any device will only make matters worse because the full screen "now playing" is now gone but the status icon at the top of the watch is still active when iPhone is playing any media. This is using resources that aren't wanted/needed and in turn shortening battery life.

Still seeking a fix!

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"Now Playing" is killing battery life!! Can it be turned off?

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