Apple Music control - no AirPlay devices on the list when playing in "On iPhone" mode

Question

Apple Music control - no AirPlay devices on the list when playing in "On iPhone" mode

I used to control music in my SE watch, by choosing "On iPhone" mode in Apple Music and selecting my WiFi speaker in AirPlay settings. It usually worked this way:

I open Apple music on my Watch and select "On iphone" mode
I pick a music I want to listen to
I open AirPlay settings in the Apple Music player and select my wifi speaker as an audio output (AudioPro A10, AirPlay compatible)

Afer I did all latest OS updates on iPhone and Apple Watch, I have noticed that now there are no speakers that I can choose from in AirPlay settings while I control music from my Watch in "On iPhone" mode. Music is playing on the iPhone. On iPhone, there are WiFi speakers available to connect to via AirPlay, but I cannot see them on my Watch.

I am wondering if this is a bug, a kind of limitation or it is just a matter of Watch settings that I should change.

Posted on Oct 22, 2021 3:40 AM

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Answer 1

ShannonM1

Community Specialist

Oct 23, 2021 7:04 AM in response to A----M----------

Hello A----M----------,

We understand that you're unable to AirPlay music from your Apple Watch SE to your Wi-Fi speakers, such as shown in this article: Use Now Playing on Apple Watch

To confirm, did this only begin after the recent update? If so, have you checked with your speaker's manufacturer to inquire about firmware updates? These can sometimes be required to continue compatibility with other devices.

Thanks!

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Answer 2

Oct 23, 2021 8:56 AM in response to ShannonM1

Before recent updates I was able to use my Watch to start playing music in my Wi-Fi speakers via iPhone. It was possible by using “On iPhone mode” in Apple Music and changing AirPlay from the iPhone to Wi-Fi speakers. So, music was actually played in Wi-Fi speakers from the iPhone, but everything was initiated and controlled from the Watch.

After I updated the watch and iPhone to the latest OS, it’ no longer possible. I can AirPlay music from the iPhone to the wifi speakers, but I can’t use the Watch to start it and control it.

It seems like the speakers can’t be updated, unfortunately.

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Answer 3

ShannonM1

Community Specialist

Oct 23, 2021 10:35 AM in response to A----M----------

Hello A----M----------,

The Now Playing function is what'll allow you to control your iPhone audio from your Apple Watch. However, the music would need to be initialized from the iPhone first in order for it to start. Once done, however, you can then control it from your Apple Watch.

Cheers!

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Answer 4

Oct 23, 2021 10:58 AM in response to ShannonM1

It’s not exactly like you said, because a user can start playing music on iPhone, using just a watch - e.g. by using “On iPhone” mode in Apple Music. The issue is, that user is no longer able to stream music from the Watch, through the iPhone to Wi-Fi speakers.

So, it means that with the new Watch OS 8, I cannot use my Apple Watch in the way I used to, to play music in my Wi-Fi speakers via iPhone. It looks like functionality that I had before is killed in the new OS. That’s a shame! I cannot even use a Shortcut on the Watch to play music in Wi-Fi speakers via iPhone, because it doesn’t work as well.

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Apple Music control - no AirPlay devices on the list when playing in "On iPhone" mode

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