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Music stops when screen goes off

My music stops when my screen goes off

iPhone 13 Pro Max, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 13, 2025 6:41 AM

5 replies

Dec 23, 2025 10:42 PM in response to pgb163

It depends on which app or service you’re using.


  • YouTube (free version): Yes, music or videos will stop when the screen goes off or the app is minimized. Continuous background play is only available with a YouTube Premium subscription.
  • Spotify (free version): On mobile, you can still play music with the screen off, but you’ll get ads and limited control. Background playback is included even without Premium.
  • Apple Music / Amazon Music: Both allow background playback with the screen off, even without a subscription — but you need to have purchased or downloaded the tracks. Streaming requires a subscription.
  • Other apps (like local music players): If the music is stored on your device, it will keep playing regardless of the screen state.


So, if your music stops when the screen goes off, it’s most likely because you’re using a service like YouTube without Premium, where background playback is locked behind a subscription.

Dec 23, 2025 10:46 PM in response to pgb163

iPhone may stop the audio if:


  • Low Power Mode is ON
  • Background App Refresh is OFF for that specific app


Your iPhone does not punish you for not subscribing. Apple does not stop music when the screen locks, even without a subscription. You can play downloaded local files or Apple Music samples in the background just fine.

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Music stops when screen goes off

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