iPad volume randomly switches to "not playing" box

Where i control the volume randomly goes from the sliders in the control center to the top right square which says "not playing", idk what else to call it.

This isnt the first time this has happened and restarting the Ipad does help but its never permanent.

I have to press the box and use the slider inside of it instead what i was using 10 seconds ago.


[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Jun 30, 2026 1:58 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 2, 2026 2:11 AM

It sounds like iPadOS is handing volume control over to the “Now Playing” media card, even though nothing is actually playing. This can happen if an app, browser tab, Bluetooth device, or AirPlay session leaves a media control session active in the background.


You can try closing recent media apps/tabs, disconnecting Bluetooth/AirPlay devices, and checking Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity > Automatically AirPlay. Or it may be a bug.

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 2, 2026 2:11 AM in response to Shere-Khan

It sounds like iPadOS is handing volume control over to the “Now Playing” media card, even though nothing is actually playing. This can happen if an app, browser tab, Bluetooth device, or AirPlay session leaves a media control session active in the background.


You can try closing recent media apps/tabs, disconnecting Bluetooth/AirPlay devices, and checking Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity > Automatically AirPlay. Or it may be a bug.

iPad volume randomly switches to "not playing" box

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