Play Music on Android: what is this app, how to use it and what will replace it in 2026

Google Play Music (or simply Play Music) is one of those applications that raises more questions than it gives answers. Users often come across it in the list of installed apps on Android, but not everyone understands why you need it, especially after the closure of the service of the same name in 2020. If you are wondering whether it is possible to delete this application, how it is related to YouTube Music, and why it takes up space on the phone, this article is for you.

In fact, Play Music today it is not so much an independent service, like a “ghost” of the past remaining in the system after migration to YouTube Music. However, it still has useful functions that many do not know about: from playing local audio files to integration with other services Google. We will look at what the app is in 2026, how to use it (and whether it is necessary), and also consider alternatives for listening to music on Play Music Spoiler: if you do not use or store music in Play Music, you can safely disable the application. But first, let's take a look at what it can do and why it is still present on your smartphone. Android.

Spoiler: if you don't use YouTube Music and don't store music in Google Drive, the application can be safely disabled. But first, let's take a look at what it can do and why it is still present on your smartphone.

What is Google Play Music and why do you need it in 2026

Google Play Music originally it was a full-fledged streaming service, similar to Spotify or Apple Music. It allowed:

• 🎵 Listen to music by subscription (or with advertising in the free version).
• 💾 Upload up to 50,000 of your own tracks to the cloud and synchronize them between devices.
• 📱 Download songs for offline listening.
• 🎧 Receive personalized recommendations based on your listening history.

However, in October 2020 Google officially closed the service, transferring all users to YouTube Music. Since then, the application has lost most of its functionality, but has not disappeared completely. Now it plays two key roles: Play Music on Android lost most of its functionality, but did not disappear completely. It now plays two key roles:

1. Player local files - can play music stored in the phone’s memory (for example, in a folder Music or on SD card).
2. Bridge to YouTube Music —when opened, redirects the user to a new application if there is an active subscription there.

Thus, today Play Music is more of a “shell” for working with audio files than an independent service. But why is it still pre-installed on many smartphones? The fact is that it does not remove system applications even after closing services, so as not to disrupt the operation of related functions (for example, playing music through Play Music Google does not delete system applications even after closing services, so as not to disrupt the operation of related functions (for example, playing music through Google Assistant). data-i="72">📊 Did you know that Google Play Music closed in 2020?).

How to use Play Music on Android: main functions

Despite the reduced functionality, the application can still be useful. Let's look at what exactly it can do in 2026.

1. Playing local music

If you have audio files stored on your phone (for example, in formats .mp3, .flac or .wav), Play Music can play them. To do this:

1. Open the application (icon with a note on a colored background).
2. Go to the tab Library → Songs or Albums.
3. Click on a track to play.

The application supports:

• 🎛️ Equalizer with presets (Genres, Bass, Voice etc.).
• 🔄 Playlists (you can create your own or use automatic ones, for example Recent).
• 🎧 Integration with Android Auto for listening in the car.

2. Managing music from YouTube Music

If you have a subscription to YouTube Music, the application Play Music will redirect you there when you try to play tracks from the cloud. for a smooth transition of users after the service is closed. However, some functions still work through the old application: Play Music 2020).

• 🔄 Synchronization likes And playlists between services (if you used Play Music until 2020).
• 📥 Downloading tracks for offline listening (but only if they were uploaded to the cloud before the service was closed).

Important: new tracks cannot be added to YouTube Music via Play Music To do this, use the official application YouTube Music.

3. data-i="121">The application is still used as an “intermediary” for some functions:

The application is still used as an “intermediary” for some functions:

• 🎤 Voice commands via Google Assistant (for example, “Ok Google, turn on the music”).
• 📱 Playing music on Android TV or through Chromecast.
• 🔗 Synchronizing with Google Clock to use alarm ringtones.

Why does the application take up space if the service is closed?

Even after closing Google Play Music remains in the system as a “shell” for playing local files and integrating with other services. It cannot be completely removed without root access, but can be disabled (we will discuss this below).

Differences between Play Music and YouTube Music: which is better

Many users confuse these two applications, especially after migration. Let's look at the key differences in the table:

Function	Google Play Music	YouTube Music
Music streaming	❌ No (service closed)	✅ Yes (with subscription or advertising)
Local files	✅ Playback and management	✅ Playback only (no playlists)
Cloud storage	❌ Up to 50,000 tracks (until 2020)	✅ Up to 100,000 tracks (with subscription)
Offline mode	✅ For previously downloaded tracks	✅ For any tracks (with subscription)
Integration with YouTube	❌ No	✅ Yes (clips, live performances, podcasts)

If you are looking for a full-fledged streaming service YouTube Music is an obvious choice. But if you need a simple player for local files with a minimalistic interface, Play Music may be more convenient.

The main disadvantage of YouTube Music for fans of local music - the lack of normal support for playlists for files stored on device. In this regard, the old application still wins.

How to remove or disable Play Music on Android

If you do not use the application, you can disable it (complete removal is only possible with root access). Instructions:

Go to Settings → Applications

Find Play Music in the list

Click Disable (or Delete updates)

Confirm the action-->

After disconnecting:

• ✅ The application will disappear from the menu and will no longer take up space in RAM.
• ⚠️ Local music will be played through a standard player (for example, Google Files or Music from the phone manufacturer).
• ⚠️ Some music-related features Google Assistantmay not work correctly.

If you want completely delete application, you will need:

1. Get root access (risky for security).
2. Use ADB (without root, but with restrictions). Command for uninstallation:

   adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.music

⚠️ Attention: Removing system applications can lead to unstable operation of the phone. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to limit yourself to disabling.

Problems with Play Music: why it does not work and how to fix

Even in a reduced form, the application can cause errors. Let's look at the most common problems and their solutions.

1. The application does not open or crashes

Possible reasons and solutions:

• 🔄 Outdated version → Update via Google Play or clear the cache (Settings → Applications → Play Music → Storage → Clear cache).
• 📱 Conflict with YouTube Music → Uninstall updates for both applications.
• 🚫 Manufacturer restrictions → On some phones (for example, Xiaomi or Huawei) the application may be blocked. Check the permissions in the security settings.

2. Does not see local music

What to do:

1. Check that the files are in the folder Music or added in the application settings.
2. Update the media library: open the application, go to Settings → Update.
3. If the files are in the format .flac or .wav, try converting them to .mp3.

3. Does not sync with YouTube Music

This is normal if you did not use Play. Music before 2020. For new users, synchronization does not work. To transfer old playlists:

1. Open data transfer page (works only for accounts that were used Play Music before closing).
2. Log in and confirm the transfer.

⚠️ Attention: If you deleted the application YouTube Music, Play Music may stop opening. Install it back from Google Play.

Best alternatives to Play Music on Android

If you're looking for a replacement, here are the top 5 apps for listening to music in 2026:

Application	What it's good for	Pros	Cons
YouTube Music	Streaming + local files	Large library, integration with YouTube, offline mode	Paid subscription for full functionality
Spotify	Streaming and playlists	Best recommendations, cross-platform	Limitations in the free version
VLC	Local files	Supports all formats, no advertising	No streaming
Poweramp	Local files with equalizer	Powerful sound, tone control	Paid (trial period 15 days)
Musicolet	Offline player without Internet	No advertising, work without registration	Outdated interface

If you need free. streaming, try SoundCloud or Yandex Music (for users from Russia). For local files, the best choice is Poweramp or VLC.

The future of Play Music: what to expect next

Most likely Google will completely remove the application from future versions Android (starting with Android 15 or 16Already on new smartphones (for example, Pixel 8 or Samsung Galaxy S24), however, the application may remain on older devices for several more years.

What does this mean for you? users:

• 🔄 If you use Play Music for local files, it's time to look for an alternative (for example, Musicolet).
• 📱 On new phones, the application will not be available even after resetting the settings.
• 🎵 All streaming functions will finally move to YouTube Music.

If you store music in the cloud Google Play Music, transfer it to YouTube Music or download it to your device via Google Takeout (data export service).

⚠️ Attention: After permanently uninstalling the application, some music-related functions Google Assistantmay work differently. For example, voice commands will be redirected to YouTube Music.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Play Music on Android

Is it possible to download music through Play Music in 2026?

No, you cannot download new tracks from the Internet through the app. It only supports playback of already downloaded files (if they were downloaded before the service was closed). 2020) or local music from your phone.

Why does Play Music ask for an update, but it is not available on Google Play?

This is due to the fact that the application became system after the service was closed. Updates for it are no longer released, but the system may show a notification by mistake. To remove it, clear the cache. application or disable it.

How to transfer playlists from Play Music to YouTube Music?

If you used Play Music before 2020, go to the page data transfer and log in. For new users, transfer is not possible - playlists will have to be created. again.

Is it safe to delete Play Music from your phone?

Yes, if you do not use it to play local music or integrate with Google Assistant. requires root access, but disabling (without uninstalling) is safe and will not affect the operation of the system.

Which application is better for listening to music offline?

For offline listening to local files, the best options:

• Poweramp — if sound and equalizer are important.
• VLC — if you need support for all formats.
• Musicolet — if you are looking for a simple player without unnecessary fuss.

For offline streaming (with subscription) — YouTube Music or Spotify.