Music app on Android: what is this app and how to use it

If you have ever opened the standard launcher on your smartphone Android, you probably noticed an application called “Music” or Music (on some firmware - Music player). This is a basic audio playback application that comes installed by default on most devices. But what is it really? Why is it often confused with Google Play Music or YouTube Music? And most importantly, is it worth using in 2026, when there are dozens of alternatives?

In this article we will analyze in detail what the Music application is on Android, what functions it has (including hidden ones), how it differs from other music services, and why some manufacturers (for example Samsung or Xiaomi) are replacing it with their own proprietary solutions. You will also learn how to customize it to your needs, solve common problems, and even use it to work with local files if you prefer to store music on your phone rather than in the cloud.

What is the Music app on Android and why do you need it

Music application (English Music) - it standard audio playerwhich is part of the operating system Android and is installed by default on most devices. Its main task is playback local audio files (for example, downloaded to the phone in MP3, FLAC, WAV and other formats). Unlike streaming services like Spotify or YouTube Music, it does not require an Internet connection and does not offer a catalog of songs by subscription.

It is important to understand that this application is not part of Google Play Music (service closed in 2020) and is not associated with YouTube Music. This is a separate player that works with files stored on your device or SD card. On some firmware (for example, on MIUI ot Xiaomi or One UI ot Samsung) it can be replaced with a proprietary solution from the manufacturer, but the essence remains the same - playing local music.

• 📱 Where it is located: usually in a folder Google or among standard applications (icon with a note).
• 🎵 Supported formats: MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, OGG and others.
• 🔄 Feature: automatically scans folders Music, Downloads and others for audio files.

Many users mistakenly consider this application unnecessary, especially if they use streaming services. However, it has several advantages:

• 🎧 Work without the Internet. Music is played even in airplane mode.
• 🔋 Battery saving. Local playback uses less energy than streaming.
• 🛡️ Privacy. No need upload listening data to the cloud.

Differences from Google Play Music, YouTube Music and other services

One of the main sources of confusion is the confusion of the Music application with other services from Google. Let's see how they differ:

Application	Type	Requires Internet?	Subscription?	Local files?
Standard Music (2020)	Local player	❌ No	❌ No	✅ Yes
Google Play Music	Closed service (2020)	✅ Yes	✅ Was	✅ Yes (with download)
YouTube Music	Streaming service	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (with download)
Spotify	Streaming service	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (with download)

Key difference: the standard Music application does not require registration, subscription or internet - it works exclusively with files on your device. This makes it an ideal solution for those who:

• 🎶 Stores music on your phone or SD card.
• 🚇 Often without access to the network (for example, on the subway or traveling).
• 🔒 Does not want to share listening data with services.

However, it also has disadvantages compared to streaming platforms:

• 🔍 No global song database search (local files only).
• 📊 No recommendations or playlists based on preferences.
• 🔄 No cross-device synchronization feature.

How to use the Music app on Android: basic functions

Interface of the standard Music application minimalistic, but contains all the necessary functions for comfortable listening. Let's take a look at how to use it:

1. Adding music to the library

The application automatically scans the device for audio files in standard folders (Music, Downloads, Ringtones and others). If your tracks are stored in a different folder, follow these steps:

1. Open the Music application.
2. Go to Settings → Folders to scan.
3. Add the path to the music folder (for example, /storage/emulated/0/MyMusic).
4. Click “Update Library.”

2. Creating playlists

To create a playlist:

1. Click on the three dots next to the track or album.
2. Select "Add to playlist" → “New playlist.”
3. Set a name and save.

3. Setting the equalizer

Many users do not know, but the application has a built-in one equalizerTo enable it:

1. Open the player and start playing the track.
2. Click on the ⚙️ (settings) icon → “Equalizer”.
3. Select a preset (Rock, Pop, Jazz) or adjust the sliders manually.

Also in the settings you can:

• 🔊 Enable volume normalization (Settings → Sound normalization).
• 🔄 Set up the sleep timer (Settings → Timer).
• 📱 Change the theme (on some firmware).

Music folder added in scan settings|Files have a supported format (.mp3.flac, etc.)|Storage access rights are allowed|Device rebooted after adding files-->

Hidden functions of the Music application, which few people know about

Despite its simplicity, the standard application “Music” hides several useful features that can make it more convenient:

1. Playback via Bluetooth with control

If you connect your phone to Bluetooth speaker or headphones, the application allows you to control playback directly from the device (pause, next track, previous track). this:

• Connect the device via Bluetooth.
• Start playback in the Music application.
• Use the buttons on the speaker or headphones.

2. Use as an alarm clock

Some firmware (for example, on Samsung or Xiaomi) allow you to use tracks from the Music application as an alarm melody. data-i="170">Open the Clock application → Alarm Clock.

1. Open the Clock app → Alarm Clock.
2. Create a new alarm clock or edit an existing one.
3. In the “Sound” section, select “Music” and select the track.

3. Integration with Google Assistant

You can control playback via Google Assistant voice commands:

• «Okay, Google, turn on the music" - will launch the last track you listened to.
• «Okay, Google, next track" - will switch to the next one.
• «Okay, Google, pause" - will pause playback.

4. Audio-only mode for videos

If you have a video on your phone with an audio track (such as a concert or podcast), you can play audio only through the Music app. To do this:

1. Place the video file in the folder Music.
2. Rename the extension from .mp4 to .mp3 (if the player does not see the file).
3. Open it through the Music application.

How to enable the Music application widget on the home screen?

1. Touch and hold an empty space on the home screen.

2. Select “Widgets.”

3. Find the Music widget (usually 4×1 or 4×2).

4. Drag it onto the screen.

5. Customize the information displayed (current track, controls).

Problems with the Music application and their solutions

Like any standard application, Music sometimes does not work correctly. Let's look at typical problems and ways to solve them:

1. The application does not see the music

If the player does not display your tracks, check the following:

• 📁 The folder has been added to scanning. Go to Settings → Folders to scan and add the path to your music.
• 🔄 Update the library. In the settings, find the option “Update library” or “Scan again”.
• 📱 Permissions access. Make sure that the application is allowed access to the storage (Settings → Applications → Music → Permissions).
• 🔍 File format. The player does not support some rare formats (for example, .m4a with DRM).

2. Music is interrupted or slow.

If playback stutters:

• 🔋 Charging the battery. On some devices, when the battery is low (<15%), the system limits performance.
• 📵 Background processes. Close other consuming applications resources (especially games or social networks).
• 🔊 Bluetooth problems. If music plays through Bluetooth, try reconnecting the device.

3. settings

This may happen due to:

• 🧹 Clearing the cache. Do not clear the application cache manually - this will reset the equalizer settings and playlists.
• 🔄 System updates. After major updates Android some settings are reset.
• 🛠️ Firmware errors. Custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) may have bugs.

Alternatives to the default application Music data-i="240">Local player

If you are not satisfied with the capabilities of the standard player, you can consider alternatives. Here are some popular options:

Application	Type	Advantages	Flaws
Poweramp	Local player	Powerful equalizer, support for all formats, themes	Paid full version
VLC	Universal player	Plays everything, including video	Less convenient interface for music
Musicolet	Local player	No unnecessary water, support for playlists	Design is outdated
BlackPlayer	Local player	Minimalistic interface, customizable gestures	Some functions in the paid version

If you choose between the standard player and alternatives, pay attention to:

• 🎛️ Equalizer functionality. Poweramp and BlackPlayer offer more flexible settings sound.
• 📂 Support for formats. VLC will reproduce even rare formats like .ape or .flac with high bitrate.
• 🎨 Design. The standard application looks simple, and Musicolet or Poweramp offer themes and customization.

How to remove or disable the standard Music application

If you do not use a standard player, you can disable or delete it (on some firmware). Here's how to do it:

1. Disabling (without root)

On most devices, the Music application is a system application, so you cannot completely remove it without rootrights. However, you can disable it:

1. Go to Settings → Applications.
2. Find “Music” in the list.
3. Click “Disable” (on some firmware - “Uninstall updates” → “Disable”).

2. Uninstallation (with root)

If you have rootaccess, you can completely remove the application using ADB or a file manager with superuser rights. The command for ADB:

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

⚠️ Attention: deleting system applications can lead to unstable operation of the device. Before doing this, make a backup!

3. data-i="282">If you don't want to delete an application, but you also don't need to see its icon, you can hide it using the launcher (for example,

If you don’t want to delete the application, but also don’t want to see its icon, you can hide it using the launcher (for example, Nova Launcher or Action Launcher):

1. Tap and hold the application icon.
2. Select “Hide” or “Remove from screen” (depending on launcher).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Music app on Android

Is it possible to synchronize playlists between devices?

No, the standard Music application does not support synchronization. To do this, you need to use streaming services (Spotify, YouTube Music) or alternative players with cloud backup (for example, Poweramp with a synchronization plugin).

Why the Music application? does not show album covers?

This can happen for several reasons:

• The files do not contain built-in covers (tags ID3).
• The covers are stored in separate files (for example, folder.jpg), but the player does not recognize them.
• The cover cache has been reset (try clearing the application cache).

Solution: use apps for editing tags (for example, MP3Tag on a PC) or applications like Automate to automatically add covers.

Is it possible to use "Music" application for streaming?

No, the standard application does not support streaming. It only works with local files. For streaming, use YouTube Music, Spotify or SoundCloud.

How to transfer music from a phone to another using the "Music" application?

The application itself does not have a file transfer function, but you can:

1. Copy files via USB or Bluetooth.
2. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
3. Send files via instant messengers (Telegram, WhatsApp).

After transfer, update the library on the new device.

Why the "Music" application does not work on my Samsung?

On devices Samsung the standard "Music" application is often replaced with a proprietary one - Samsung MusicIt has similar functionality, but a different interface. If you need a standard application, you can install it manually. from APK (for example, from the site APKMirror), but it may work unstable.