You are listening to your favorite playlist, lock your smartphone screen, and the music suddenly stops. Is this a familiar situation? This problem occurs on devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other brands, regardless of version Android (from Android 10 to Android 14). The reasons may lie in energy saving settings, firmware errors or application conflicts.

In this article we will examine 7 proven methods getting back continuous music playback when the screen is off - from basic settings to hidden developer options. You will also find out which applications most often cause the problem and how to avoid its recurrence after updating the system.

We warn you right away: some solutions require root access or changing system files. If you are not confident in your skills, start with the safe methods from the first three sections.

1. Checking basic playback settings

Before you dig deeper, make sure that the problem is not hidden in the obvious settings. Many users miss these moments, wasting time on complex manipulations.

First, open the application that plays music (for example, YouTube Music, Spotify or VLC), and check:

  • 🔊 Background playback settings. Some players (for example Poweramp) have a separate switch for working when the screen is locked. Look for it in the section Settings → Playback.
  • 📱 Application Permissions. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your player] → Permissions and make sure that all the necessary options are enabled, including Work in the background.
  • 🔄 Automatic pause. Some players (for example Google Play Music) have a pause function when the headphones are disconnected. If the sensor detects "no connection" incorrectly, the music may stop.

If you use YouTube Premium or YouTube Music, pay attention to background playback restrictions. The service may block sound when going into the background if:

  • 💳 You have an inactive subscription (even if you previously paid).
  • 🌐 You are in a region where background playback is not officially supported.
  • 🔄 The application has not been updated for a long time (the old version may conflict with the new policy Google).
📊 What application do you have that turns off music when the screen is locked?
YouTube Music
Spotify
VLC
Local player (for example, Poweramp)
Other

2. Disabling battery optimization for music applications

The most common reason cutting music - aggressive energy saving. Modern versions Android (starting from Android 8.0 Oreo) automatically limit the background activity of applications to extend battery life. Unfortunately, sometimes this also affects players.

To correct the situation:

  1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your music player].
  2. Tap on the item Battery (or Battery optimization on some devices).
  3. Select Not limit or Disable optimization.
  4. On devices Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO Additionally, go to Settings → Battery → Energy saving mode and disable it for the player.

On smartphones Samsung the path may be different:

  1. Open Settings → Device care → Battery.
  2. Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Battery settings batteries Battery Settings.
  3. Find a section Sleep mode for applications and make sure your player is not in the "Sleeping Applications" list.

☑️ Battery optimization check

Done: 0 / 4
⚠️ Attention: On some firmware (for example, MIUI or ColorOS) after updating the system, the battery optimization settings are reset. Check them after each major update.

3. Configuring developer options

If the basic methods did not help, it’s time to use hidden developer settings. They allow you to disable background restrictions at the system level.

First activate developer mode:

  1. Go to Settings → About phone.
  2. Find the item Build number and tap on it 7 times in a row. A notification will appear You have become a developer!.
  3. Return to the main settings menu - a new section will appear there For developers.

Now find and change the following parameters:

  • 🔧 Do not turn off the screen while charging — disable (this does not apply to our problem, but may conflict with other settings).
  • 🔄 Limit background processes —set the value Standard limit or No restrictions.
  • 📱 Inactive applications —make sure your player is not in the list.
  • 🔊 Disable absolute volume level — enable (this may help if the problem is related to sound control via Bluetooth).

On devices Xiaomi Additionally check:

  • 🔋 Optimizing MIUI - disable it for music applications.
  • 🔄 Autostart — allow autostart of the player (find in settings Permissions → Autostart).
What to do if not item "For developers"?

If after 7 clicks on "Build number" the section does not appear, try:

1. Restart the device.

2. Check if the section is hidden in the search settings.

3. On some firmware (for example EMUI from Huawei) the path may be different: Settings → System → Developer options.

4. Problems with Bluetooth and headphones

If the music turns off when connected via Bluetooth, it may not be the player that is to blame, but the connection protocol. Here are typical scenarios:

  • 🎧 Headphones with a low version of Bluetooth (for example, Bluetooth 4.0) can break the connection when the device goes into power saving mode.
  • 🔋 Bluetooth adapter on your smartphone turns off to save battery (especially important for budget models).
  • 🔄 Codec conflict —some headphones (for example, Sony WH-1000XM4) require specific codecs (AAC, aptX), which may not be supported by your phone.

How to diagnose and fix:

  1. Check the Bluetooth version:
    • On the smartphone: Settings → About phone → Bluetooth version.
    • On headphones: usually indicated in the instructions or on box.

If the difference is more than one version (for example, phone Bluetooth 5.0, and headphones Bluetooth 4.1), problems may arise.

  • Reset Bluetooth settings: 
    Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth → ⚙️ (settings) → Reset settings

    Then pair the headphones again.

  • Disable power saving for Bluetooth: 
    Settings → Connected devices → Bluetooth → ⚙️ (settings) → Battery optimization → Disable

    • If the problem persists, try Force the codec:

    1. Activate developer options (see section 3).
    2. Find item Bluetooth codec or Bluetooth audio quality.
    3. Select SBC (the most compatible codec) or AAC (for devices Apple).
      4. Bluetooth codec Sound quality Compatibility Battery consumption
      SBC Average Universal (works everywhere) Low
      AAC High Good (except some Androiddevices) Average
      aptX Very High Requires support on both devices High
      LDAC Maximum Only for devices Sony and some Android Very high
      ⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12 and newer Google limited manual configuration of codecs. If the item is not in the developer options, try third-party applications like Bluetooth Audio Codec Changer (requires root-right).

      5. Conflicts with other applications and services

      Sometimes the music is interrupted not because of the player, but because of conflicting applicationsHere are the most common ones. culprits:

      • 🛡️ Antiviruses and optimizers (for example, Clean Master, Avast, 360 Security). They aggressively close background processes.
      • 🔊 Other audio applications (for example, Shazam, Google audio search), which intercept the audio stream.
      • 📱 Launchers (for example, Nova Launcher, Action Launcher), which may conflict with system services.
      • 🔄 VPN and proxies (for example, 1.1.1.1, Psiphon), which affect the player’s network requests.

    How to identify the culprit:

    1. Translate phone in Safe Mode:
      • On most devices: hold down the power button → long tap on Turn off → Safe Mode.
      • On Samsung: hold down the power button → Disable → hold until the prompt to switch to safe mode appears.

    Only system applications work in this mode. If the music plays normally, one of the applications you installed is to blame.

  • Disable suspicious apps one by one: 
    Settings → Applications → [Application] → Force stop

    After disabling each one, check the playback.

  • Check error log (requires root access or ADB): 
    adb logcat | grep -i "audio"

    This will help identify which application is interrupting the audio stream.

    • If the culprit is found, update it to the latest version or remove it. For antiviruses and optimizers, add the music player to exceptions.

    💡

    To quickly find the conflicting application, use App Inspector (available in Google Play). shows which apps are actively using the microphone, speakers or network resources in the background.

    6. Resetting settings and extreme measures

    If none of the methods worked, it’s time to consider radical. solutionsStart with the safest - resetting the application:

    1. Go to Settings → Applications → [Your player].
    2. Tap Storage → Clear data and Clear cache.
    3. Reboot the device.

    If this does not help, try reset all settings (does not delete files, but returns system settings to factory settings):

    1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings.
    2. Select Reset all settings (not Reset to factory settings!).
    3. Confirm the action.

      4. For advanced users - manual editing of system files (requires root access):

      • 📄 Open the file /system/build.prop in an editor with rights root (for example, Root Explorer).
      • Add the line: 
        ro.config.vc_call_vol_steps=15

        This increases the number of volume control steps and can help with audio conflicts.

      • Save the file and restart the device.
      ⚠️ Attention: Editing system files without a backup can lead to the device being "bricked" (completely inoperable). Before making changes, create a backup via TWRP or OrangeFox.

      If all else fails, there is:

      • 🔄 Update the firmware to the latest version (sometimes bugs are fixed in patches).
      • 📱 Install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS or Pixel Experience), if official updates do not solve the problem.
      • 🔧 Contact the service centerif the problem is hardware (for example, a faulty audio chip).
      💡

      Before resetting or flashing, check whether turning off music is related to a specific application. Often the problem is solved by simply updating the player or headphones.

      7. Alternative solutions: workarounds

      If you cannot fix the problem, you can compromise and use workarounds:

      • 🔊 Playback via browser. Open the web version YouTube Music or Spotify v Chrome, turn on playback and lock the screen. Some browsers (for example Firefox) allow you to play audio in the background.
      • 📱 Widget on the lock screen. Some players (for example, Poweramp) support widgets that continue to work when the screen is turned off.
      • 🔄 Automation via Tasker. Create a task that will simulate pressing the "Play" button every 30 seconds (requires Tasker and plugin AutoInput).
      • 🎧 Wired headphones with a control button. Some models (for example Sony MDR-EX150AP) have a physical button that forces resume playback.

    For owners Samsung s One UI there is another trick:

    1. Open Settings → Lock screen.
    2. Select Widgets → add a music player widget.
    3. Now when you lock the screen, swipe left and the player control panel will appear.

    If you you use Android Auto in a car, the problem may be related to car manufacturer's policy. Some head units (for example, Pioneer or JVC) pause playback when the display turns off. In this case, only flashing the radio firmware or using an alternative connection will help (for example, through Bluetooth instead of USB).

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions

    ❓ Why is music turned off only in some applications (for example, YouTube Music), but works in others?

    This is due to background restrictionsthat applications impose on themselves. For example, YouTube Music can pause playback if:

    • You do not have an active subscriptions Premium.
    • The application has not been updated for a long time (the old version conflicts with the new policy Google).
    • The "Traffic Saving" option is enabled in your account settings, which limits background activity.

    Solution: update the application, check your subscription status or use an alternative player (for example, VLC).

    ❓ After updating Android, the problem returned. How to avoid this in the future?

    System updates often reset power saving settings. To prevent the problem from recurring:

    1. After each major update, check Settings → Battery → Battery optimization for your player.
    2. Disable automatic optimization in Settings → System → For developers → MIUI/EMUI optimization (on Xiaomi/Huawei).
    3. Use applications like Battery Guruthat monitor changes in power consumption settings.
    ❓ Could a virus cause the music to turn off?

    Theoretically yes, but it is unlikely that viruses usually target the audio system, but some malware does. can:

    • Intercept an audio stream to display advertising.
    • Block background processes to hide their activity.
    • Modify system files responsible for playback.

    To check:

    1. Install Malwarebytes and scan the device.
    2. Check the list of running processes via ADB: 
      adb shell ps -A | grep -i "audio"

      Unknown processes with rights audio should alert you.

    ❓ Why is there no such problem on the iPhone, but on Android there is?

    This is due to fundamental differences in the management of background processes:

    iOS Android
    Hard controls background activity, but leaves exceptions for media applications. Gives manufacturers freedom to optimize the battery, which leads to excessive restrictions.
    Unified policy for all devices (no custom firmware). Each brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) modifies energy saving in its own way.
    A closed ecosystem minimizes conflicts between applications. The openness of the system allows applications to interfere with the audio stream (for example, optimizers or antiviruses).

    Solution for Android: use firmware, close to “clean” Android (for example, Pixel Experience), or configure energy saving manually.

    ❓ Is it possible to solve the problem without root access?

    Yes, in 90% of cases. No root required. Start with these steps:

    1. Disable battery optimization for the player (section 2).
    2. Check the Bluetooth settings (section 4).
    3. Update the application and device firmware.
    4. Use an alternative player (for example, VLC or Musicoletthat do not have problems with background playback).

    root access may only be needed for:

    • Editing system files (for example, build.prop).
    • Installation of custom kernels or firmware.
    • Use Xposed Framework to modify the behavior of the system.