Why Does Spotify Start Playing Automatically?

Bluetooth, USB, or Wi-Fi-triggered connections can automatically start playback on Spotify on Android Auto, and this is a result of both Android Auto's default behavior and the background activity settings on Spotify. If Spotify is misbehaving on Android Auto, modifying these triggers may do the trick. Understanding how to disable automatic playback while integrating Android Auto with Spotify is extremely crucial.

How Android Auto and Spotify Interact

The link of Android Auto with Spotify makes the use of hands-free features easy, however, it goes hand in hand with auto-play problems. Playback is also affected by Google Assistant command configurations or auto-start features and resume media controls. For users who face issues with using Android Auto with Spotify, issues such as auto-playing or failing to play at all, knowing how both Android Auto and Spotify interact aids in changing settings to achieve the smoothest in-car experience possible without automatic playback.

Common Scenarios Where Auto-Play Happens

When Bluetooth is enabled or USB is plugged in, as well as when users switch between apps or start their vehicles, Spotify on Android Auto usually auto-plays. Playback can also be set off through the use of voice commands like, “Play music.” For users experiencing difficulties with Spotify and Android Auto, or auto-play scenarios, understanding these situations can aid users in applying the appropriate configurations to mitigate automatic playback on Spotify.

How to Stop Spotify from Auto-Playing in Android Auto

Disabling Auto-Play at the Android System Level

Turning Off Media Auto-Resume

To turn off auto-play on Android Auto, access General Settings, then Sound, then Vibration, and finally Media. From there, deselect Media Resumption. This prevents the phone from resuming playback when the device is reconnected to the car, but it also disables all other apps. In case Spotify is still not functioning on Android Auto, tweak the specific app settings for the media features.

Blocking Background App Activity

To stop auto-play, limiting Spotify’s background activity is an option. To do it, navigate to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Battery and switch to “Restricted“ or “Optimized” to disable background functions. This will stop or at least limit the chances of auto-launching Spotify, although users may need to manage permissions for seamless use with auto-play deactivated if Spotify is still not functioning on Android Auto.

Adjusting Bluetooth Audio Settings

For certain car devices, auto-play can be stopped by disabling “Media Audio” under Bluetooth settings. Some car entertainment systems include a feature for disabling the automatic play of media. If after these steps Auto is not functioning with Spotify, check that the phone and car settings have been configured in a way that does not clash with Bluetooth media rules.

Modifying Spotify Settings to Prevent Auto-Play

Disabling Autoplay in Spotify

To turn off Autoplay after the end of a playlist, go to Spotify Settings and then Playback Autoplay. However, this option only disables automatic continuation within the app and does not prevent the automatic playing of the app on Android Auto. Users need to change settings in both apps to resolve the issue completely.

Turning Off Spotify Notifications & Permissions

Another way to prevent videos from auto-playing is to turn off playback notifications and change the settings. To stop notifications, head to Settings > Apps > Spotify and disable them under Notifications. Then, head to Settings > Apps > Special Access > Spotify and remove auto-launch permission. If after this Spotify still does not function on Android Auto, users must ensure that they have not disabled critical functions of the application that enable it to work properly.

Forcing Spotify to Stay Closed

Stopping the app using Options > Settings > Apps > Spotify does not only pause the auto-play, it also forcibly closes the app. Unfortunately, this means that users will need to open Spotify on their own every single time they want to use the app. Should the app become unresponsive on Android Auto, a simple restart of the phone or the car system should fix the problem. For now, this is a good solution to stop Spotify from automatically playing on Android Auto.

Tweaking Android Auto Settings to Stop Spotify Auto-Play

Disabling Media Playback in Android Auto

Why does Spotify always automatically play once Android Auto is on? To remedy this issue, look for settings that pertain to auto-resume or playback within Android Auto. Disabling those prevents automatic playback when Android Auto is enabled and switched on. Should Spotify still not work on Android Auto after this, users may have to restart their phones or car system for the changes to take place properly.

Stopping Android Auto from Launching Automatically

To stop Android Auto from launching on its own, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto and uncheck “Start Android Auto automatically.” Some car systems have a setting that prevents auto-launch as well. If this adjustment does not make Spotify work on Android Auto, users should see if their infotainment system needs additional settings to be turned off for auto startup.

Disabling Google Assistant’s Music Auto-Start

Google Assistant can play Spotify without intending to. To disable auto-play, go to Google Assistant settings > Music and deactivate the default music player option for Spotify. If users notice that Spotify now works with Android Auto but not with Google Assistant, they should make sure that the Google Assistant stop media playback setting has not been enabled.

Advanced Solutions and Workarounds

Device and App-Specific Fixes

Changing Default Music Apps in Google Assistant

If Google Assistant is causing unnecessary playback, the user can change the default playback application in Google Assistant settings > Music. Selecting a different application ensures that commands do not automatically trigger Spotify. If Spotify still does not function on Android Auto after this, users may need to adjust Google Assistant’s preferences as needed.

Unlinking Spotify from Android Auto

To completely prevent Spotify from auto-playing on Android Auto, unlinking Spotify from the app would be the solution. This can be done by going to Settings > Google > Connected Apps and removing it. Users will however have to reconnect Spotify every single time and manually sign in. If Spotify refuses to work on Android Auto after unlinking it, it may help to reinstall both applications.

Using Tasker or Automation Apps

Tasker and other automation apps can stop Spotify from auto-playing on Android Auto. Users can make manual automation rules that block the app from launching Android Auto. If Spotify isn’t functioning on Android Auto because of certain Tasker settings, changing some automation rules can help ensure only minimal steps are restricted while maintaining basic functions.

Resetting Spotify or Android Auto Settings

Resetting the applications might solve the problem for those who have done everything else, but Spotify still doesn't work with Android Auto at all. You may do this by navigating to Settings > Apps > Spotify/android Auto > Storage and selecting clear cache or data. Floating issues are solved with a fresh reinstall. But a backup of preferences is suggested because resetting gets rid of customized settings as well as login information.

Alternative Solutions to Consider

Using Third-Party Music Players

Those looking for an alternative can use third-party music apps such as YouTube Music or  Apple Music, all of which allow greater control over auto-play. Picking another app might be the best solution if Spotify is not working on Android Auto, as some other options integrate better with the service and even lower the chances of unintended auto play.

Using a Different Navigation System

In the scenario that Spotify is not working on Android Auto or is constantly auto playing, changing to Google Maps, Waze or Ottocast as a navigational app can help. Ottocast is especially useful since it makes using media and controls smoother. Other navigational applications reduce the chances of unwanted auto play from external services, like Spotify.

Ottocast A2Air Android Auto Wireless NFC Adapter – Fast, Stable & Hassle-Free Connectivity!

Want to simplify access to wireless Android Auto? The Ottocast A2Air Wireless NFC Adapter provides users with a hassle-free way to connect their phones to an automobile’s Android Auto interface. By simply tapping your phone against the device, you can use your phone without the need for messy wires or complex pairing processes thanks to advanced NFC infra technology.

With this adapter, it is possible to enjoy Android Auto functionality without delays due to seamless, stable, and uninterrupted performance provided by the device. Daily drives are made more convenient as the automatic reconnection feature instantly links the user's phone to the device once the automobile is started. The A2Air also offers flawless interactions with Google Maps, Waze, and other applications available on the platform.

Troubleshooting Persistent Auto-Play Issues

Spotify Still Auto-Plays? Try These Fixes

Make sure that you set up everything that needs to be configured, like the settings for Spotify, Android Auto, and Google Assistant, and check for system and app updates. If, after all these steps, Spotify is still not working, it may be time to reach out to tech support for either Spotify or Android Auto.

When All Else Fails: Factory Reset

A factory reset wipe can fix long-term problems as a final option. Remember to save your essential data with Google Drive or other local backup methods beforehand. When Android Auto is not working with Spotify even after a device reset, it may point to the car’s infotainment system being the issue instead of the phone.

Conclusion

To stop Spotify from playing automatically on Android Auto, a combination of system settings, app settings, and even connectivity settings need to be configured. A more customized technique ensures that different individuals get results tailored to their needs. Working around issues like using Ottocast for better control can greatly enhance the experience. If Spotify is not working on Android Auto, troubleshooting tries to solve the problem step by step to find the solution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.Why does Spotify automatically play when I start my car?

Bluetooth, USB, or Wi-Fi connections can trigger Spotify on Android Auto to play automatically, which is caused by other default settings and features such as media resumption. Like other automatic Android settings, turning it off is the only way to stop it, which can be rather inconvenient.

2.Can I stop Android Auto from launching automatically?

Certainly, you can go to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto and select “Start Android Auto automatically” to disable it. Some auto launch car systems also perform this function and they too should be turned off to avoid automatic startup.

3.What happens if I disable background activity for Spotify?

Preventing auto-play activity via Settings > Apps > Spotify > Battery > Background Activity disables background streaming, notifications, offline update playback, and overall functionality and performance of Spotify on Android Auto.

4.Is there a way to permanently prevent Spotify from auto-playing?

To unlink your Spotify account from Android Auto, you have to disable media resumption, background activity, and Bluetooth auto-play. Also, automation apps like Tasker can be used to block auto-play permanently.

5.Will disabling auto-play affect my Spotify playlists?

Disabling auto-play means the music will not play continuously after a playlist or album finishes. However, that does not modify or delete any of your playlists. You are still free to play songs or create new ones whenever you want.