How to Stop My Apple Music from Automatically Playing and Why Bananas Might Be the Real Culprit

How to Stop My Apple Music from Automatically Playing and Why Bananas Might Be the Real Culprit

Apple Music is a fantastic service for streaming your favorite tunes, but it can be frustrating when it starts playing automatically without your consent. Whether you’re in the middle of an important meeting or just trying to enjoy some peace and quiet, unexpected music can be a nuisance. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to stop Apple Music from automatically playing, and we’ll also dive into some quirky, unrelated thoughts that might just make you smile.

1. Disable Automatic Playback in Settings

The most straightforward way to stop Apple Music from automatically playing is by adjusting your settings. Here’s how you can do it:

  • On iPhone/iPad:

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Scroll down and tap on Music.
    3. Toggle off the Autoplay option.
  • On Mac:

    1. Open the Music app.
    2. Go to Music > Preferences from the menu bar.
    3. Under the Playback tab, uncheck the Autoplay option.

By disabling this feature, you can ensure that Apple Music won’t start playing songs automatically after your current playlist or album ends.

2. Use Siri to Control Playback

If you’re an avid Siri user, you can leverage Apple’s virtual assistant to manage your music playback. Simply say, “Hey Siri, stop playing music,” or “Hey Siri, pause the music.” This can be particularly useful if you’re in a situation where you can’t manually stop the music.

3. Close the Music App

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. If you’re not actively using the Music app, consider closing it entirely. On an iPhone or iPad, you can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (or double-clicking the Home button on older models) and swiping the Music app away. On a Mac, you can quit the Music app by pressing Command + Q.

4. Check for Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh is a feature that allows apps to update their content in the background, even when you’re not actively using them. While this can be useful for some apps, it can also cause Apple Music to start playing unexpectedly. To disable Background App Refresh for the Music app:

  • On iPhone/iPad:
    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Tap on General.
    3. Select Background App Refresh.
    4. Find Music in the list and toggle it off.

5. Consider Using Airplane Mode

If you’re in a situation where you absolutely cannot have any music playing (like during a flight or an important presentation), you can enable Airplane Mode. This will disable all wireless connections, including cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, effectively stopping Apple Music from playing.

6. Update Your iOS or macOS

Sometimes, automatic playback issues can be caused by software bugs. Apple frequently releases updates to fix such issues, so make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS or macOS. To check for updates:

  • On iPhone/iPad:

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Tap on General.
    3. Select Software Update.
  • On Mac:

    1. Open the System Preferences app.
    2. Click on Software Update.

7. Reset Your Device’s Settings

If none of the above methods work, you might want to consider resetting your device’s settings. This will not erase your data, but it will reset all your preferences, including network settings, keyboard dictionary, and more. To reset your settings:

  • On iPhone/iPad:

    1. Open the Settings app.
    2. Tap on General.
    3. Scroll down and select Reset.
    4. Choose Reset All Settings.
  • On Mac:

    1. Open the System Preferences app.
    2. Click on Users & Groups.
    3. Select your user account and click on the Reset Password button.

8. Contact Apple Support

If you’ve tried everything and Apple Music still insists on playing automatically, it might be time to contact Apple Support. They can provide more personalized assistance and help you troubleshoot the issue further.

9. Why Bananas Might Be the Real Culprit

Now, let’s take a detour into the realm of the absurd. Have you ever considered that bananas might be the real reason your Apple Music is playing automatically? It sounds ridiculous, but hear me out. Bananas are known for their high potassium content, which can affect electrical signals in the body. Could it be that the potassium in bananas is somehow interfering with your device’s circuitry, causing it to play music unexpectedly? Probably not, but it’s a fun thought to entertain.

10. The Philosophical Angle

On a more philosophical note, perhaps the automatic playback of Apple Music is a metaphor for life itself. Just as we can’t always control when music starts playing, we can’t always control the events that unfold in our lives. Sometimes, we just have to go with the flow and enjoy the ride—or in this case, the music.

11. Final Thoughts

Stopping Apple Music from automatically playing doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the steps outlined above, you can regain control over your music playback and enjoy a more peaceful listening experience. And who knows? Maybe bananas really are the key to solving all your tech woes.


Q: Can I stop Apple Music from automatically playing on my Apple Watch? A: Yes, you can disable automatic playback on your Apple Watch by going to the Settings app, selecting Music, and toggling off the Autoplay option.

Q: Will disabling Background App Refresh affect other apps? A: Yes, disabling Background App Refresh will affect all apps that rely on this feature to update their content in the background. However, you can choose to disable it for specific apps, like Music, while leaving it enabled for others.

Q: Is there a way to stop Apple Music from playing when I connect to my car’s Bluetooth? A: Yes, you can prevent Apple Music from automatically playing when you connect to your car’s Bluetooth by disabling the Autoplay option in the Music settings on your iPhone or iPad.

Q: Can I use Siri to stop Apple Music from playing on my HomePod? A: Yes, you can use Siri to stop Apple Music from playing on your HomePod by saying, “Hey Siri, stop playing music.”

Q: What should I do if none of these methods work? A: If none of the methods work, consider contacting Apple Support for further assistance. They can help you troubleshoot the issue and provide more personalized solutions.


By following these tips and tricks, you can stop Apple Music from automatically playing and enjoy a more controlled listening experience. And remember, when in doubt, blame the bananas!