If you recently updated your iPhone to iOS 16 and are having issues playing music, you’re not alone. Many users have reported problems with music playback after installing the latest iOS update. The good news is that there are several potential solutions you can try to get your music working again.
Quick Fixes to Try
Here are some quick things to check if your music won’t play after updating to iOS 16:
- Restart your iPhone – A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches caused by an OS update. To restart, press and hold the side or volume down button and slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn your phone back on.
- Force close the Music app – Double click the home button and swipe up on the Music app preview to force close it. Then try reopening the Music app.
- Check your WiFi/cellular connection – Make sure your iPhone is connected to the internet via WiFi or your cellular data network. Streaming services require an internet connection.
- Update apps – Open the App Store, go to updates, and install any pending app updates. This ensures compatibility with iOS 16.
- Check app permissions – Open Settings > Music and make sure all permissions like Cellular Data and Microphone are enabled.
- Check Do Not Disturb settings – Make sure Do Not Disturb is not activated, as it can block media playback.
Trying these basic troubleshooting tips should resolve any minor iOS 16 conflicts that are preventing music playback. If you still have issues after trying the quick fixes, read on for more in-depth troubleshooting steps.
Software and App Issues
Problems playing music after an iOS 16 update are most likely caused by software bugs or app incompatibilities. Here are some things to look at if restarting your iPhone did not fix the issue:
Update Apps and iOS
Be sure you have installed the latest versions of your music apps and the iOS operating system:
- Check the App Store for app updates for Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, etc. Install any updates.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iOS version.
Updating apps and iOS is the best way to fix any bugs and ensure full compatibility with the operating system. Make sure to install any available updates.
Reset Music App
Resetting the Music app can clear out any corrupted data or glitches from the app update process. To reset the Apple Music app:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap on General and then Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap on Reset then Reset All Settings
This will reset all settings but won’t erase your data. Make sure to sign back into Apple Music and re-enable permissions after resetting. For non-Apple music apps, uninstall and reinstall the app.
Disable Audio Limiting
iOS 16 includes a new feature called Audio Limiting that can block music from autoplaying at high volumes. Try disabling this setting:
- Go to Settings > Sound & Haptics
- Slide the toggle next to Audio Limiting to the off position
Disabling Audio Limiting will prevent iOS from lowering media volumes automatically, which could resolve music playback issues.
Turn Off Audio Sharing
The new Audio Sharing feature in iOS 16 lets you share audio between two AirPods sets. If you are having music playback problems, try turning this setting off:
- Go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the blue “i” icon next to your AirPods
- Turn off Audio Sharing
Disabling Audio Sharing ensures your music plays directly on your AirPods without any disruption from sharing.
Check Background App Refresh
The Background App Refresh settings could be blocking your music apps from playing media in the background. Here’s how to check:
- Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh
- Make sure Background App Refresh is enabled
- Check that your music apps are set to either Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + Cellular
Enabling Background App Refresh allows your music to keep playing when switching between apps or locking your screen.
Connection Issues
iOS 16 music playback problems could also be caused by headset connection issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips for wireless Bluetooth headphones and speakers.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting your network settings can clear out any problematic Bluetooth configs and resolves connection issues. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Reset then Reset Network Settings – this will not erase any data
Once your iPhone reboots, reconnect your Bluetooth device and test music playback.
Unpair and Re-pair Headphones
If your wireless headphones or speakers are having connectivity issues, try unpairing and repairing:
- On your iOS device go to Settings > Bluetooth and tap the “i” next to your headphones
- Tap Forget this Device to unpair them
- Put your Bluetooth device in pairing mode and reconnect to your iOS device
This often resolves any glitches with the Bluetooth connection itself.
Check Playback Source
Make sure your music player or streaming app is set to play audio through your intended output source:
- In the Apple Music app, tap the AirPlay icon and select your Bluetooth headphones as the audio source.
- In Spotify, go to Settings > Playback and choose your headset for streaming.
- YouTube Music lets you select audio output in Settings > Pair new device.
Setting your wireless headphones as the playback destination ensures your music plays through them vs. the iPhone speakers.
Update Bluetooth Drivers
Outdated Bluetooth drivers on your iPhone can also disrupt music streaming to wireless headsets. To update:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Install any iOS updates available – this will include Bluetooth driver updates
- You can also check your headphone manufacturer’s site for any firmware updates
Keep your iPhone and headphone Bluetooth software up-to-date for optimal connectivity.
Audio Settings to Check
Besides apps and connectivity, also check iOS audio settings that can impact music playback:
- Volume – Make sure your iPhone volume is turned up along with in-app volumes.
- EQ – Reset your iPhone EQ to Off or default.
- Sound Check – Turn off Sound Check in Music settings if enabled.
- Headphone Accommodations – Disable any customized headphone audio settings.
- Spatial Audio – Turn off Spatial Audio in your AirPods settings if enabled.
Resetting these audio options can help resolve iOS 16 music playback bugs. Also check your streaming app and headphone settings for audio options that may be customized or disabled.
Fix Music App Crashes
If your iPhone music player or streaming app keeps crashing on launch after updating to iOS 16, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Update the app – Install any pending updates from the App Store
- Reinstall the app – Delete and re-download the app
- Restart your iPhone – Power cycle your device
- Check app permissions – Make sure all required permissions are enabled in iOS Settings
- Update iOS – Install the latest iOS version
- Reset Network Settings – This clears any problematic network configs
- Delete and re-download music files – Removes any corrupted downloads
Following these steps should stop the music app from crashing so you can play music again.
Back Up and Restore iOS
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting steps but are still unable to get music playback working normally, your last resort is to backup and restore your iOS device. Here’s how:
- Connect your iPhone to a computer and backup to iTunes or iCloud.
- On your iPhone go to Settings > General > Reset and choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Once your iPhone resets, go through the setup process until you reach the Apps & Data screen.
- Tap Restore from iTunes or iCloud Backup and restore your music data.
This will give your iPhone a clean slate while retaining your music collection. Just make sure everything is backed up first!
Contact Apple Support
If you still can’t get music to play normally after trying all troubleshooting steps, your only remaining option is to contact Apple Support. Here’s how:
- From your iOS device open Settings > General > About and note the model number
- Call Apple Support, describe the issue with iOS 16 and music playback, and provide the iPhone model
- You can also book a Genius Bar appointment at an Apple Store for in-person support
- Chat or email Apple Support if phone or in-person help is not feasible
Apple Support can further diagnose your iPhone and iOS issue and will replace your device if a hardware defect is found.
Conclusion
Issues playing music after updating your iPhone to iOS 16 are generally due to software bugs or compatibility problems. Try restarting your device, updating apps, resetting music players, and checking audio output settings. For persistent issues, you may need to backup and restore your iPhone or get help directly from Apple Support. With some targeted troubleshooting, you should be able to get your music working again after upgrading to iOS 16.