Apple Music can start playing after an iPhone connects to Bluetooth because the car, headphones, Music queue, or another media app resumes playback. There is no single iPhone switch that universally disables every kind of Bluetooth autoplay.
Steps
- Open Apple Music’s current playback queue and check the Autoplay infinity control if Music keeps adding similar songs after the queue ends.
- Turn that Autoplay control off when that is the behavior you want to stop.
- If playback begins immediately when Bluetooth connects, check the headphones, car stereo, or companion app for an auto-play or auto-resume option.
- Pause playback before disconnecting and test the next connection.
- If only one vehicle causes the problem, review that vehicle’s infotainment settings rather than changing every iPhone audio setting.
Apple Music Autoplay is different
The infinity-button feature controls what Music plays after the current queue. It does not prevent a Bluetooth accessory from sending a Play command when the connection is established.
Identify who starts playback
Test another Bluetooth accessory and another audio app. If only one car starts playback, the car is a stronger suspect; if several accessories resume the same app, iPhone playback state may be involved.
Shortcuts workarounds have tradeoffs
Automations can sometimes pause media after a connection, but behavior and notification requirements can change by iOS release. Prefer a native accessory setting when one exists.
Forget and re-pair only when needed
Removing a Bluetooth device can help with corrupted pairing behavior, but it is unlikely to fix an intentional auto-resume feature. Check the accessory’s documented playback controls first.
Workaround: pause music automatically with Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app can send a Pause command whenever specific headphones connect, which stops the music that starts on its own:
- Open the Shortcuts app and tap Automation.
- Tap the plus button (or New Automation) and choose Bluetooth.
- Choose your headphones or car, select Is Connected, and set it to Run Immediately.
- Add the Play/Pause action, tap it, and change it to Pause.
- Tap Done.
Now, when that device connects, your iPhone pauses playback right away. You can still press play when you want music.
Where the autoplay comes from
| Source | What to try |
|---|---|
| Apple Music Autoplay (infinity button) | Turn it off in the Playing Next queue |
| Car stereo or CarPlay | Check the car’s media settings for an auto-play option |
| Headphone companion app | Look for auto-play, auto-resume, or wear-detection settings |
| AirPods ear detection | Removing and reinserting AirPods can pause and resume; adjust Automatic Ear Detection in the AirPods settings if needed |
Stop AirPods from switching to your iPhone unexpectedly
If AirPods jump to your iPhone and start playing, open Settings, tap your AirPods’ name near the top, and set Connect to This iPhone to When Last Connected to This iPhone.
Using other music apps?
Spotify and other apps have their own autoplay settings. See how to turn off autoplay in the Spotify app on iPhone.
Related: Check Bluetooth battery levels on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Does this work on iPhones other than the iPhone 14?
Yes. These settings and the Shortcuts automation work on any iPhone with a current version of iOS.
Will the automation drain my battery?
No. It only runs when the chosen Bluetooth device connects.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.