How to Fix AirPlay Stops When iPhone Locks

AirPlay is an incredibly convenient feature that allows you to stream audio and video and even mirror your iPhone’s screen to other devices like Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible speakers. However, a common issue that users encounter is AirPlay stopping when the iPhone locks. This can be frustrating, especially when you’re streaming music or watching videos. In this guide, we’ll explore why AirPlay stops when iPhone locks and provide detailed solutions to fix the problem.

AirPlay Stops When iPhone Locks issue: Causes

Before diving into the fixes, it’s essential to understand why AirPlay stops when your iPhone locks. This issue usually occurs due to the following reasons:

1. Power Saving Settings: iOS is designed to conserve battery life, and sometimes, the system might prioritize power saving over continuous streaming.
2. Background App Refresh: If the app you’re using doesn’t have permission to refresh in the background, it might stop sending data via AirPlay when the iPhone locks.
3. Network Issues: Poor or unstable Wi-Fi connections can cause AirPlay to disconnect when your iPhone is locked.
4. iOS Bugs: Occasionally, a bug in the iOS can cause AirPlay to stop working properly when the device is locked.

Now that we know the possible reasons let’s look at how to fix this issue.

Solutions to Fix AirPlay Stops When iPhone Locks

1. Disable Auto-Lock

One of the simplest ways to ensure AirPlay doesn’t stop is by disabling the auto-lock feature on your iPhone. Here’s how to do it:

• Go to Settings on your iPhone.
• Scroll down and tap on Display & Brightness.
• Tap on Auto-Lock.
• Select Never.

This setting will prevent your iPhone from locking automatically, ensuring uninterrupted AirPlay streaming. However, remember to manually lock your iPhone when not in use to conserve battery life.

2. Keep the App Active

Some apps might stop streaming when running in the background. To prevent this:

• Make sure the app streaming via AirPlay remains open and active.
• Avoid switching to other apps or pressing the Home button while using AirPlay.

Keeping the app in the foreground can help maintain the connection, reducing the chances of AirPlay stopping when the iPhone locks.

3. Check Background App Refresh Settings

Ensure that the app you’re using for AirPlay has permission to refresh in the background:

• Open Settings.
• Go to General and tap on Background App Refresh.
• Ensure that Background App Refresh is enabled.
• Scroll down and find the app you’re using for AirPlay. Make sure it’s toggled on.

This allows the app to continue functioning even when running in the background, helping maintain the AirPlay connection.

4. Disable Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode restricts some background activities to conserve battery life, which can interfere with AirPlay. To disable Low Power Mode:

• Open Settings.
• Tap on Battery.
• Toggle off Low Power Mode.

Disabling this mode can prevent AirPlay interruptions when your iPhone locks.

5. Check Your Wi-Fi Connection

A stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for seamless AirPlay streaming. Here’s how to ensure your connection is optimal:

• Ensure your iPhone and the AirPlay device are on the same Wi-Fi network.
• If you’re experiencing network issues, try restarting your router.
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi or networks with heavy traffic.

A strong, stable Wi-Fi connection can significantly reduce the chances of AirPlay stopping when your iPhone locks.

6. Update iOS and Apps

Sometimes, the issue might be related to a bug in the iOS or the app you’re using. Make sure both are up to date:

• Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for any iOS updates.
• Open the App Store and tap on your profile icon to check for app updates.

Keeping your software up to date ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements, which can help resolve AirPlay issues.

7. Restart Your Devices

If none of the above solutions work, try restarting both your iPhone and the AirPlay device:

• Hold the Power button on your iPhone and slide to power off. After a few seconds, turn it back on.
• Unplug or turn off your AirPlay device, wait a few moments, and then power it back on.

Restarting your devices can often resolve temporary glitches that may be causing AirPlay to stop when your iPhone locks.

8. Reset Network Settings

As a last resort, you can try resetting your iPhone’s network settings:

• Go to Settings > General > Reset.
• Tap on Reset Network Settings.

This will reset all your network settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, so make sure you have them saved. This step can resolve persistent network-related issues affecting AirPlay.

Experiencing AirPlay interruptions when your iPhone locks can be annoying, but with the solutions provided above, you should be able to fix this issue. Whether it’s adjusting your iPhone’s settings, ensuring a stable Wi-Fi connection, or updating your software, these steps will help you enjoy uninterrupted streaming via AirPlay. Updating and restarting your device also fixes the AirPlay keeps disconnecting issue.

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