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Playing music on your Android device can be incredibly enjoyable, but sometimes you may want to continue listening to your favorite tunes even when you’re not actively using the Pandora app. Unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to get Pandora to play in the background on Android devices due to certain limitations and restrictions. In this blog post, we will explore various methods and techniques to help you overcome this challenge and enjoy uninterrupted music playback on your Android device.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Getting Pandora to Play in the Background on Android
One of the main challenges users face when it comes to playing Pandora in the background on Android is that the app does not natively support this feature. Unlike some other music streaming services, Pandora does not have a built-in option to play music in the background while using other apps or when the screen is off.
The lack of background playback can be frustrating, especially if you want to multitask or conserve battery life while enjoying your favorite music. Fortunately, there are several workarounds and methods that can be employed to achieve this desired functionality.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth process:
1. Android Device: Make sure you have an Android device running the latest version of the operating system.
2. Pandora App: Download and install the Pandora app from the Google Play Store.
3. Internet Connection: Ensure that your device is connected to a stable internet connection to stream music from Pandora.
4. External Speaker or Headphones: If you want to listen to Pandora in the background, make sure you have external speakers or headphones connected to your device.
Method 1: Using the Pandora Website in a Mobile Browser
If you want to listen to Pandora in the background on Android, one method is to use the Pandora website in a mobile browser such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Open your preferred mobile browser (e.g., Google Chrome) on your Android device.
2. Visit the Pandora website by typing "www.pandora.com" in the address bar and hitting Enter.
3. Sign in to your Pandora account using your login credentials.
4. Once logged in, start playing your desired music.
5. Now, press the Home button on your Android device to exit the browser. The music should continue playing in the background.
Pros:
– Works without any additional apps or software.
– Can be used on any Android device with an internet browser.
– No need to download or install any third-party apps.
Cons:
– Requires an active internet connection.
– Limited control options in the background.
– May consume more battery compared to the native Pandora app.
Method 2: Using a Third-Party Background Play App
Another method to get Pandora to play in the background on your Android device is by using a third-party background play app. These apps are specifically designed to enable background playback for various media apps, including Pandora. Follow these steps to use a third-party background play app:
1. Visit the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Search for a third-party background play app such as "Pandora – Streaming Music & Radio."
3. Once you find a suitable app, download and install it on your device.
4. Open the background play app and grant any necessary permissions.
5. Launch the Pandora app and sign in to your account.
6. Start playing your desired music in the Pandora app.
7. Now, minimize or switch to another app, and the music should continue playing in the background.
Pros:
– Dedicated background play app designed for Pandora.
– Provides more control options for playback.
– Can be customized according to user preferences.
Cons:
– Requires downloading and installing an additional app.
– Some background play apps may have limited features in their free versions.
– Compatibility issues with different Android devices.
Method 3: Using a Screen Recorder
While not an ideal solution, using a screen recorder can also allow you to play Pandora in the background on Android. This method involves recording your screen while playing Pandora and then using the recorded video to listen to music. Follow these steps to use a screen recorder:
1. Download and install a screen recording app from the Google Play Store.
2. Launch the screen recorder app and configure any necessary settings.
3. Open the Pandora app and start playing your desired music.
4. Begin the screen recording and let it run while the music is playing.
5. Once the recording is complete, stop the screen recording.
6. Now, you can play the recorded video using any video player app in the background while using other apps.
Pros:
– Works on any Android device with a screen recorder app.
– Provides the ability to listen to music in the background without interruptions.
– Can be used with any media app, not limited to Pandora.
Cons:
– Requires installing and learning to use a screen recording app.
– Consumes more storage space due to recorded videos.
– Quality may suffer compared to the native audio playback.
Method 4: Using Bluetooth Headphones or Speakers
1. Connect your Bluetooth headphones or speakers to your Android device.
2. Open the Pandora app and start playing your desired music.
3. Once the music is playing, press the Home button to exit the app.
4. The audio should continue playing through your Bluetooth headphones or speakers in the background.
Pros:
– Provides high-quality audio playback.
– Allows for multitasking without interrupting the music.
– No need for additional apps or workarounds.
Cons:
– Requires Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
– May drain the battery of both the Android device and the Bluetooth device faster.
– Limited range for Bluetooth connection.
Additional Tips
Here are three additional tips to enhance your Pandora background playback experience:
1. Enable Offline Mode: If you have a Pandora Premium subscription, you can enable Offline Mode, which allows you to download songs and listen to them without an internet connection. This way, you can listen to your favorite songs in the background even without an active internet connection.
2. Use Music Widget: Android devices come with a built-in music widget that allows you to control music playback directly from your home screen. Add the Pandora widget to your home screen for easier access and control over your background music playback.
3. Clear Recent Apps: Occasionally, clearing your recent apps can help improve the performance and stability of background playback. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen (or use your device’s dedicated button) to access the recent apps screen, and then swipe away the Pandora app to close it. This can help eliminate any conflicting processes that may interfere with background playback.
5 FAQs about Getting Pandora to Play in the Background on Android
Q1: Why can’t I get Pandora to play in the background on Android?
A: Pandora does not natively support background playback on Android devices. This limitation is due to the app’s design and functionality.
Q2: Can I use other music streaming apps in the background on Android?
A: The ability to play music in the background may vary depending on the specific app. Some music streaming apps, such as Spotify and Apple Music, have built-in options for background playback, while others, like Pandora, do not.
Q3: Are there any alternatives to Pandora that allow background playback on Android?
A: Yes, there are several alternatives to Pandora that offer background playback on Android, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Google Play Music.
Q4: Can I get Pandora to play in the background on Android without using any additional apps?
A: Unfortunately, Pandora does not offer a built-in option for background playback on Android. Therefore, using additional apps or workarounds is necessary to achieve this functionality.
Q5: Will using third-party background play apps violate any terms of service?
A: Using third-party background play apps may violate the terms of service of certain apps, including Pandora. It is important to review and comply with the terms of service of all involved apps to avoid any potential violations.
In Conclusion
While getting Pandora to play in the background on Android may not be as straightforward as desired, there are various methods and techniques available to achieve this functionality. From using the Pandora website in a mobile browser to employing third-party background play apps or even resorting to screen recording, the possibilities are diverse. Remember to consider the pros and cons of each method and choose the one that best suits your preferences and requirements. With the right approach, you can enjoy uninterrupted background music playback while using your Android device for other tasks.