Mobile app steals playback from desktop app when I put my earbuds away

[theolaa]

If I play some music on my phone, then change the playback device to my computer, the music begins playing from my computer as expected. However, when I put earbuds away (and I tested this to confirm that it is the earbuds, it doesn't happen if I don't put my earbuds in their case), my phone will override my computer and begin playing the music again.

[Elena]

Hey @theolaa,

Thanks for reaching out on the Community.

 This sounds like quite the odd behavior indeed and we haven't received any similar reports, so with that in mind let's try to cover all our bases. Can you let us know if you've already tried to log out > restart your devices (both mobile and laptop) > log back in? It's also a good idea to try clearing your cache to remove any old files that might be causing issues.

If that doesn't do it for you, could you let us if you experience this on if you are using the web player on laptop and not the desktop app?

We'll be on the lookout for your answer and we'll see what we can suggest next. 

[theolaa]

Hi, sorry for the delay. I have tried those steps (I cleared the Spotify cache on my phone and on my computer, and I have also restarted both devices) but the issue still persists.

[Yordan]

Hi there @theolaa,

Thanks for the reply!

Does the issue occur when you manually disconnect you earbuds or is it only when you put them in the case, thus severing the connection? Are there any other devices paired to your earbuds? If so, try unpairing/forgetting them to see if the issue persists.

Also, do you have another device/earbuds which you can test this with? A short video which captures the exact behavior in action would be greatly appreciated, as it would help us get a clear view of what's happening on your end.

Cheers 🤘

[theolaa]

Hi, unfortunately I don't have another pair of wireless earbuds to test with, but I did manage to test with my work laptop and the same issue occurred. It's also a bit tough to make a video while also playing music, so I'll have to borrow someone's phone later.

I can try to explain the process more clearly though:

I start by playing something on my phone through my earbuds. Then, at another device (usually my desktop at home, but also at my work laptop) I use the "Connect to a device" button to begin playing from my computer instead. This works, and music begins playing from my computer speakers. Then I put my earbuds into their case, and close the case. After a few seconds, the music will stop playing from the computer and begin playing out of my phone speakers, requiring me to use the "Connect to a device" button on my computer again to select my computer as the active device. After doing this the second time there are no more issues (until the next time I try to transfer playback from my phone to my computer).

If I may theorize a little, it feels like my earbuds are sending some signal as they're disconnecting from my phone which the Spotify app picks up on, but treats it like a Bluetooth device getting connected. This should steal playback, but of course I wasn't actually connecting a Bluetooth device so it doesn't behave as expected.

Hopefully some of that helps!

[OscarDC]

Hey @theolaa,

Thank you for keeping in contact and for the info shared.

We tried to replicate the behavior using different devices, but it seems to be working as expected. Since this could be related to pending firmware updates, would you mind checking if the firmware of your AirPods is up to date? 

Also, to cover all the basics, as the playback is originally coming from your phone + AirPods, it's worth performing a clean reinstall of the app to get rid of any corrupted files that might be causing issues.

We'll also be waiting to see if you were able to test it with a different pair of Bluetooth earphones as this could help us confirm if this behavior is device-related or not. You can borrow one from a friend or a family member to test it out (if possible).

Let us know how it goes.

[theolaa · Accepted solution]

I have concluded it must've been my earbuds (Soundcore Life P3). I got a different pair and the issue no longer occurs. Thanks for the suggestions everybody.