how to keep music playing when laptop is closed mac

Have you ever found yourself eagerly awaiting the moment when your laptop is finally powered down only to realize that your favorite tunes have mysteriously disappeared?

1. Utilizing AirPlay for Seamless Music Streaming

One of the most straightforward and convenient methods to keep your music playing even after closing your MacBook is through AirPlay. This feature allows you to stream audio from your Mac to compatible devices such as speakers or headphones, ensuring your music continues uninterrupted. To set this up, ensure both your Mac and your playback device are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and then simply select the “AirPlay” option in your music player’s settings.

2. Employing Background Music Services

Another effective strategy involves utilizing background music services specifically designed for macOS. These services enable your music to play in the background, allowing you to enjoy your tunes without having to manually manage them. Services like Spotify, Apple Music, or any other compatible streaming service can be configured to play in the background, providing a seamless experience whenever you need it.

3. Leveraging Third-Party Apps for Background Playback

For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, third-party apps like Loop or SoundSource offer solutions for maintaining background music playback. These applications allow you to create playlists that automatically start playing when your Mac wakes up, making it easier to maintain a consistent musical ambiance throughout the day.

4. Setting Up a Wake Timer with Alfred Workflow

If you’re looking for a more automated solution, consider setting up a wake timer using Alfred workflow. Alfred is a powerful automation tool for macOS that can execute commands based on triggers. By creating a custom workflow, you can configure Alfred to trigger your preferred music player upon waking your Mac, ensuring that your music remains accessible as soon as you return to your workspace.

5. Exploring External Hardware Solutions

For users who might not want to rely solely on software solutions, there are external hardware options available. Devices like the AudioKit from Jabra or the Razer Synapse can help bridge the gap between your Mac and external speakers, ensuring that your music continues to play seamlessly even when your laptop is closed.

6. Configuring System Preferences for Background Activity

Lastly, you can adjust your system preferences to allow for background activities, including music playback. In System Preferences > Energy Saver, you can find an option to allow background activity, which will enable certain applications, including your music player, to continue running even when your Mac is asleep.

FAQ

1. Q: How do I set up AirPlay on my Mac?

   • A: Make sure your Mac and your AirPlay-compatible device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then, in your music player’s settings, select “AirPlay” to choose your device.

2. Q: Can I use background music services on older versions of macOS?

   • A: Yes, many popular music streaming services offer support for older macOS versions. Check the compatibility list for your chosen service.

3. Q: What happens if my Mac goes into sleep mode while music is playing?

   • A: If you’ve set up your music player to run in the background, it should resume playing automatically when your Mac wakes up. However, if you don’t have this set up, your music may pause or stop.

4. Q: Is it possible to control background music with voice commands?

   • A: Yes, you can use voice commands with services like Siri or Google Assistant. For example, you can say “Play music” to start your playlist.

5. Q: Do these methods work with all types of music players?

   • A: Most modern music players, whether built-in or third-party, should work with these methods. However, some older or less compatible players might require additional steps.