Background playback in X not working when screen locks

Troubleshooting Background Playback Issues on X: Ensuring Continuous Listening When Screen Is Locked

Many users rely on X (formerly known as Twitter) for engaging video content, including the popular short clips that enhance their experience on the platform. For those who have subscribed to X’s premium tier, background playback is often a key feature, allowing continuous listening even when the device’s screen is locked. However, some users have encountered challenges where playback halts after a single video, leading to frustration and questions about the functionality.

Understanding the Expectation of Background Playback

The core benefit of a premium subscription on X is often the ability to listen to videos seamlessly in the background. This feature is especially useful for users who prefer to multitask, save battery, or keep the device screen turned off. Typically, once activated, background playback should persist until manually paused or until the session ends.

Common Reasons for Playback Interruptions

Several factors can interfere with this feature, including:

App Settings Configuration: Ensure that in-app settings are correctly configured to enable background audio. Some apps may require explicit permission or toggling certain options to activate this feature.
Device Permissions: Check your device’s settings to verify that X has the necessary permissions to run in the background and play audio when the screen is off.
Operating System Restrictions: Some device OS versions or battery optimization settings may restrict background activity, which can inadvertently interrupt playback.
Network Connectivity: While less common, unstable internet connections may cause buffering issues or interruptions in video streams.

Steps to Troubleshoot and Enhance Background Playback

Update the App: Make sure you are running the latest version of the X app, as updates often include bug fixes related to media playback.
Review App Permissions: Navigate to your device’s settings to confirm that X has permissions for background activity and media playback.
Adjust Device Settings: Examine battery optimization or power-saving modes that might restrict background processes, and consider disabling them for X during media playback.
Check In-App Settings: Explore the app’s preferences to confirm that background playback is enabled and configured correctly.
Test with Different Content: Verify if the issue persists across different videos or is limited to specific clips.
Restart and Reinstall: Sometimes, simply restarting your device or reinstalling the app can resolve temporary glitches.