how to keep music playing when laptop is closed mac

How can we ensure that our favorite tunes continue to play even after closing the lid of our MacBook?

How to Keep Music Playing When Laptop is Closed on Mac

When you close your MacBook, it’s natural to worry about what will happen to your music and other apps that were running in the background. However, there are several ways to ensure that your favorite tunes continue to play even after you’ve put the lid back on your MacBook. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to achieve this seamless experience.

Method 1: Using Apple Music Services

Apple Music offers a feature called “Background App Refresh,” which allows you to keep certain apps running in the background, including music players like Spotify or Pandora. To enable this feature:

1. Open System Preferences.
2. Click on “General.”
3. Scroll down and check the box labeled “Allow apps to keep running.”
4. Select the app(s) you want to keep running in the background.

This method ensures that your music continues to play as long as your MacBook remains connected to Wi-Fi.

Method 2: Utilizing Third-Party Software

There are several third-party applications designed specifically for keeping music playing on a MacBook even after closing the lid. Some popular options include:

• Caffeine: A lightweight application that keeps your apps awake and running.
• NoSleep: An open-source alternative to Caffeine that allows you to specify which apps should stay awake.

To use NoSleep:

1. Download and install NoSleep from its official website.
2. Launch NoSleep and select the apps you want to keep running in the background.
3. Configure settings such as the duration for which the apps should remain active.

Method 3: Creating a Shortcut

If you frequently need to keep music playing after closing your MacBook, creating a keyboard shortcut can be a convenient solution. Here’s how:

1. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts.
2. Choose “App Shortcuts” and click “+.”
3. Select “Music” as the app.
4. Enter a custom name for the shortcut and add a command like open -a "Spotify" (or any other music player).
5. Assign a key combination to the shortcut.

With this setup, pressing your assigned key combination will launch your music player, ensuring it stays active even when you close your MacBook.

Method 4: Using AirPlay

AirPlay allows you to stream audio from your MacBook to compatible speakers or headphones, making it possible to listen to music even when your MacBook is closed. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Connect your speakers or headphones to your MacBook using an AirPort Express or similar device.
2. Ensure your speakers are paired with your MacBook via Bluetooth.
3. In the Music app, go to the “Sources” tab and select “AirPlay.”
4. Choose your connected speakers or headphones as your output device.

Once set up, you can easily switch between devices without having to keep your MacBook open.

Conclusion

By utilizing Apple Music services, third-party software, creating keyboard shortcuts, or setting up AirPlay, you can ensure that your music continues to play seamlessly even when your MacBook is closed. Each method has its unique benefits, so consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the best approach for your situation. Whether you prefer simplicity with Apple Music or the flexibility of third-party solutions, there’s a way to keep your favorite tunes playing without worrying about your MacBook being closed.

FAQ

Q: Can I use this method with all music players? A: Yes, most music players that support the methods mentioned here should work. However, some may require additional configuration or compatibility checks.

Q: What happens if my MacBook runs out of battery while these methods are enabled? A: The music players and other apps will continue to run until they reach their battery limits. It’s always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as saving your work and storing your MacBook near a power source.

Q: Are there any potential security concerns with keeping apps running in the background? A: While there are security risks associated with keeping apps running in the background, using trusted methods and following best practices can mitigate these risks. Regularly updating your apps and operating system can also help protect your system.

This concludes our guide on how to keep music playing when your MacBook is closed. Happy listening!