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Spotify’s auto-play feature on Android Auto automatically resumes music when your phone connects to your car’s system.
While this can be convenient for daily commuters, it can also become frustrating when you prefer silence or different media.
With a few quick settings adjustments, you can easily disable Spotify’s auto-play and regain control of your car’s sound experience.
One of Spotify's most frequently used features is its auto-play capability. It automatically resumes the last session's audio while the device reconnects. While this feature is built to create a uniform listening experience, it does not always fit every situation, leaving users frustrated.
The listener might prefer silence on morning commutes or simply does not like surprises when the car connects. Users can easily customize or disable Spotify’s auto-play without changing the overall Android Auto setup.
Let’s take a look at how one can turn off Spotify’s auto-play, along with its benefits and other features.
After plugging in the phone or connecting via Bluetooth, Android Auto often resumes the last media app used. In most cases, Spotify is the preferred choice globally.
This “auto-play” behavior is designed to ensure users get easy access to drive with their favorite playlist, podcast, or album without extra taps.
The auto-play feature was designed for convenience and continuity, saving time and effort, and allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.
Also Read: Top Spotify Alternatives for Music Lovers in 2025
Spotify remembers the last session the listener enjoyed and resumes it automatically. The auto-play feature eliminates the need for manual playback initiation. It ensures drivers remain focused on the road while driving by minimizing phone interaction.
Spotify’s auto-play syncs seamlessly across phone, laptop, and car, providing a continuous listening experience for podcasts or audiobooks.
This feature does have its drawbacks. A professional, who is about to attend a call, might suddenly get a workout playlist on Spotify. In another scenario, the owner might share the car, and a personal playlist starts abruptly. In these moments, the auto-play feature feels disturbing and often intrusive.
Android Auto and Spotify both allow users to customize or disable this feature, giving you the best of both worlds: control and convenience.
Here is how to stop Spotify from playing automatically when you connect your phone to your car's system.
Spotify has a control playback feature inside its app settings. This option is available in the Settings menu under the profile icon. Users can turn off Autoplay from the Playback option.
This prevents Spotify from automatically playing songs or recommendations after the queue ends.
Android Auto sometimes starts playback automatically. Users can disable this feature by turning off the ‘Launch Automatically’ option under the Settings menu.
This prevents Spotify from starting automatically, unless users open it manually after connecting.
Android offers hidden developer controls for a foolproof fix. Users can unlock the developer options within the ‘About Phone’ menu which is available in device ‘Settings’. After tapping seven times on this menu, users need to scroll the Media Section to turn off Auto-Play.
This stops all apps, including Spotify, from automatically starting media when the car is connected.
The car's Bluetooth system sends a “play” signal to connected devices. To disable this feature, users need to tap on the car’s paired connection to turn off the Media Audio option. Users can also turn off the car’s infotainment system through “Auto Start Media”.
Every car’s software behaves differently, which is why this step might require continued trial and error.
If the above methods do not resolve the issue, automation apps like Tasker or Macrodroid can help. Users can also create a custom task to stop the playback as soon as Android Auto starts.
This is a more advanced path, which is ideal for users who want complete control over their devices during a ride.
Even after disabling auto-play, some users report Spotify resuming on its own. If this happens:
Clear Spotify cache from app settings.
Disconnect and re-pair your phone’s Bluetooth connection.
Update both Spotify and Android Auto to the latest versions.
Restart your car’s infotainment system if the issue persists.
Turning off auto-play brings back control to users. It allows you to play your favourite music, save mobile data, and most importantly, prevent embarrassing playback moments.
Also Read: How to Set Up ChatGPT With Spotify for Smarter Music Discovery
Spotify’s auto-play on Android Auto works beautifully for many solo drivers. The real convenience comes with flexibility. Whether you want to start your playlist manually, enjoy quiet drives, or control what plays next, disabling auto-play puts you back in charge.
Users can customize settings or disable Auto Play with these simple steps to stop unwanted and sudden songs when you start your journey.
Why does Spotify start playing automatically when I connect to Android Auto?
Spotify auto-plays because Android Auto is designed to resume your last active media app for convenience. It automatically starts playback from where you left off, creating a seamless listening experience.
Can I disable Spotify’s auto-play feature directly in the app?
Yes. Open the Spotify app > Settings > Playback, then toggle “Autoplay” off. This stops Spotify from automatically starting songs or recommended tracks after your queue ends.
Does disabling Spotify’s auto-play affect Android Auto’s performance?
No, disabling auto-play will not affect Android Auto’s core functions, such as navigation or voice control. It simply prevents Spotify from starting music without your input.
How can I stop Spotify from auto-playing when I connect via Bluetooth?
Go to Bluetooth Settings > Your Car > Media Audio, and toggle it off temporarily. If that solves the issue, adjust your car’s audio preferences to disable auto media playback.
Will disabling auto-play stop podcasts or audiobooks from resuming automatically?
Yes, it affects all media types. If you frequently listen to podcasts or audiobooks, you’ll need to start playback manually each time after connecting to Android Auto.
