how to keep music playing when laptop is closed mac

Have you ever wished for your favorite tunes to play even when your MacBook Pro is shut down? Well, it’s possible to achieve this magical feat using a combination of software and hardware. Let’s explore various methods to ensure that your music continues to play even when the lid is closed on your Mac.

Utilizing Apple Music and AirPlay

One of the most straightforward ways to keep your music playing without your MacBook being open is through Apple Music and AirPlay. By enabling AirPlay on your speakers or sound system, you can stream your music directly from Apple Music. This method is particularly useful if you have a compatible audio device at home.

Related Discussion

Do you prefer listening to Spotify instead of Apple Music? If so, you can still use AirPlay with Spotify Connect. With a compatible Bluetooth speaker or a stereo system, you can easily connect your MacBook to these devices to continue enjoying your music playlist.

Using Third-Party Software

If you’re looking for more control over your music playback, there are several third-party applications designed specifically for this purpose. One such application is Cocktail. This powerful utility allows you to create custom scripts that run automatically when your Mac goes into sleep mode.

Related Discussion

What if you want to play different genres of music based on the time of day? You can script Cocktail to switch between playlists depending on the hour. For instance, it could start playing classical music in the morning, jazz during lunchtime, and rock in the evening.

Leveraging macOS Features

macOS itself offers some built-in features that can help you maintain your music playback. The System Preferences > Energy Saver section provides an option to set your MacBook to sleep after a certain period of inactivity. However, you can configure your Mac to wake up from sleep mode periodically to check if your music player needs to be restarted.

Related Discussion

Are you someone who likes to take notes while listening to music? With macOS’s Dictation and Speech feature, you can dictate notes as you listen to your favorite tunes, ensuring you never miss a beat (or a word).

Conclusion

By combining the power of software like Apple Music, AirPlay, and third-party applications like Cocktail, along with macOS features, you can ensure that your music continues to play even when your MacBook is closed. Whether you’re streaming your favorite songs or dictating notes, these tools can enhance your productivity and enjoyment of music.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I enable AirPlay on my MacBook?

   • To enable AirPlay on your MacBook, go to System Preferences > Sound, then select “AirPlay” under the Output tab. Choose your compatible device from the dropdown menu.

2. Can I use any third-party software to keep music playing?

   • Yes, there are many third-party options available, such as Cocktail or Music Loop. These allow you to customize your music playback according to your preferences.

3. What if my MacBook wakes up too frequently?

   • You can adjust the sleep settings in Energy Saver to reduce the frequency of wake-ups. Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver, then set the appropriate options under the “Sleep” tab.