Background Audio
The Seaty mobile app lets you control music and recordings from your lock screen and notification centre. You do not need to unlock your device or return to the app to pause, skip, or adjust playback.
At its simplest, background audio answers one question: How do I control my audio without constantly switching back to the app?
Who uses this: Event organisers and staff running rehearsals, performances, or background music at venues.
Key capabilities:
- Play audio while using other apps or with the screen locked
- Control playback from the lock screen without unlocking
- See track information and artwork on the lock screen
- Use headphone buttons and Bluetooth controls
- Audio pauses automatically for phone calls and resumes afterwards
How It Works
At a glance: Start playback in the app, then control everything from your lock screen or notification centre.
1. Start playback
Open any audio file in the Seaty app and tap play. The audio begins and a persistent notification appears.
2. Lock or switch apps
Lock your device or switch to another app. The audio continues playing in the background.
3. Control from lock screen
Wake your device (without unlocking) to see playback controls. Tap play/pause, skip forward or backward, or drag the position slider.
4. Audio handles interruptions
When you receive a phone call, the audio pauses automatically. After the call ends, playback resumes from where you left off.
Think of it this way:
- Lock screen controls let you manage playback without unlocking your device
- Background playback keeps audio running while you use other apps
- Automatic pause handles phone calls and other interruptions gracefully
What You See on the Lock Screen
When audio is playing, your lock screen displays:
- Track title (from the file or its name)
- Artist and album information (if available)
- Album artwork (or a generic icon if none exists)
- Play/pause button
- Skip forward and backward buttons (10 seconds each)
- A position slider showing playback progress
On iPhone: Rich media controls appear with full-size artwork as the background.
On Android: A notification-style card appears with a thumbnail and controls.
Note: Controls appear automatically when you wake the device. You do not need to unlock to use them.
Control Centre and Notification Centre
iPhone Control Centre:
Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) to access audio controls from anywhere, including inside other apps.
Android Notification Shade:
Pull down from the top of the screen. The audio notification appears at the top and cannot be dismissed while playing.
Both provide the same controls as the lock screen: play/pause, skip, seek, and volume adjustment.
When Audio Continues
Background playback works in these situations:
- Screen locked: Audio plays with the screen off
- Other apps: Switching to messages, camera, or maps does not stop playback
- Navigation: Voice directions briefly lower the audio volume, then restore it
- Low battery: Audio continues until the battery runs out (though we recommend keeping the device charged)
When Audio Pauses
The app pauses playback automatically for:
- Phone calls: Audio pauses when a call comes in and resumes when the call ends
- Video calls: Same behaviour for FaceTime and similar apps
- Other audio apps: Opening Spotify, Apple Music, or similar apps takes over audio. Resume Seaty from its notification
- Alarms and timers: Audio pauses or lowers for alarms. You may need to resume manually afterwards
Note: Voice assistants (Siri, Google Assistant) briefly lower the audio volume rather than pausing. Audio returns to normal volume when you dismiss the assistant.
Bluetooth and Headphone Controls
Most Bluetooth headphones and speakers work with Seaty's audio controls:
- Play/pause: Press the main button
- Skip forward/backward: Double or triple press (varies by device)
- Volume: Use the device's volume buttons
AirPods: Squeeze or double-tap to control playback. Audio pauses when you remove them and resumes when you put them back in.
Car systems: Standard Bluetooth audio works, including steering wheel controls. Track information appears on newer displays.
Smartwatches: Apple Watch and Wear OS devices show media controls on the watch face.
Troubleshooting
Audio stops when I switch apps
iPhone: Check that you have not force-closed the app from the app switcher.
Android: Some phones have aggressive battery saving. Go to Settings, find Seaty, and disable battery optimisation for the app.
Lock screen controls do not appear
- Ensure playback has started (controls only appear while audio is active)
- Try pausing and resuming playback
- Restart the app if controls still do not appear
Audio does not pause for phone calls
This is rare but can happen if device settings conflict. Try restarting the app.
Android notification does not appear
Check that notifications are enabled for Seaty in your device settings. The notification is required for background playback to work.
Common Questions
Playback behaviour
Does audio play indefinitely? Yes, audio continues until you pause or stop it, or until the battery runs out.
Will audio drain my battery quickly? No. Background audio uses minimal power, comparable to listening to music in other apps.
Can I close the app entirely and keep playing? No. The app must remain open (though it can be in the background). Force-closing the app stops playback.
Controls and devices
Do I need to unlock my phone to control playback? No. All controls are available on the lock screen without unlocking.
Will my Bluetooth headphone buttons work? Yes. Standard play/pause and skip controls work with most Bluetooth devices.
Can I use AirPlay or cast to speakers? Yes. iPhone Control Centre includes AirPlay options. Standard Bluetooth streaming also works.
Interruptions
What happens if I play audio from another app? Seaty's audio pauses. Use Seaty's notification to resume playback later.
Will alarms stop my audio? Alarms pause or lower the audio. You may need to manually resume after dismissing an alarm.
Need help? Contact support@seaty.co.uk