Yes, you can play music on a Bluetooth speaker while on a phone call, but the behavior depends entirely on your smartphone's operating system. On an iPhone, music can keep playing through the Bluetooth speaker while you are on a call, though the call audio itself defaults to the iPhone’s earpiece or speakerphone unless you manually change the call output. On standard Android devices, the documented behavior is that music usually pauses when a call starts, and there is no native way to keep music playing on the Bluetooth speaker during the call.
Can you play music on a Bluetooth speaker while on a phone call?
The answer is platform-specific. On an iPhone, Apple documents that Bluetooth audio devices can play media independently while a cellular voice call is active, but the call audio uses the iPhone’s own call audio channel.
Methods of playing music on a Bluetooth speaker while on a phone call
- Bluetooth Splitter method: use a Bluetooth splitter to simultaneously connect phone to both Bluetooth speaker and headset/earphones, splitting the audio signal so music plays through speaker while calls are private via headset.
- Bluetooth Speakerphone method: use a Bluetooth speakerphone device that functions as both speaker and microphone for calls, allowing hands-free conversation while music plays through the Bluetooth speaker.
- Conference Call Apps method: use apps like Skype or Zoom that support audio streaming, connecting phone to the app on a computer or tablet to play music through Bluetooth speaker while on a call.
How to keep music playing on a Bluetooth speaker during an iPhone call
- Connect the Bluetooth speaker first by going to Settings > Bluetooth, turning on Bluetooth, then tapping the device name.
- Start music in an audio app such as Music or Podcasts.
- Tap the audio output control in the app, then select the Bluetooth accessory.
- If you want the call itself to go to a different destination, during the call tap Audio and choose iPhone or Speaker Phone.
Apple’s help pages confirm that Bluetooth audio devices can play media independently while you are on a cellular voice call, but the call audio itself uses the iPhone’s own call audio channel.
How to change iPhone call audio routing
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Call Audio Routing. The documented choices are Automatic, Bluetooth Headset, and Speaker. This setting controls where calls are routed; it does not send call audio and music to different devices at the same time. If you want to use a multi-speaker Bluetooth setup for music while keeping call audio on the iPhone, you would need to manage the audio output manually during the call.
What happens on Android phones during a call
The only retrieved Android result says music normally pauses during a call, and that you can enable loudspeaker mode during a call by tapping the loudspeaker icon on the call screen so call audio plays through the phone speaker.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the Bluetooth speaker is not working, check that the accessory is paired in Settings > Bluetooth. The iPhone should be within about 33 feet (10 meters) of the Bluetooth device. If call audio is going to the wrong place on iPhone, check Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Call Audio Routing and set it to the intended option. If the speaker disconnects, turn off Bluetooth, unpair the device, or move it out of range to force audio back to the iPhone. If you need to connect Bose wireless speaker, the same pairing steps apply: ensure it is in pairing mode and select it from the Bluetooth menu. For managing audio during a call, use the volume, mute and speaker controls on your phone to adjust the experience.
- Check the audio source setting: ensure phone audio output is set to Bluetooth speaker for music playback, not defaulting to internal speaker.
- Restart both phone and Bluetooth speaker to resolve temporary glitches or conflicts.
- Update firmware and drivers: check for firmware updates for the Bluetooth speaker and ensure phone OS is up to date to avoid compatibility issues.
- Reset Bluetooth settings on phone and speaker to remove existing connections and start fresh, then re-pair.
- Consult user manual or contact customer support for device-specific guidance if troubleshooting steps fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play music on a Bluetooth speaker while on a phone call on iPhone?
Yes, Apple says Bluetooth audio devices can play music or media simultaneously while a cellular voice call is active.
Where is the iPhone call routing setting?
Does the iPhone call routing setting split call audio and music to different devices?
No, the setting only controls where the call audio is routed; it does not send call audio to one device and music to another at the same time.
Can I keep music playing on a Bluetooth speaker during a call on Android?
Music normally pauses when a call starts.
What should I do if my Bluetooth speaker disconnects during a call?
Check the Bluetooth connection in Settings > Bluetooth, ensure the devices are within 33 feet (10 meters), and try turning Bluetooth off and on again or unpairing and re-pairing the speaker.
Can I control music playback while on a phone call using a Bluetooth speaker?
Yes, most Bluetooth speakers have built-in control buttons for play, pause, skip, volume, and answering/ending calls.
Are all Bluetooth speakers capable of playing music during a phone call?
Not all; verify this feature in product specifications before purchasing.
Can I listen to music on my phone while using a Bluetooth headset for a phone call?
Yes, Bluetooth headsets support audio playback and calls, allowing seamless switching.
