Fix: Apple Music doesn’t play songs in iOS 12

Even though Spotify takes the majority of the music-streaming market, Apple Music is still holding up. There are some minutiae changes which came out recently with iOS 12, but the app (and the service in whole) is still simple to use and has a large music library. However, some users had issues with streaming tracks on Apple Music after the iOS 12 update hit the grid.

We offer a few solutions which should help you address this. You can check them in the list we provided below.

Solution 1 – Check the connection

Every streaming service requires a stable connection in order to play selected tracks. Unless, of course, you don’t download songs to your local storage. So, before we move to additional steps, we need you to confirm your device is maintaining stable connection and the network isn’t the problem.

If the connection is indeed the problem, we suggest following these steps to resolve it:

• Reset your router and handset.
• Temporarily disconnect all other devices on the same network.
• Try connecting to an alternative network.
• Make sure SSID isn’t hidden.

Solution 2 – Restart the device

Rebooting the device is always helpful. This seems to be a cache problem, as some users suggested on the official forum. The majority of cache-related bugs are easily resolved with a simple reboot.

After you restart your device, Apple Music should work as intended. On the other hand, if you’re still stuck with the “Not playing” prompt, move onwards through the list.

Solution 3 – Reset Network settings

All your Network related settings are stored and some of them might affect various connection-dependent apps. Especially after a major update, when is advised to clean all settings in order to prevent issues.

However, before we move to clean reinstall, we recommend resetting Network settings first. Have in mind that this will erase all saved ISSDs and passwords and Bluetooth pairings.

Here’s how to reset Network settings on iPhone/iPad:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open General.
3. Select Reset.
4. Tap Reset Network Settings.

Solution 4 – Install iOS 12 clean

Finally, as we mentioned in the previous solution, the best way to avoid issues after a major update is to install it cleanly. You can restore your files and settings later on. However, the only way to get Apple Music playing again is to avoid restoring. Now, we know that’s more than unwanted scenario, but that’s what, seemingly, completely addresses the error.

Here’s how to install iOS 12 on a clean-slate device:

1. Tap Settings.
2. Open General.
3. Select Reset.
4. Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
5. Enter your Apple ID when prompted.
6. After the device resets, restore everything from iCloud.

That should do it. In case you’re still stuck with the error, we suggest avoiding restoring. Thanks for reading and we hope these solutions helped you resolve the Apple Music error. Don’t forget to share alternative solutions or questions in the comments section below.