How To Make Audible Play When Phone Is Locked

Alright, buckle up audiobook aficionados! We're about to dive headfirst into a world where your listening pleasure isn't interrupted by pesky locked screens. Forget those awkward fumbles trying to unlock your phone every five minutes.

The Great Audible Escape: Keeping the Story Alive (Even When Locked!)

Let's get this show on the road! We want Audible narrators whispering sweet (or thrilling, or terrifying) nothings in your ear even when your phone is chilling in locked-screen slumber.

Step 1: Download the App (Duh!)

Okay, this might seem like stating the obvious. But just in case a friendly alien just landed and is trying to figure out Earthly audiobook habits, you'll need the Audible app.

Step 2: The "Background App Refresh" Tango

Think of this as giving Audible permission to party behind the scenes. On iPhones, head into "Settings," then "General," then "Background App Refresh."

Make sure that "Background App Refresh" is toggled to "On" (either for Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi & Cellular Data). Find Audible in the list and make sure it's switched ON too! This is key!

Step 3: Notification Nirvana

Notifications: they're not just annoying pop-ups, they're your gateway to audiobook bliss! Go back into your iPhone's main "Settings" menu.

Tap on "Notifications," then scroll down to find Audible. Let's ensure that "Allow Notifications" is switched on. Victory!

While you're in there, make sure you have some sort of persistent notification style enabled. I find "Persistent" banner to be less annoying, but test it out!

Step 4: The Lock Screen Lowdown (iOS Control Center Magic)

This is where the magic truly happens! Once you start playing a book in Audible, lock your screen.

Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom if you're rocking an older iPhone) to access the Control Center. Behold! You should see playback controls for Audible right there!

Play, pause, skip forward, skip back – all at your fingertips, even with a locked screen. It's like having your own personal audiobook remote control!

Step 5: Android Adventures (The Notification Shade is Your Friend)

Android users, fear not! The process is equally simple, though slightly different.

Start playing your audiobook. Lock your screen.

Now, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the notification shade. You should see Audible's playback controls right there as a persistent notification!

Step 6: Battery Optimization (Because Nobody Likes a Dead Phone Mid-Chapter)

Sometimes, your phone might be a little too eager to conserve battery. It can decide that Audible is being a bit too… active and shut it down in the background.

On Android, go to "Settings," then "Battery," then "Battery Optimization" (or something similar – it varies slightly depending on your phone). Find Audible and set it to "Don't Optimize."

Step 7: The Test Drive (Because Everything Deserves a Trial Run)

Now, for the moment of truth! Start playing an audiobook in Audible.

Lock your screen and make sure those sweet, sweet sounds are still flowing. If they are, you've conquered the locked-screen audiobook challenge! Celebrate with a virtual high-five!