How to stop a song repeating on iPhone

Listening to your favourite tunes is kind of the point of a music app, but even the best tracks can get tiresome if they keep playing over and over again. In this article we show you the simple way to ensure your tracks remain fresh, by stopping one from repeating on your iPhone’s Apple Music or Spotify app.

If you’re still deciding which service to use, take a look at our Apple Music vs Spotify comparison review.

Locating the repeat button in the Apple Music app

The most obvious reason for songs to be repeating in the Music app is if the repeat function has been turned on. Fixing this is very easy, so long as you can find the right button.

When you open the Music app the repeat button isn’t actually visible on the standard-sized iPhone. Those with Plus models will find the extra real estate provides them with the view they need, but if you’re looking at the album page (where all the tracks are listed) then the button will be hidden no matter which device you’re using.

To find it you’ll need to tap the section at the bottom of the screen where the current track is playing. You’ll see the album cover on the left side, track details in the middle, then the Play/Pause option on the right.

Tap on the name of the track and you’ll open up an expanded view with the artwork dominating the page. You’ll see there is still no repeat button, but this is only a swipe away. Simply scroll the page upwards and the missing control will hove into view.

If the repeat button is highlighted in red then that means it’s turned on. Tap it once and you might see the number 1 added. This means that the track will only be repeated once.

Tap it again and the colour of the button will return to off-white, indicating that the track will finish once the last chords have been played.

Now your music will return to its varied and constantly fascinating state, although if you have shuffle mode engaged then the track may appear randomly at any time.

For more features and tips for the service read our How to use Apple Music in the UK guide.

Finding the repeat function on Spotify

As Spotify is the most popular music streaming service around, there’s a good chance you might be using that as your digital jukebox of choice. Turning the repeat function on and off in Spotify follows a similar route to that of Apple Music.

First, open the Spotify app so that you’re at the page where you can see the track listing for the relevant album or playlist. At the bottom of the screen you’ll see a small section with the current track name and a pause button to the right.

Tap on this area and you’ll open up the track page, complete with playback controls under the track name.

On the right are two curved arrows forming a flat circle. If this is green then it means that repeat mode is turned on. Tap it once and you’ll see the number 1 appear above the arrows. This means that the track will only repeat once.

Tap it again and the arrows will turn white, which indicates that the repeat mode has now been turned off.

If you’ve recently invested in an Apple HomePod, then you might also want to read our How to listen to Spotify on HomePod to take full advantage of what the new speaker has to offer.