How to Control iPod Music Playback Anytime on iPhone

Advertised as the best iPod, I used to play music on iPhone while on-the-go. I know many of you do not just listen to music solely. At the same time, you probably also access map application, browse the web via Safari or jot down your thought using the Note application — the list goes on.

So, now you want to go back to iPod and skip a song. How will you do it? Probably, you’ll tap the Home button to go back the home screen and tap “iPod”. Then you can access the iPod control to skip that song. This works but there are two couple methods that can make this much simpler and quicker.

Double-tap Home Button

The single button design of iPhone does not limit its functionality and usability. You may already know you can double-tap the Home button and open up your favourite contacts or use it to jump directly to the first page of iPhone home screen. And actually, you can use the same technique to access the iPod control during music playback. While you’re listening to music, double-tap the Home button. iPhone will show you a simplified version of iPod control, so that you can pause or skip songs. This shortcut should work anywhere in iPhone, including Map, Note, Contact or even iPhone lock screen.

This is not a new feature and has incorporated in iPhone since firmware 1.1 release. So, you may already know this trick. For those who heard about this for the first time, you may need to go to “Settings” -> “General” -> “Home Button” and enable “iPod Controls” before you can enjoy this feature.

SBSettings adds iPod Control

The second way to access iPod control while you’re using other applications is to use SBSettings. SBSettings is a great application for jailbreak iPhone. It lets you access all kinds of toggles in Settings directly from any iPhone screen. Recently, SBSettings added a new widget for iPod control. You can use the iPod toggle to control music playback anytime. To access SBSettings, you can swipe the status bar at the top or tap the status bar with two fingers. It’ll bring up the iPod control.

For details about SBSettings, you can also check out this post.

Do you have other iPhone tips or tricks? Feel free to leave your comment

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Tagged as: iPhone, iphone 3G, iPhone Tips, iPod, SBSettings

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

1 pdwalker January 7, 2009 at 10:51 am: Since you are probably using the headphones, you might find it easier to use the switch that is on the headphones.

one click – stop/start

two clicks – next song

three clicks – previous song.

2 Abishek January 27, 2009 at 9:15 pm: & i thought i knew everything about my iphone
thanks dude

3 Aaron Jones September 30, 2009 at 8:34 pm: Great and useful tip!!