Find That Tune: Music Search By Sound On Your IPhone

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Have you ever been in a coffee shop, heard a catchy tune, and wondered what it was? Or maybe you're watching a movie and a song pops up that you just have to add to your playlist? Well, good news, music lovers! Your iPhone has some seriously cool tricks up its sleeve to help you identify songs just by listening to them. That's right, no more humming the melody badly into your search engine! In this guide, we'll dive into how to search music by sound on your iPhone, making you a Shazam-ing pro in no time. Let's explore the different ways you can use your iPhone to discover new music.

Shazam: The Original Sound Hound

Ah, Shazam. The OG of music identification apps. Most of us have probably heard of it, and many of us have used it at some point. But did you know it's now fully integrated into your iPhone? Yep, Apple bought Shazam a while back, making it even easier to use.

How to Use Shazam on Your iPhone

Using Shazam to identify songs is super simple, guys. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Open the Shazam app: If you don't already have it, download it from the App Store. It's free! Once installed, just tap the app icon.
  2. Tap the Shazam button: You'll see a big, inviting button with the Shazam logo. Tap it! Make sure the music is playing loud enough for your iPhone to hear it clearly. Reduce background noise as much as possible for best results.
  3. Wait for the magic: Shazam will listen to the music for a few seconds and, if it can identify the song, it will display the song title, artist, and even links to listen to it on Apple Music, Spotify, or other streaming services. It’s like having a musical wizard in your pocket!
  4. Explore your Shazams: All the songs you've identified are saved in the Shazam app. You can go back and listen to them again, add them to your playlists, or share them with your friends. Sharing is caring, after all!

Shazam in Control Center: Even Easier!

But wait, there's more! You can also add Shazam to your iPhone's Control Center for even quicker access. This is a game-changer, trust me. Here’s how:

  1. Open Settings: Head to the Settings app on your iPhone. You know, the one with the gear icon.
  2. Tap Control Center: Scroll down and tap on "Control Center."
  3. Add Music Recognition: Look for "Music Recognition" (it's the Shazam icon). Tap the plus (+) button next to it to add it to your Control Center.
  4. Access from Control Center: Now, whenever you hear a song you want to identify, just swipe down from the top-right corner of your screen (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open Control Center. Tap the Shazam icon, and your iPhone will start listening. Boom! Instant song identification.

Shazam is incredibly accurate most of the time, but it might struggle with obscure songs or recordings with a lot of background noise. But hey, it's still pretty darn amazing!

Siri: Your Personal Music Assistant

Did you know that Siri can also identify songs? Yep, your trusty voice assistant is not just for setting timers and telling jokes. Siri's got a musical ear too! This method is incredibly convenient because you don't even need to open an app.

How to Use Siri to Identify Songs

  1. Activate Siri: Just say "Hey Siri" or hold down the side button (or the Home button on older iPhones) to activate Siri.
  2. Ask Siri: Say something like "What song is this?" or "Name that tune!" Siri will listen to the music playing around you.
  3. Get the Results: If Siri can identify the song, it will display the song title and artist right on your screen. You'll also see a link to open it in Apple Music.

Using Siri is perfect for those moments when you're already using your phone and don't want to switch to another app. It's quick, easy, and hands-free!

Google Assistant: Another Helpful Option

If you're not an Apple ecosystem die-hard, you might prefer using Google Assistant. Guess what? It can also identify songs! Google Assistant is available as a separate app on the App Store.

How to Use Google Assistant to Identify Songs

  1. Download Google Assistant: If you don't have it already, download the Google Assistant app from the App Store.
  2. Activate Google Assistant: Open the app and say "Hey Google" or tap the microphone icon.
  3. Ask Google: Say something like "What's this song?" or "Identify this music." Google Assistant will start listening.
  4. See the Results: Google Assistant will display the song title and artist, along with links to listen to it on various streaming services.

Google Assistant is a great alternative if you're already heavily invested in the Google ecosystem. It works seamlessly with other Google services and devices.

YouTube Music: A Hidden Gem

Okay, this one might surprise you. YouTube Music also has a built-in song identification feature! It's a bit hidden, but it's there. This is especially useful if you're already a YouTube Music subscriber.

How to Use YouTube Music to Identify Songs

  1. Open YouTube Music: Open the YouTube Music app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Search Icon: Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen.
  3. Tap the Microphone Icon: Next to the search bar, you'll see a microphone icon. Tap it.
  4. Let YouTube Music Listen: YouTube Music will start listening to the music playing around you.
  5. Get the Results: If YouTube Music can identify the song, it will display the song title and artist. You can then listen to the song on YouTube Music or add it to your library.

YouTube Music's song identification feature is a bit less reliable than Shazam or Siri, but it's still a handy option if you're already using the app.

Tips for Best Results

No matter which method you choose, here are a few tips to help you get the best results when searching for music by sound on your iPhone:

  • Minimize Background Noise: The less background noise, the better. Try to move to a quieter area or get closer to the source of the music.
  • Ensure Clear Audio: Make sure the music is playing loud enough for your iPhone to hear it clearly. Don't cover the microphone with your hand.
  • Be Patient: Sometimes it takes a few seconds for your iPhone to identify the song. Be patient and let it listen for a while.
  • Check Your Internet Connection: All of these methods require an internet connection to work. Make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or have a strong cellular signal.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Several awesome ways to search music by sound on your iPhone. Whether you prefer using Shazam, Siri, Google Assistant, or YouTube Music, your iPhone is a powerful tool for discovering new music. Now you can finally put an end to those "what's that song?" moments and impress your friends with your musical knowledge. Happy listening, music detectives!