Every song you've ever loved is available on your phone right now. From Frank Sinatra to today's hits - here's how to find and play any of them.
Download Spotify or YouTube Music (both free). Search for any song, artist, or album. Tap play. You can also ask your smart speaker: "Hey Alexa, play Frank Sinatra" or "Hey Google, play oldies from the 60s."
Think of it like radio, but you pick every song. No CDs, no downloads - just search and play.
Spotify alone has over 100 million songs. Every genre, every era, every artist you can think of - it's all there.
Listen on your phone, tablet, computer, smart speaker, or TV. Start on one device and continue on another.
The more you listen, the better it gets at suggesting songs you'll love. It's like having a friend who knows exactly what music you enjoy.
Artists get paid when you stream their music. This is the official, legal way to listen to music in 2026.
These are the top music apps. All offer free versions so you can try before you pay.
The world's most popular music app. Over 100 million songs, podcasts, and audiobooks. Works on every device.
Every song plus music videos, live performances, and rare recordings you can't find anywhere else.
Apple's music service. Works seamlessly with iPhone, iPad, and HomePod. Over 100 million songs.
The original music streaming service. Creates personalized radio stations based on songs and artists you like.
Follow these steps and you'll be listening to music in no time.
Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). Search for "Spotify" or "YouTube Music" and tap Install.
Open the app and sign up with your email. You can also sign in with your Google or Apple account for faster setup.
Tap the search icon (magnifying glass) and type any song title, artist name, or even lyrics you remember. The app will find it.
Tap any song to start listening. Use the controls at the bottom to pause, skip, or adjust volume.
Tap the heart icon on any song to save it to your library. This creates your personal collection that you can access anytime.
Can't remember the title? There are several ways to find that song stuck in your head.
Type any lyrics you remember into the search bar. Even a few words will usually find the song. Try "fly me to the moon" and watch it appear instantly.
Search for "50s hits," "60s classics," "70s rock," or "80s pop" to find curated playlists organized by era. Perfect for reliving your favorite decade.
Google can identify songs when you hum them. Open Google on your phone and tap the microphone, then tap "Search a song" and hum the melody.
"Alexa, play jazz from the 1950s" or "Hey Google, play songs by Ella Fitzgerald." Your smart speaker connects to your music app and plays instantly.
Your phone is just the remote control. Here's how to play music on different devices.
Wireless speakers that connect to your phone. Place them anywhere in your home for room-filling sound.
To connect: Turn on the speaker → Go to phone Settings → Bluetooth → Tap the speaker name.
Just say what you want to hear. No phone needed once set up. "Alexa, play my favorites" or "Hey Google, play relaxing piano music."
Most Smart TVs have Spotify and YouTube Music apps built in. Play music through your TV speakers or soundbar for the best home audio experience.
Perfect for listening without disturbing others. AirPods (iPhone) or any Bluetooth headphones connect the same way as a Bluetooth speaker.
The free versions are excellent. Here's what you get - and what costs extra.
Our recommendation: Start with free. If the ads bother you after a few weeks, upgrade to paid. You can cancel anytime.
Common questions about listening to music on your phone.
Spotify and YouTube Music are the most popular. Spotify has the largest library and a generous free tier. YouTube Music is great if you also want to watch music videos. Apple Music works best for iPhone users.
Yes. Spotify, YouTube Music, and Pandora all have free versions with ads. You can listen to almost any song ever recorded without paying. Paid versions ($10-11/month) remove ads and let you download music.
Turn on your Bluetooth speaker and put it in pairing mode. On your phone, go to Settings → Bluetooth, and tap the speaker name when it appears. Once connected, any music you play will come through the speaker.
Absolutely. Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music have extensive catalogs going back to the earliest recordings. Search for any artist or song title and you'll likely find it, from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles to Motown classics.
TechMaid can walk you through setting up any music app or connecting to a speaker. Just ask!
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