How to Play Music and Podcasts on Your Xbox Series X or S Effortlessly

This article explains how to play music and podcasts on the Xbox Series X or S and play CDs on the Series X. The examples below use the Spotify and Casts apps, but the instructions should apply to most music and podcast apps.

How To Use Spotify on Xbox Series X or S

Spotify is one of the biggest music streaming services available. It takes seconds to set up on your Xbox Series X|S. Here's how.

1. Download and install the Spotify app from the Microsoft Store.

2. Open the app and click Log In.

3. Choose to log in either via the app, PIN pairing (if you're near a computer) or via entering your username details.

4. Click on a playlist you want to listen to.

5. Click Play.

6. The music will now play.

How to Play a Podcast Using Casts

If you'd prefer to listen to a podcast rather than music, that's also an option for Xbox Series X or S owners. Here's how to do so.

1. Download and install the Casts app from the Microsoft Store.

2. Open the app and click Browse.

3. Click on a podcast category that interests you.

4. Click on the thumbnail of the podcast you want to listen to.

5. Scroll down the list of episodes and click the individual episode you wish to start with.

How to Play CDs on Your Xbox Series X

Do you still have CDs? One of the simplest ways to play them on your Xbox Series X is to use Groove Music. Previously a music streaming service, the app is now a great way to play audio CDs. Here's how to do so.

1. Install Groove Music from the Microsoft Store.

2. Put the audio CD into your Xbox Series X's disc drive.

3. The audio CD should play automatically. If it doesn't, open the Groove Music app and click Play All.

   Album artwork should also be retrieved automatically.

How to Listen To Music While Playing a Game

If you use Spotify, you can play music while playing a game. Here's what to do.

1. Start playing Spotify through the above method. 

2. Tap the glowing middle button of your Xbox Series X or S controller.

3. Scroll down and click My Games & Apps.

4. Find the game you want to play and press A to open it. The song will now continue to play while you play a game.

Which Apps and Services Are Compatible?

Rather than having a dedicated media player, the Xbox Series X or S has a store that provides plenty of apps and services so you can download the appropriate one for your tastes and needs. Apps such as Spotify, SoundCloud, Groove Music, and Deezer are all available, along with more generic solutions such as Media Player and Audio CD Player. If you want to listen to podcasts, Casts is a good option.