You can easily identify music playing around you on your iPad using its built-in capabilities or the popular Shazam app. The most straightforward ways include asking Siri, utilizing the Shazam app directly, or adding the convenient Shazam widget to your Today View for quick access.
1. Using Siri for Instant Recognition
Your iPad's virtual assistant, Siri, offers a seamless way to identify songs. Siri is deeply integrated with Shazam's technology, allowing for quick and accurate music recognition.
How to Activate and Ask Siri:
- Activate Siri:
- Voice Command: Simply say "Hey Siri."
- Button Press: Press and hold the Home button (on iPads with a Home button) or the Top button (on iPads without a Home button).
- Ask for the Song: Once Siri is active, ask a clear question like:
- "What song is this?"
- "What's playing?"
- "Name that tune."
Siri will listen to the music and display the song title, artist, and album, often with options to play it on Apple Music or other streaming services.
Tip: Ensure your iPad's microphone isn't obstructed and that the music is playing clearly in the background for best results. For more details on Siri's capabilities, visit Apple's Siri page.
2. Using the Shazam App
Shazam is a dedicated music recognition app that provides additional features beyond simple identification, such as saving your discovered songs and exploring charts.
How to Get and Use the Shazam App:
- Download Shazam:
- Open the App Store on your iPad.
- Search for "Shazam."
- Tap Get or the cloud icon to download and install the app.
- Identify Music:
- Open the Shazam app.
- Tap the large Shazam button (the circular icon) in the center of the screen.
- The app will start listening and display the song information once identified.
- Explore Features:
- Auto Shazam: For continuous recognition, turn on Auto Shazam in the app settings, which will keep identifying music in the background without needing to tap each time.
- My Music: All your identified songs (Shazams) are saved in the "My Music" section, allowing you to revisit them later.
- Connect to Streaming Services: Shazam allows you to connect to services like Apple Music or Spotify to listen to the full song directly.
Practical Insight: Shazam is excellent for creating a history of all the music you discover. You can find the Shazam app on the App Store.
3. Using the Shazam Widget for Quick Access
For the fastest music identification without opening an app, add the Shazam widget to your iPad's Today View. This allows you to Shazam a song with a single tap from your Lock Screen or Home Screen.
Steps to Add and Use the Shazam Widget:
- Access Today View:
- Swipe right from the Home Screen or Lock Screen on your iPad.
- Edit Widgets:
- Scroll to the bottom of the Today View and tap Edit.
- If you're on iPadOS 14 or later, you might tap the + icon in the top-left corner first.
- Add Shazam Widget:
- Scroll through the list of available widgets until you find Shazam.
- Tap the + icon next to it or drag it to your Today View.
- Tap Done in the top-right corner.
- Identify Music with the Widget:
- Now, whenever you want to identify a song, simply swipe right to access the Today View.
- Tap the Shazam widget. It will immediately start listening and display the song details.
Note: The widget provides a quick trigger; tapping it will open the Shazam app to show the detailed song information. For more on adding and managing widgets, refer to Apple's iPad User Guide.
Comparing Music Recognition Methods
| Feature | Siri | Shazam App | Shazam Widget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Voice command, no app opening | Requires opening app, then tapping | One-tap from Today View or Lock Screen |
| Speed | Very fast | Fast, but requires app launch | Extremely fast, instant access |
| Features | Basic identification | Full history, auto-Shazam, streaming | Quick identification trigger |
| Requirement | Internet connection, Siri enabled | Shazam app installed, internet | Shazam app installed, internet |
| Best For | Hands-free, quick questions | In-depth song history, exploration | Instant identification, fast access |
Troubleshooting Tips
- Internet Connection: Music recognition requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to connect to the song database.
- Audio Quality: Ensure the music source is clear and loud enough for your iPad's microphone to pick it up without excessive background noise.
- App Updates: Keep the Shazam app and your iPad's operating system (iPadOS) updated to ensure optimal performance and access to the latest features.
By leveraging these methods, you can easily identify any song you hear on your iPad, enriching your music discovery experience.
