How to use Shazam on iPhone without downloading the app

2 minutes read

Shazam is the quintessential application that helps users identify a song that they do not know and is playing at the moment. To use it, like other platforms, it is necessary to download it, or at least that is what most believed, since those who have iPhone can use it without having to download the app.

From 2020 this function can be used. came when Apple released iOS 14.2 and introduced some iconic new emoji, like the “frustrated Italian hand gesture” and bubble tea. Among the novelties, it introduced the function of using Shazam without having to install the app.

This is thanks to the ability to add the identifying songs from Shazam to iPhone Control Center. With just a couple of simple steps this feature can be accessed directly from the lock screen.

When Apple acquired Shazam in 2018, it made the app ad-free for everyone and finally incorporated its song identification feature directly into iOS; you don’t even need to download the app to identify a song.

Because you also don’t need to unlock your phone to access Shazam, you can identify a song on the radio (even if you’re listening with headphones) or the street while walking, without it ending.

The only thing that is required is have iOS 14.2 or laterrand follow these steps to impress everyone with ‘extensive musical knowledge’ and Shazam from the lock screen:

First you have to make sure that Control Center is available on the lock screen:

– Go to Settings> Face ID and password (or Touch ID).

– Scroll down to “Allow access when locked” and make sure Control Center is turned on.

Then add Shazam to Control Center:

– Go to Settings > Control Center

– Scroll down to “More Controls” and tap the green plus icon next to Music Recognition to add it to the “Included Controls” list.

– Change its position in Control Center by moving it up or down in the list (touch and hold the three bars to the right of the icon).

At the end of the configuration you will be able to see the Shazam icon in the Control Center. To access from the lock screen, you must swipe down from the top of the screen on a phone with Face ID, or swipe up from the bottom on a phone with Touch ID.

Later touch the Shazam icon to activate music recognition: the icon will light up and flash while listening. A notification will appear in a few moments with the song and artist or a message that no results were found.

You can also ask Siri to use Shazam to identify a song, which will come in handy if you have your hands full at the time. To use this iPhone benefit, you need to follow the steps above and verify that Siri is enabled on the lock screen. Otherwise, just say “Hey Siri, what song is playing?” or something like that. She will reply that she is listening and you will receive a Shazam notification when the song has been identified.