SiriusXM app issue with Versa

[nlippincott]

I have the Fitbit app and the SiriusXM app installed on the same device, with the Fitbit app connected to a Versa. I realize the Versa is not able to control the SiriusXM app, and that's fine. However, I do experience a rather odd issue that seems to be related to the two apps running on the same Android device (a Samsung Galaxy S7).

Whenever I am playing SiriusXM audio stream on my phone, if I walk out of Bluetooth range of my phone while wearing the Versa, the SiriusXM app pauses. With the assistance of another person, I also found that when this happens and the other person restarts the SiriusXM stream, if I walk back into Bluetooth range (again, while wearing the Versa) the SiriusXM stream pauses again.

This behavior does not occur with other streaming apps, namely Pandora or Amazon Music. It just happens with the SiriusXM app. Furthermore, it does not matter if SiriusXM is playing through the phone's speaker or through a Bluetooth speaker. It always quits when the Versa goes in or out of Bluetooth range of the phone.

I do not have anything set up for my Versa regarding Music or audio controls. I have tried enabling the classic Bluetooth connection for the Versa, but that made no difference.

I am curious if anyone else has experienced this, or has a Versa with the Fitbit and SiriusXM apps on the same phone. Has anyone had the same issue and found a solution? I would appreciate any suggestions. I have contacted SiriusXM support, but they have not been helpful. Thanks.

[AlvaroFitbit]

@nlippincott Welcome! Thanks for being part of our Community! This is rather intriguing. I haven't heard about this myself but what are you doing when you listen to music via SiriusXM? I ask because if you aren't in the need of syncing your Versa during this time you could try removing it from the bluetooth list on your phone and don't open the Fitbit app during this period. See if this helps avoid this link between the Fitbit app/Versa and your SiriusXM app.

Let me know how it goes!

[nlippincott]

I am not in need of syncing while the SiriusXM app is playing. The only option I saw in the Bluetooth settings for Versa was to "unpair", which I did try. However, Versa comes back to the Bluetooth list on its own and continues to sync.

I do see in my notification area of the phone the Fitbit Sync Service continues to run. I believe the only way to shut that down is to remove Versa from my Fitbit app, which I really don't want to do. I would have to go through the process of re-connecting it, I suppose.

I did try connecting "Versa Classic" to my Bluetooth settings for Music control, thinking that might help. When I did that, I found that I can play and pause the SiriusXM stream, and the Versa will also display what's playing on the SiriusXM app. However, if I walk away from the phone while wearing the Versa, the audio stream still stops once I get out of Bluetooth range. I have since removed "Versa Classic" from the Bluetooth list.

I am wondering if removing the Music app from the Versa might do the trick, but I have yet to try that. I don't know if it is that app which gives the Versa the ability to control music on the phone. If it does, I am thinking it might work for me. But if that app only plays music loaded onto the Versa, then probably not. Playing music from the Versa is not a feature I intend to use.