Microsoft Band 2: how to use the new music playback controls

Latest Microsoft Band 2 firmware update brings support for controlling music apps, such as Groove Music and Spotify, on your phone, and here is how you can use the new features.

Microsoft Band 2 music controls

Just a couple of days ago, Microsoft has released a new update for the second generation of its fitness tracker. Along with this update there have been added a few new features, which are indeed very nice to have. Wearable devices are designed to make things a bit easier and part of that is also the ability to control your music through wristband instead of using your phone.

In the latest update for the Microsoft Band 2, the software giant is adding support for controlling music apps on your phone, and not only you can control apps, such as Groove Music or Podcast app, but also third-party apps, including Spotify and similar apps that support the feature.

Microsoft Band 2 music playback controls

First and foremost, you need to make sure your Microsoft Band 2 is running the latest firmware update, otherwise you won’t be able to use the new features. You can easily check if you have the latest firmware version by opening the Microsoft Health app, this app has been designed to be used as a companion for the Microsoft Band and it will notify you in case there is an update available to download.

Then open your favorite music app on phone, such as Mix Radio, Groove Music, or Spotify, and double-tap the power button on your Microsoft Band 2 to get the volume control.

If you quickly double-tap the power button on your Microsoft Band 2, the music control will pop up, as well as the song title you are currently listening to. You can then skip to the next or previous song and you can pause your current playback.

If you are wearing gloves, pausing and skipping songs with the touchscreen could be problematic, therefore Microsoft has also integrated the action button. If you press this button once while music controls are displayed songs will be paused or played, if you tap the button twice you can skip to the next song.

Volume controls have been solved with some neat swipe actions. If you swipe to the right while music control is displayed you can lower the volume and by swiping to the left you can increase the volume.

Microsoft Band 2 music playback controls

  • Double-tap power button for music control
  • Tap action button once for pause or play
  • Tap action button twice for skip to next song
  • Swipe right or left for volume control

Without music control the Microsoft Band 2 was lacking a very important feature which every wearable device should be capable of. Gladly Microsoft has now delivered this with the latest firmware update, feel free to drop me a comment below with your opinion on this, stay tuned.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.