post Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch in Desktop

Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

scottzc — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:07:15 GMT

When I launch pandora.app, or open pandora.com in my web browser, my selected playlist/station begins playing automatically. This is often embarrassing and/or disturbing, as it is often inappropriate for me to play music out loud in those situations. I don't want the music to start until I click the play button. (that is, after I have put in my ear buds, and switched audio from speakers to ear buds). Also, sometimes I just want to search for a playlist or station, without listening to anything.

Please add an option in the web app and the desktop app that allows me to set the option to NOT auto-start playing music. Thank you.

mod edit: changed title for clarity

Re: Option to disable auto-start on web and desktop app

AlyssaPandora — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 15:06:11 GMT

Hi, @scottzc. 👋

Thanks for your feedback around this. I completely understand where you're coming from.

At this time, disabling playback upon launching Pandora on your web browser isn't a feature. However, if you download the Pandora Desktop App, the music doesn't start playing unless you click on the play button.

If you'd like to see other options available, feel free to create a feature suggestion in this space: Ideas

For more details about how ideas work, please visit our Ideas Policy & FAQs.

I hope this information is helpful. 🎧

lukuskywalker - Crossposting

lukuskywalker — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:14:57 GMT

Disable playback upon launching Pandora on your web browser.

When I open pandora.com in my web browser, my selected playlist/station begins playing automatically. This is often embarrassing and/or disturbing, as it is often inappropriate for me to play music out loud in those situations. I don't want the music to start until I click the play button. Sometimes I just want to search for a playlist or station, without listening to anything and most times I do not want to hear what I was last playing.

Please add an option in the web app that allows me to set the option to NOT auto-start playing music. Thank you.

Re: Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

MariaPandora — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:34:37 GMT

Hi @lukuskywalker , thanks for posting!

To keep thigs tidy I moved your post here: Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

Unfortunately, for web browser this is not currently a feature, but you may want to check the accepted solution for a work around.

Also, you may be interested on proposing a new idea to our Ideas Board. To do this, please go to the Ideas Board, then scroll down a bit so you can find the button, so you can add your idea.

Please note that the post where you and @scottzc previously shared your requests is an already closed post for the Pandora App.

Prevent Pandora from Automatically Playing Music Upon Opening the Browser

Raspberry_Trixi — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:15:16 GMT

Hello,

Pandora has this annoying feature of picking random music I don't listen to - and then playing that music when I open Pandora in a browser.

I don't want automatic anything. I want full control of what comes out of the speakers.

Is there anyway at all (other than discontinuing my subscription) to prevent Pandora from automatically playing music?

Thanks.

Re: Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

LeonPandora — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:49:58 GMT

@Raspberry_Trixi 👋

Thanks for your feedback around this. I completely understand where you're coming from.

Unfortunately, for web browser this is not currently a feature, but you may want to check the accepted solution for a work around.

If you'd like to see other options available, feel free to create a feature suggestion in this space: Ideas

For more details about how ideas work, please visit our Ideas Policy & FAQs.

I hope this information is helpful. 🎵

Re: Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

Raspberry_Trixi — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:13:40 GMT

I wonder if Spotify doesn't automatically play random music.

Re: Web + Desktop App: Option to disable auto-start at launch

MariaPandora — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 17:10:24 GMT

Hi @Raspberry_Trixi ,

Hearing from you helps us understand what matters to our listeners. In the meantime, we'll share this feedback with our development team on your behalf.

While Pandora doesn’t currently offer a way to disable auto-start at launch or set a default station on web, you can use a bookmark as a workaround to control what plays when you open it.

Here’s how:

Select your desired station (click away and back if needed to update the URL)
Copy the URL from your browser
Save it as a bookmark

When you open Pandora using that bookmark, it should launch directly into your preferred station. If need additional help with adding a bookmark, feel free to let me know which browser you're using and I can send over steps.