Why doesn't the play/pause button work on earbuds for Galaxy S7

[AC Question]

When using my S7 earbuds to listen to music or an audiobook, The play/pause button is very inconsistent on whether or not it works. If the audio is playing I can hit the pause button to pause and un-pause, but if i play a game, or leave my phone unused for a time the play button doesn't respond.

Same issue with bluetooth devices like my car radio. The car's display will show the track information as if it is connected, but the play/pause button is unresponsive until I click the home button on my phone and hit the play button manually.

This was never an issue with my previous phone (the S5). I would love to find a resolution.

 

[Rukbat]

Use S7 headphones. There are differences.

 

[xFistOfMarsx]

Thank you for the reply.

The problem persists regardless of the headphones or earbuds. I've tried my Jabra bluetooth headphones as well. I would think it would've at least worked with the earbuds that came with the phone, but it doesn't.

I suspect this is an issue with the phone, not the peripheral.