diff --git a/RELEASENOTES.md b/RELEASENOTES.md
index 47170725be..5ceebf14d9 100644
--- a/RELEASENOTES.md
+++ b/RELEASENOTES.md
@@ -46,6 +46,9 @@
     *   Add the media session as an argument of `getMediaButtons()` of the
         `DefaultMediaNotificationProvider` and use immutable lists for clarity
         ([#216](https://github.com/androidx/media/issues/216)).
+    *   Add `onSetMediaItems` callback listener to provide means to modify/set
+        `MediaItem` list, starting index and position by session before setting
+        onto Player ([#156](https://github.com/androidx/media/issues/156)).
 *   Metadata:
     *   Parse multiple null-separated values from ID3 frames, as permitted by
         ID3 v2.4.
diff --git a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSession.java b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSession.java
index 7f09c4280b..9037f9aae8 100644
--- a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSession.java
+++ b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSession.java
@@ -58,6 +58,8 @@ import androidx.media3.common.util.UnstableApi;
 import androidx.media3.common.util.Util;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaLibraryService.LibraryParams;
 import com.google.common.base.Objects;
+import com.google.common.collect.ImmutableList;
+import com.google.common.primitives.Longs;
 import com.google.common.util.concurrent.Futures;
 import com.google.common.util.concurrent.ListenableFuture;
 import java.util.HashMap;
@@ -1055,13 +1057,13 @@ public class MediaSession {
 
     /**
      * Called when a controller requested to add new {@linkplain MediaItem media items} to the
-     * playlist via one of the {@code Player.addMediaItem(s)} or {@code Player.setMediaItem(s)}
-     * methods.
+     * playlist via one of the {@code Player.addMediaItem(s)} methods. Unless overriden, {@link
+     * Callback#onSetMediaItems} will direct {@code Player.setMediaItem(s)} to this method as well.
      *
-     * <p>This callback is also called when an app is using a legacy {@link
-     * MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls} to prepare or play media (for instance when browsing
-     * the catalogue and then selecting an item for preparation from Android Auto that is using the
-     * legacy Media1 library).
+     * <p>In addition, unless {@link Callback#onSetMediaItems} is overridden, this callback is also
+     * called when an app is using a legacy {@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls} to
+     * prepare or play media (for instance when browsing the catalogue and then selecting an item
+     * for preparation from Android Auto that is using the legacy Media1 library).
      *
      * <p>Note that the requested {@linkplain MediaItem media items} don't have a {@link
      * MediaItem.LocalConfiguration} (for example, a URI) and need to be updated to make them
@@ -1074,8 +1076,8 @@ public class MediaSession {
      * the {@link MediaItem media items} have been resolved, the session will call {@link
      * Player#setMediaItems} or {@link Player#addMediaItems} as requested.
      *
-     * <p>Interoperability: This method will be called in response to the following {@link
-     * MediaControllerCompat} methods:
+     * <p>Interoperability: This method will be called, unless {@link Callback#onSetMediaItems} is
+     * overridden, in response to the following {@link MediaControllerCompat} methods:
      *
      * <ul>
      *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#prepareFromUri prepareFromUri}
@@ -1103,6 +1105,156 @@ public class MediaSession {
         MediaSession mediaSession, ControllerInfo controller, List<MediaItem> mediaItems) {
       return Futures.immediateFailedFuture(new UnsupportedOperationException());
     }
+
+    /**
+     * Called when a controller requested to set {@linkplain MediaItem media items} to the playlist
+     * via one of the {@code Player.setMediaItem(s)} methods. The default implementation calls
+     * {@link Callback#onAddMediaItems}. Override this method if you want to modify/set the starting
+     * index/position for the {@code Player.setMediaItem(s)} methods.
+     *
+     * <p>This callback is also called when an app is using a legacy {@link
+     * MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls} to prepare or play media (for instance when browsing
+     * the catalogue and then selecting an item for preparation from Android Auto that is using the
+     * legacy Media1 library).
+     *
+     * <p>Note that the requested {@linkplain MediaItem media items} in the
+     * MediaItemsWithStartPosition don't have a {@link MediaItem.LocalConfiguration} (for example, a
+     * URI) and need to be updated to make them playable by the underlying {@link Player}.
+     * Typically, this implementation should be able to identify the correct item by its {@link
+     * MediaItem#mediaId} and/or the {@link MediaItem#requestMetadata}.
+     *
+     * <p>Return a {@link ListenableFuture} with the resolved {@linkplain
+     * MediaItemsWithStartPosition media items and starting index and position}. You can also return
+     * the items directly by using Guava's {@link Futures#immediateFuture(Object)}. Once the {@link
+     * MediaItemsWithStartPosition} has been resolved, the session will call {@link
+     * Player#setMediaItems} as requested. If the resolved {@link
+     * MediaItemsWithStartPosition#startIndex startIndex} is {@link
+     * androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET C.INDEX_UNSET} and {@link
+     * MediaItemsWithStartPosition#startPositionMs startPositionMs} is {@link
+     * androidx.media3.common.C#TIME_UNSET C.TIME_UNSET} then the session will call {@link
+     * Player#setMediaItem(MediaItem, boolean)} with {@code resetPosition} set to {@code true}.
+     *
+     * <p>Interoperability: This method will be called in response to the following {@link
+     * MediaControllerCompat} methods:
+     *
+     * <ul>
+     *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#prepareFromUri prepareFromUri}
+     *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#playFromUri playFromUri}
+     *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#prepareFromMediaId prepareFromMediaId}
+     *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#playFromMediaId playFromMediaId}
+     *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#prepareFromSearch prepareFromSearch}
+     *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#playFromSearch playFromSearch}
+     *   <li>{@link MediaControllerCompat.TransportControls#addQueueItem addQueueItem}
+     * </ul>
+     *
+     * The values of {@link MediaItem#mediaId}, {@link MediaItem.RequestMetadata#mediaUri}, {@link
+     * MediaItem.RequestMetadata#searchQuery} and {@link MediaItem.RequestMetadata#extras} will be
+     * set to match the legacy method call. The session will call {@link Player#setMediaItems} or
+     * {@link Player#addMediaItems}, followed by {@link Player#prepare()} and {@link Player#play()}
+     * as appropriate once the {@link MediaItem} has been resolved.
+     *
+     * @param mediaSession The session for this event.
+     * @param controller The controller information.
+     * @param mediaItems The list of requested {@linkplain MediaItem media items}.
+     * @param startIndex The start index in the {@link MediaItem} list from which to start playing.
+     *     If startIndex is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET C.INDEX_UNSET} and
+     *     startPositionMs is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#TIME_UNSET C.TIME_UNSET} then caller
+     *     is requesting to set media items with default index and position.
+     * @param startPositionMs The starting position in the media item from where to start playing.
+     *     If startIndex is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET C.INDEX_UNSET} and
+     *     startPositionMs is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#TIME_UNSET C.TIME_UNSET} then caller
+     *     is requesting to set media items with default index and position.
+     * @return A {@link ListenableFuture} with a {@link MediaItemsWithStartPosition} containing a
+     *     list of resolved {@linkplain MediaItem media items}, and a starting index and position
+     *     that are playable by the underlying {@link Player}. If returned {@link
+     *     MediaItemsWithStartPosition#startIndex} is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET
+     *     C.INDEX_UNSET} and {@link MediaItemsWithStartPosition#startPositionMs} is {@link
+     *     androidx.media3.common.C#TIME_UNSET C.TIME_UNSET}, then {@linkplain
+     *     Player#setMediaItems(List, boolean) Player#setMediaItems(List, true)} will be called to
+     *     set media items with default index and position.
+     */
+    @UnstableApi
+    default ListenableFuture<MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItems(
+        MediaSession mediaSession,
+        ControllerInfo controller,
+        List<MediaItem> mediaItems,
+        int startIndex,
+        long startPositionMs) {
+      return Util.transformFutureAsync(
+          onAddMediaItems(mediaSession, controller, mediaItems),
+          (mediaItemList) ->
+              Futures.immediateFuture(
+                  new MediaItemsWithStartPosition(mediaItemList, startIndex, startPositionMs)));
+    }
+  }
+
+  /** Representation of list of media items and where to start playing */
+  @UnstableApi
+  public static final class MediaItemsWithStartPosition {
+    /** List of {@link MediaItem media items}. */
+    public final ImmutableList<MediaItem> mediaItems;
+    /**
+     * Index to start playing at in {@link MediaItem} list.
+     *
+     * <p>If startIndex is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET C.INDEX_UNSET} and
+     * startPositionMs is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#TIME_UNSET C.TIME_UNSET} then the
+     * requested start is the default index and position. If only startIndex is {@link
+     * androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET C.INDEX_UNSET}, then the requested start is the
+     * {@linkplain Player#getCurrentMediaItemIndex() current index} and {@linkplain
+     * Player#getContentPosition() position}.
+     */
+    public final int startIndex;
+    /**
+     * Position to start playing from in starting media item.
+     *
+     * <p>If startIndex is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET C.INDEX_UNSET} and
+     * startPositionMs is {@link androidx.media3.common.C#TIME_UNSET C.TIME_UNSET} then the
+     * requested start is the default start index that takes into account whether {@link
+     * Player#getShuffleModeEnabled() shuffling is enabled} and the {@linkplain
+     * Timeline.Window#defaultPositionUs} default position}. If only startIndex is {@link
+     * androidx.media3.common.C#INDEX_UNSET C.INDEX_UNSET}, then the requested start is the
+     * {@linkplain Player#getCurrentMediaItemIndex() current index} and {@linkplain
+     * Player#getContentPosition() position}.
+     */
+    public final long startPositionMs;
+
+    /**
+     * Create an instance.
+     *
+     * @param mediaItems List of {@link MediaItem media items}.
+     * @param startIndex Index to start playing at in {@link MediaItem} list.
+     * @param startPositionMs Position to start playing from in starting media item.
+     */
+    public MediaItemsWithStartPosition(
+        List<MediaItem> mediaItems, int startIndex, long startPositionMs) {
+      this.mediaItems = ImmutableList.copyOf(mediaItems);
+      this.startIndex = startIndex;
+      this.startPositionMs = startPositionMs;
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public boolean equals(@Nullable Object obj) {
+      if (this == obj) {
+        return true;
+      }
+      if (!(obj instanceof MediaItemsWithStartPosition)) {
+        return false;
+      }
+
+      MediaItemsWithStartPosition other = (MediaItemsWithStartPosition) obj;
+
+      return mediaItems.equals(other.mediaItems)
+          && Util.areEqual(startIndex, other.startIndex)
+          && Util.areEqual(startPositionMs, other.startPositionMs);
+    }
+
+    @Override
+    public int hashCode() {
+      int result = mediaItems.hashCode();
+      result = 31 * result + startIndex;
+      result = 31 * result + Longs.hashCode(startPositionMs);
+      return result;
+    }
   }
 
   /**
diff --git a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionImpl.java b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionImpl.java
index 180030adf1..9d32853015 100644
--- a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionImpl.java
+++ b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionImpl.java
@@ -69,6 +69,7 @@ import androidx.media3.common.util.Log;
 import androidx.media3.common.util.Util;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.ControllerCb;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.ControllerInfo;
+import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition;
 import androidx.media3.session.SequencedFutureManager.SequencedFuture;
 import com.google.common.collect.ImmutableList;
 import com.google.common.util.concurrent.Futures;
@@ -524,6 +525,13 @@ import org.checkerframework.checker.initialization.qual.Initialized;
         "onAddMediaItems must return a non-null future");
   }
 
+  protected ListenableFuture<MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItemsOnHandler(
+      ControllerInfo controller, List<MediaItem> mediaItems, int startIndex, long startPositionMs) {
+    return checkNotNull(
+        callback.onSetMediaItems(instance, controller, mediaItems, startIndex, startPositionMs),
+        "onSetMediaItems must return a non-null future");
+  }
+
   protected boolean isReleased() {
     synchronized (lock) {
       return closed;
diff --git a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionLegacyStub.java b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionLegacyStub.java
index d49b5b1666..0c467ac81e 100644
--- a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionLegacyStub.java
+++ b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionLegacyStub.java
@@ -85,6 +85,7 @@ import androidx.media3.common.util.Log;
 import androidx.media3.common.util.Util;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.ControllerCb;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.ControllerInfo;
+import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition;
 import androidx.media3.session.SessionCommand.CommandCode;
 import com.google.common.collect.ImmutableList;
 import com.google.common.util.concurrent.FutureCallback;
@@ -711,18 +712,26 @@ import org.checkerframework.checker.nullness.compatqual.NullableType;
     dispatchSessionTaskWithPlayerCommand(
         COMMAND_SET_MEDIA_ITEM,
         controller -> {
-          ListenableFuture<List<MediaItem>> mediaItemsFuture =
-              sessionImpl.onAddMediaItemsOnHandler(controller, ImmutableList.of(mediaItem));
+          ListenableFuture<MediaItemsWithStartPosition> mediaItemsFuture =
+              sessionImpl.onSetMediaItemsOnHandler(
+                  controller, ImmutableList.of(mediaItem), C.INDEX_UNSET, C.TIME_UNSET);
           Futures.addCallback(
               mediaItemsFuture,
-              new FutureCallback<List<MediaItem>>() {
+              new FutureCallback<MediaItemsWithStartPosition>() {
                 @Override
-                public void onSuccess(List<MediaItem> mediaItems) {
+                public void onSuccess(MediaItemsWithStartPosition mediaItemsWithStartPosition) {
                   postOrRun(
                       sessionImpl.getApplicationHandler(),
                       () -> {
                         PlayerWrapper player = sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper();
-                        player.setMediaItems(mediaItems);
+                        if (mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex == C.INDEX_UNSET
+                            && mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs == C.TIME_UNSET) {
+                          MediaUtils.setMediaItemsWithDefaultStartIndexAndPosition(
+                              player, mediaItemsWithStartPosition);
+                        } else {
+                          MediaUtils.setMediaItemsWithSpecifiedStartIndexAndPosition(
+                              player, mediaItemsWithStartPosition);
+                        }
                         @Player.State int playbackState = player.getPlaybackState();
                         if (playbackState == Player.STATE_IDLE) {
                           player.prepareIfCommandAvailable();
diff --git a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionStub.java b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionStub.java
index 6ae74ccbbf..ffd6e78621 100644
--- a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionStub.java
+++ b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionStub.java
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ import androidx.annotation.Nullable;
 import androidx.core.util.ObjectsCompat;
 import androidx.media.MediaSessionManager;
 import androidx.media3.common.BundleListRetriever;
+import androidx.media3.common.C;
 import androidx.media3.common.MediaItem;
 import androidx.media3.common.MediaLibraryInfo;
 import androidx.media3.common.MediaMetadata;
@@ -79,6 +80,7 @@ import androidx.media3.session.MediaLibraryService.LibraryParams;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaLibraryService.MediaLibrarySession;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.ControllerCb;
 import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.ControllerInfo;
+import androidx.media3.session.MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition;
 import androidx.media3.session.SessionCommand.CommandCode;
 import com.google.common.collect.ImmutableList;
 import com.google.common.util.concurrent.Futures;
@@ -202,6 +204,30 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
     };
   }
 
+  private static <K extends MediaSessionImpl>
+      SessionTask<ListenableFuture<SessionResult>, K> handleMediaItemsWithStartPositionWhenReady(
+          SessionTask<ListenableFuture<MediaItemsWithStartPosition>, K> mediaItemsTask,
+          MediaItemsWithStartPositionPlayerTask mediaItemPlayerTask) {
+    return (sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNumber) -> {
+      if (sessionImpl.isReleased()) {
+        return Futures.immediateFuture(
+            new SessionResult(SessionResult.RESULT_ERROR_SESSION_DISCONNECTED));
+      }
+      return transformFutureAsync(
+          mediaItemsTask.run(sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNumber),
+          mediaItemsWithStartPosition ->
+              postOrRunWithCompletion(
+                  sessionImpl.getApplicationHandler(),
+                  () -> {
+                    if (!sessionImpl.isReleased()) {
+                      mediaItemPlayerTask.run(
+                          sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper(), controller, mediaItemsWithStartPosition);
+                    }
+                  },
+                  new SessionResult(SessionResult.RESULT_SUCCESS)));
+    };
+  }
+
   private static void sendLibraryResult(
       ControllerInfo controller, int sequenceNumber, LibraryResult<?> result) {
     try {
@@ -851,26 +877,8 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
   @Override
   public void setMediaItem(
       @Nullable IMediaController caller, int sequenceNumber, @Nullable Bundle mediaItemBundle) {
-    if (caller == null || mediaItemBundle == null) {
-      return;
-    }
-    MediaItem mediaItem;
-    try {
-      mediaItem = MediaItem.CREATOR.fromBundle(mediaItemBundle);
-    } catch (RuntimeException e) {
-      Log.w(TAG, "Ignoring malformed Bundle for MediaItem", e);
-      return;
-    }
-    queueSessionTaskWithPlayerCommand(
-        caller,
-        sequenceNumber,
-        COMMAND_SET_MEDIA_ITEM,
-        sendSessionResultWhenReady(
-            handleMediaItemsWhenReady(
-                (sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNum) ->
-                    sessionImpl.onAddMediaItemsOnHandler(controller, ImmutableList.of(mediaItem)),
-                (playerWrapper, controller, mediaItems) ->
-                    playerWrapper.setMediaItems(mediaItems))));
+    setMediaItemWithResetPosition(
+        caller, sequenceNumber, mediaItemBundle, /* resetPosition= */ true);
   }
 
   @Override
@@ -894,11 +902,35 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
         sequenceNumber,
         COMMAND_SET_MEDIA_ITEM,
         sendSessionResultWhenReady(
-            handleMediaItemsWhenReady(
+            handleMediaItemsWithStartPositionWhenReady(
                 (sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNum) ->
-                    sessionImpl.onAddMediaItemsOnHandler(controller, ImmutableList.of(mediaItem)),
-                (player, controller, mediaItems) ->
-                    player.setMediaItems(mediaItems, /* startIndex= */ 0, startPositionMs))));
+                    sessionImpl.onSetMediaItemsOnHandler(
+                        controller,
+                        ImmutableList.of(mediaItem),
+                        /* startIndex= */ 0,
+                        startPositionMs),
+                (player, controller, mediaItemsWithStartPosition) -> {
+                  if (player.isCommandAvailable(COMMAND_CHANGE_MEDIA_ITEMS)) {
+                    if (mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex == C.INDEX_UNSET
+                        && mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs == C.TIME_UNSET) {
+                      player.setMediaItems(
+                          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems, /* resetPosition= */ true);
+                    } else {
+                      player.setMediaItems(
+                          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems,
+                          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex,
+                          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs);
+                    }
+                  } else {
+                    if (!mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems.isEmpty()) {
+                      player.setMediaItem(
+                          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems.get(0),
+                          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs);
+                    } else {
+                      player.clearMediaItems();
+                    }
+                  }
+                })));
   }
 
   @Override
@@ -922,11 +954,27 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
         sequenceNumber,
         COMMAND_SET_MEDIA_ITEM,
         sendSessionResultWhenReady(
-            handleMediaItemsWhenReady(
+            handleMediaItemsWithStartPositionWhenReady(
                 (sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNum) ->
-                    sessionImpl.onAddMediaItemsOnHandler(controller, ImmutableList.of(mediaItem)),
-                (player, controller, mediaItems) ->
-                    player.setMediaItems(mediaItems, resetPosition))));
+                    sessionImpl.onSetMediaItemsOnHandler(
+                        controller,
+                        ImmutableList.of(mediaItem),
+                        resetPosition
+                            ? C.INDEX_UNSET
+                            : sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper().getCurrentMediaItemIndex(),
+                        resetPosition
+                            ? C.TIME_UNSET
+                            : sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper().getCurrentPosition()),
+                (player, controller, mediaItemsWithStartPosition) -> {
+                  if (mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex == C.INDEX_UNSET
+                      && mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs == C.TIME_UNSET) {
+                    MediaUtils.setMediaItemsWithDefaultStartIndexAndPosition(
+                        player, mediaItemsWithStartPosition);
+                  } else {
+                    MediaUtils.setMediaItemsWithSpecifiedStartIndexAndPosition(
+                        player, mediaItemsWithStartPosition);
+                  }
+                })));
   }
 
   @Override
@@ -934,29 +982,8 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
       @Nullable IMediaController caller,
       int sequenceNumber,
       @Nullable IBinder mediaItemsRetriever) {
-    if (caller == null || mediaItemsRetriever == null) {
-      return;
-    }
-    List<MediaItem> mediaItemList;
-    try {
-      mediaItemList =
-          BundleableUtil.fromBundleList(
-              MediaItem.CREATOR, BundleListRetriever.getList(mediaItemsRetriever));
-    } catch (RuntimeException e) {
-      Log.w(TAG, "Ignoring malformed Bundle for MediaItem", e);
-      return;
-    }
-
-    queueSessionTaskWithPlayerCommand(
-        caller,
-        sequenceNumber,
-        COMMAND_CHANGE_MEDIA_ITEMS,
-        sendSessionResultWhenReady(
-            handleMediaItemsWhenReady(
-                (sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNum) ->
-                    sessionImpl.onAddMediaItemsOnHandler(controller, mediaItemList),
-                (playerWrapper, controller, mediaItems) ->
-                    playerWrapper.setMediaItems(mediaItems))));
+    setMediaItemsWithResetPosition(
+        caller, sequenceNumber, mediaItemsRetriever, /* resetPosition= */ true);
   }
 
   @Override
@@ -982,11 +1009,29 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
         sequenceNumber,
         COMMAND_CHANGE_MEDIA_ITEMS,
         sendSessionResultWhenReady(
-            handleMediaItemsWhenReady(
+            handleMediaItemsWithStartPositionWhenReady(
                 (sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNum) ->
-                    sessionImpl.onAddMediaItemsOnHandler(controller, mediaItemList),
-                (player, controller, mediaItems) ->
-                    player.setMediaItems(mediaItems, resetPosition))));
+                    sessionImpl.onSetMediaItemsOnHandler(
+                        controller,
+                        mediaItemList,
+                        resetPosition
+                            ? C.INDEX_UNSET
+                            : sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper().getCurrentMediaItemIndex(),
+                        resetPosition
+                            ? C.TIME_UNSET
+                            : sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper().getCurrentPosition()),
+                (player, controller, mediaItemsWithStartPosition) -> {
+                  if (mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex == C.INDEX_UNSET
+                      && mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs == C.TIME_UNSET) {
+                    player.setMediaItems(
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems, /* resetPosition= */ true);
+                  } else {
+                    player.setMediaItems(
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems,
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex,
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs);
+                  }
+                })));
   }
 
   @Override
@@ -1013,11 +1058,29 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
         sequenceNumber,
         COMMAND_CHANGE_MEDIA_ITEMS,
         sendSessionResultWhenReady(
-            handleMediaItemsWhenReady(
+            handleMediaItemsWithStartPositionWhenReady(
                 (sessionImpl, controller, sequenceNum) ->
-                    sessionImpl.onAddMediaItemsOnHandler(controller, mediaItemList),
-                (player, controller, mediaItems) ->
-                    player.setMediaItems(mediaItems, startIndex, startPositionMs))));
+                    sessionImpl.onSetMediaItemsOnHandler(
+                        controller,
+                        mediaItemList,
+                        (startIndex == C.INDEX_UNSET)
+                            ? sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper().getCurrentMediaItemIndex()
+                            : startIndex,
+                        (startIndex == C.INDEX_UNSET)
+                            ? sessionImpl.getPlayerWrapper().getCurrentPosition()
+                            : startPositionMs),
+                (player, controller, mediaItemsWithStartPosition) -> {
+                  if (mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex == C.INDEX_UNSET
+                      && mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs == C.TIME_UNSET) {
+                    player.setMediaItems(
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems, /* resetPosition= */ true);
+                  } else {
+                    player.setMediaItems(
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems,
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex,
+                        mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs);
+                  }
+                })));
   }
 
   @Override
@@ -1624,6 +1687,13 @@ import java.util.concurrent.ExecutionException;
     void run(PlayerWrapper player, ControllerInfo controller);
   }
 
+  private interface MediaItemsWithStartPositionPlayerTask {
+    void run(
+        PlayerWrapper player,
+        ControllerInfo controller,
+        MediaItemsWithStartPosition mediaItemsWithStartPosition);
+  }
+
   /* package */ static final class Controller2Cb implements ControllerCb {
 
     private final IMediaController iController;
diff --git a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaUtils.java b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaUtils.java
index 0d61696904..6f3233b520 100644
--- a/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaUtils.java
+++ b/libraries/session/src/main/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaUtils.java
@@ -1368,5 +1368,32 @@ import org.checkerframework.checker.nullness.compatqual.NullableType;
             : Util.constrainValue((int) ((bufferedPositionMs * 100) / durationMs), 0, 100);
   }
 
+  public static void setMediaItemsWithDefaultStartIndexAndPosition(
+      PlayerWrapper player, MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition mediaItemsWithStartPosition) {
+    if (player.isCommandAvailable(COMMAND_CHANGE_MEDIA_ITEMS)) {
+      player.setMediaItems(mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems, /* resetPosition= */ true);
+    } else if (!mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems.isEmpty()) {
+      player.setMediaItem(mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems.get(0), /* resetPosition= */ true);
+    } else {
+      player.clearMediaItems();
+    }
+  }
+
+  public static void setMediaItemsWithSpecifiedStartIndexAndPosition(
+      PlayerWrapper player, MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition mediaItemsWithStartPosition) {
+    if (player.isCommandAvailable(COMMAND_CHANGE_MEDIA_ITEMS)) {
+      player.setMediaItems(
+          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems,
+          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startIndex,
+          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs);
+    } else if (!mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems.isEmpty()) {
+      player.setMediaItem(
+          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.mediaItems.get(0),
+          mediaItemsWithStartPosition.startPositionMs);
+    } else {
+      player.clearMediaItems();
+    }
+  }
+
   private MediaUtils() {}
 }
diff --git a/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackTest.java b/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackTest.java
index 1891ee001d..37ea204459 100644
--- a/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackTest.java
+++ b/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackTest.java
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ import static java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit.MILLISECONDS;
 import android.content.Context;
 import android.os.Bundle;
 import android.text.TextUtils;
+import androidx.media3.common.C;
 import androidx.media3.common.MediaItem;
 import androidx.media3.common.MediaLibraryInfo;
 import androidx.media3.common.Player;
@@ -368,14 +369,14 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackTest {
         controllerTestRule.createRemoteController(session.getToken());
 
     controller.setMediaItem(mediaItem);
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
 
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).containsExactly(mediaItem);
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(updateMediaItemWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItem));
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void onAddMediaItems_withSetMediaItemWithIndex() throws Exception {
+  public void onAddMediaItems_withSetMediaItemWithStartPosition() throws Exception {
     MediaItem mediaItem = createMediaItem("mediaId");
     AtomicReference<List<MediaItem>> requestedMediaItems = new AtomicReference<>();
     MediaSession.Callback callback =
@@ -452,7 +453,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackTest {
         controllerTestRule.createRemoteController(session.getToken());
 
     controller.setMediaItems(mediaItems);
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
 
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).containsExactlyElementsIn(mediaItems).inOrder();
     assertThat(player.mediaItems)
@@ -461,7 +462,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackTest {
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void onAddMediaItems_withSetMediaItemsWithStartPosition() throws Exception {
+  public void onAddMediaItems_withSetMediaItemsWithStartIndex() throws Exception {
     List<MediaItem> mediaItems = MediaTestUtils.createMediaItems(/* size= */ 3);
     AtomicReference<List<MediaItem>> requestedMediaItems = new AtomicReference<>();
     MediaSession.Callback callback =
@@ -645,6 +646,170 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackTest {
     assertThat(player.index).isEqualTo(1);
   }
 
+  @Test
+  public void onSetMediaItems_withSetMediaItemWithStartPosition_callsPlayerWithStartIndex()
+      throws Exception {
+    MediaItem mediaItem = createMediaItem("mediaId");
+    AtomicReference<List<MediaItem>> requestedMediaItems = new AtomicReference<>();
+    MediaSession.Callback callback =
+        new MediaSession.Callback() {
+          @Override
+          public ListenableFuture<MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItems(
+              MediaSession mediaSession,
+              ControllerInfo controller,
+              List<MediaItem> mediaItems,
+              int startIndex,
+              long startPositionMs) {
+            requestedMediaItems.set(mediaItems);
+
+            return Futures.immediateFuture(
+                new MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition(
+                    updateMediaItemsWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItems),
+                    startIndex,
+                    /* startPosition = testStartPosition * 2 */ 200));
+          }
+        };
+    MediaSession session =
+        sessionTestRule.ensureReleaseAfterTest(
+            new MediaSession.Builder(context, player).setCallback(callback).build());
+    RemoteMediaController controller =
+        controllerTestRule.createRemoteController(session.getToken());
+
+    controller.setMediaItem(mediaItem, /* startPositionMs= */ 100);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_START_INDEX, TIMEOUT_MS);
+
+    assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).containsExactly(mediaItem);
+    assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(updateMediaItemWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItem));
+    assertThat(player.startMediaItemIndex).isEqualTo(0);
+    assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(200);
+  }
+
+  @Test
+  public void onSetMediaItems_withSetMediaItemsWithStartIndex_callsPlayerWithStartIndex()
+      throws Exception {
+    List<MediaItem> mediaItems = MediaTestUtils.createMediaItems(/* size= */ 3);
+    AtomicReference<List<MediaItem>> requestedMediaItems = new AtomicReference<>();
+    MediaSession.Callback callback =
+        new MediaSession.Callback() {
+          @Override
+          public ListenableFuture<MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItems(
+              MediaSession mediaSession,
+              ControllerInfo controller,
+              List<MediaItem> mediaItems,
+              int startIndex,
+              long startPositionMs) {
+            requestedMediaItems.set(mediaItems);
+
+            return Futures.immediateFuture(
+                new MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition(
+                    updateMediaItemsWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItems),
+                    startIndex,
+                    /* startPosition= */ 200));
+          }
+        };
+    MediaSession session =
+        sessionTestRule.ensureReleaseAfterTest(
+            new MediaSession.Builder(context, player).setCallback(callback).build());
+    RemoteMediaController controller =
+        controllerTestRule.createRemoteController(session.getToken());
+
+    controller.setMediaItems(mediaItems, /* startWindowIndex= */ 1, /* startPositionMs= */ 100);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_START_INDEX, TIMEOUT_MS);
+
+    assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).containsExactlyElementsIn(mediaItems).inOrder();
+    assertThat(player.mediaItems)
+        .containsExactlyElementsIn(updateMediaItemsWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItems))
+        .inOrder();
+    assertThat(player.startMediaItemIndex).isEqualTo(1);
+    assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(200);
+  }
+
+  @Test
+  public void onSetMediaItems_withIndexPositionUnset_callsPlayerWithResetPosition()
+      throws Exception {
+    List<MediaItem> mediaItems = MediaTestUtils.createMediaItems(/* size= */ 3);
+    AtomicReference<List<MediaItem>> requestedMediaItems = new AtomicReference<>();
+    MediaSession.Callback callback =
+        new MediaSession.Callback() {
+          @Override
+          public ListenableFuture<MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItems(
+              MediaSession mediaSession,
+              ControllerInfo controller,
+              List<MediaItem> mediaItems,
+              int startIndex,
+              long startPositionMs) {
+            requestedMediaItems.set(mediaItems);
+
+            return Futures.immediateFuture(
+                new MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition(
+                    updateMediaItemsWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItems),
+                    C.INDEX_UNSET,
+                    C.TIME_UNSET));
+          }
+        };
+    MediaSession session =
+        sessionTestRule.ensureReleaseAfterTest(
+            new MediaSession.Builder(context, player).setCallback(callback).build());
+    RemoteMediaController controller =
+        controllerTestRule.createRemoteController(session.getToken());
+
+    controller.setMediaItems(mediaItems, /* startWindowIndex= */ 1, /* startPositionMs= */ 100);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
+
+    assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).containsExactlyElementsIn(mediaItems).inOrder();
+    assertThat(player.mediaItems)
+        .containsExactlyElementsIn(updateMediaItemsWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItems))
+        .inOrder();
+    assertThat(player.resetPosition).isEqualTo(true);
+  }
+
+  @Test
+  public void onSetMediaItems_withStartIndexUnset_callsPlayerWithCurrentIndexAndPosition()
+      throws Exception {
+    List<MediaItem> mediaItems = MediaTestUtils.createMediaItems(/* size= */ 3);
+    AtomicReference<List<MediaItem>> requestedMediaItems = new AtomicReference<>();
+    MediaSession.Callback callback =
+        new MediaSession.Callback() {
+          @Override
+          public ListenableFuture<MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItems(
+              MediaSession mediaSession,
+              ControllerInfo controller,
+              List<MediaItem> mediaItems,
+              int startIndex,
+              long startPositionMs) {
+            requestedMediaItems.set(mediaItems);
+
+            return Futures.immediateFuture(
+                new MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition(
+                    updateMediaItemsWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItems),
+                    startIndex,
+                    startPositionMs));
+          }
+        };
+    MediaSession session =
+        sessionTestRule.ensureReleaseAfterTest(
+            new MediaSession.Builder(context, player).setCallback(callback).build());
+    RemoteMediaController controller =
+        controllerTestRule.createRemoteController(session.getToken());
+    controller.setMediaItems(mediaItems, true);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
+
+    // Model that player played to next item. Current media item index and position have changed
+    player.currentMediaItemIndex = 1;
+    player.currentPosition = 200;
+
+    // Re-set media items with start index and position as current index and position
+    controller.setMediaItems(mediaItems, C.INDEX_UNSET, /* startPosition= */ 0);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_START_INDEX, TIMEOUT_MS);
+
+    assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).containsExactlyElementsIn(mediaItems).inOrder();
+    assertThat(player.mediaItems)
+        .containsExactlyElementsIn(updateMediaItemsWithLocalConfiguration(mediaItems))
+        .inOrder();
+    assertThat(player.startMediaItemIndex).isEqualTo(1);
+    assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(200);
+  }
+
   @Test
   public void onConnect() throws Exception {
     AtomicReference<Bundle> connectionHints = new AtomicReference<>();
diff --git a/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest.java b/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest.java
index 504c48ed63..fcdbe1ec5a 100644
--- a/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest.java
+++ b/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest.java
@@ -961,7 +961,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void prepareFromMediaUri() throws Exception {
+  public void prepareFromMediaUri_withOnAddMediaItems() throws Exception {
     Uri mediaUri = Uri.parse("foo://bar");
     Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
     bundle.putString("key", "value");
@@ -988,7 +988,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().prepareFromUri(mediaUri, bundle);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).hasSize(1);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get().get(0).requestMetadata.mediaUri).isEqualTo(mediaUri);
@@ -997,7 +997,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void playFromMediaUri() throws Exception {
+  public void playFromMediaUri_withOnAddMediaItems() throws Exception {
     Uri request = Uri.parse("foo://bar");
     Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
     bundle.putString("key", "value");
@@ -1024,7 +1024,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().playFromUri(request, bundle);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PLAY, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).hasSize(1);
@@ -1034,7 +1034,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void prepareFromMediaId() throws Exception {
+  public void prepareFromMediaId_withOnAddMediaItems() throws Exception {
     String request = "media_id";
     Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
     bundle.putString("key", "value");
@@ -1061,7 +1061,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().prepareFromMediaId(request, bundle);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).hasSize(1);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get().get(0).mediaId).isEqualTo(request);
@@ -1070,7 +1070,53 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void playFromMediaId() throws Exception {
+  public void prepareFromMediaId_withOnSetMediaItems_callsPlayerWithStartIndex() throws Exception {
+    String request = "media_id";
+    Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
+    bundle.putString("key", "value");
+    AtomicReference<List<MediaItem>> requestedMediaItems = new AtomicReference<>();
+    MediaItem resolvedMediaItem = MediaItem.fromUri(TEST_URI);
+    MediaSession.Callback callback =
+        new MediaSession.Callback() {
+          @Override
+          public ListenableFuture<MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItems(
+              MediaSession mediaSession,
+              ControllerInfo controller,
+              List<MediaItem> mediaItems,
+              int startIndex,
+              long startPositionMs) {
+            requestedMediaItems.set(mediaItems);
+            return executorService.submit(
+                () ->
+                    new MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition(
+                        ImmutableList.of(resolvedMediaItem),
+                        /* startIndex= */ 2,
+                        /* startPositionMs= */ 100));
+          }
+        };
+    session =
+        new MediaSession.Builder(context, player)
+            .setId("prepareFromMediaId")
+            .setCallback(callback)
+            .build();
+    controller =
+        new RemoteMediaControllerCompat(
+            context, session.getSessionCompat().getSessionToken(), /* waitForConnection= */ true);
+
+    controller.getTransportControls().prepareFromMediaId(request, bundle);
+
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_START_INDEX, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).hasSize(1);
+    assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get().get(0).mediaId).isEqualTo(request);
+    TestUtils.equals(requestedMediaItems.get().get(0).requestMetadata.extras, bundle);
+    assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(resolvedMediaItem);
+    assertThat(player.startMediaItemIndex).isEqualTo(2);
+    assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(100);
+  }
+
+  @Test
+  public void playFromMediaId_withOnAddMediaItems() throws Exception {
     String mediaId = "media_id";
     Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
     bundle.putString("key", "value");
@@ -1097,7 +1143,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().playFromMediaId(mediaId, bundle);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PLAY, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).hasSize(1);
@@ -1107,7 +1153,49 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void prepareFromSearch() throws Exception {
+  public void playFromMediaId_withOnSetMediaItems_callsPlayerWithStartIndex() throws Exception {
+    String mediaId = "media_id";
+    Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
+    bundle.putString("key", "value");
+    MediaItem resolvedMediaItem = MediaItem.fromUri(TEST_URI);
+    MediaSession.Callback callback =
+        new MediaSession.Callback() {
+          @Override
+          public ListenableFuture<MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition> onSetMediaItems(
+              MediaSession mediaSession,
+              ControllerInfo controller,
+              List<MediaItem> mediaItems,
+              int startIndex,
+              long startPositionMs) {
+            return executorService.submit(
+                () ->
+                    new MediaSession.MediaItemsWithStartPosition(
+                        ImmutableList.of(resolvedMediaItem),
+                        /* startIndex= */ 2,
+                        /* startPositionMs= */ 100));
+          }
+        };
+    session =
+        new MediaSession.Builder(context, player)
+            .setId("playFromMediaId")
+            .setCallback(callback)
+            .build();
+    controller =
+        new RemoteMediaControllerCompat(
+            context, session.getSessionCompat().getSessionToken(), /* waitForConnection= */ true);
+
+    controller.getTransportControls().playFromMediaId(mediaId, bundle);
+
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_START_INDEX, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PLAY, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(resolvedMediaItem);
+    assertThat(player.startMediaItemIndex).isEqualTo(2);
+    assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(100);
+  }
+
+  @Test
+  public void prepareFromSearch_withOnAddMediaItems() throws Exception {
     String query = "test_query";
     Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
     bundle.putString("key", "value");
@@ -1134,7 +1222,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().prepareFromSearch(query, bundle);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).hasSize(1);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get().get(0).requestMetadata.searchQuery).isEqualTo(query);
@@ -1143,7 +1231,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
   }
 
   @Test
-  public void playFromSearch() throws Exception {
+  public void playFromSearch_withOnAddMediaItems() throws Exception {
     String query = "test_query";
     Bundle bundle = new Bundle();
     bundle.putString("key", "value");
@@ -1170,7 +1258,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().playFromSearch(query, bundle);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PLAY, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(requestedMediaItems.get()).hasSize(1);
@@ -1204,7 +1292,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().prepareFromUri(Uri.parse("foo://bar"), Bundle.EMPTY);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.hasMethodBeenCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE)).isFalse();
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(resolvedMediaItem);
   }
@@ -1234,7 +1322,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().playFromUri(Uri.parse("foo://bar"), Bundle.EMPTY);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PLAY, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.hasMethodBeenCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE)).isFalse();
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(resolvedMediaItem);
@@ -1268,7 +1356,7 @@ public class MediaSessionCallbackWithMediaControllerCompatTest {
 
     controller.getTransportControls().playFromUri(Uri.parse("foo://bar"), Bundle.EMPTY);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.hasMethodBeenCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE)).isFalse();
     assertThat(player.hasMethodBeenCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PLAY)).isFalse();
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(resolvedMediaItem);
diff --git a/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionPlayerTest.java b/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionPlayerTest.java
index 2098f6ca29..6ebf428658 100644
--- a/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionPlayerTest.java
+++ b/libraries/test_session_current/src/androidTest/java/androidx/media3/session/MediaSessionPlayerTest.java
@@ -300,7 +300,7 @@ public class MediaSessionPlayerTest {
 
     controller.setMediaItem(item);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(item);
     assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(startPositionMs);
     assertThat(player.resetPosition).isEqualTo(resetPosition);
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@ public class MediaSessionPlayerTest {
 
     controller.setMediaItem(item);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(item);
     assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(startPositionMs);
     assertThat(player.resetPosition).isEqualTo(resetPosition);
@@ -332,7 +332,7 @@ public class MediaSessionPlayerTest {
 
     controller.setMediaItem(item);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).containsExactly(item);
     assertThat(player.startPositionMs).isEqualTo(startPositionMs);
     assertThat(player.resetPosition).isEqualTo(resetPosition);
@@ -344,9 +344,9 @@ public class MediaSessionPlayerTest {
 
     controller.setMediaItems(items);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).isEqualTo(items);
-    assertThat(player.resetPosition).isFalse();
+    assertThat(player.resetPosition).isTrue();
   }
 
   @Test
@@ -382,7 +382,7 @@ public class MediaSessionPlayerTest {
 
     controller.setMediaItems(list);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.mediaItems.size()).isEqualTo(listSize);
     for (int i = 0; i < listSize; i++) {
       assertThat(player.mediaItems.get(i).mediaId).isEqualTo(list.get(i).mediaId);
@@ -395,7 +395,7 @@ public class MediaSessionPlayerTest {
     // Make client app to generate a long list, and call setMediaItems() with it.
     controller.createAndSetFakeMediaItems(listSize);
 
-    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS, TIMEOUT_MS);
+    player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION, TIMEOUT_MS);
     assertThat(player.mediaItems).isNotNull();
     assertThat(player.mediaItems.size()).isEqualTo(listSize);
     for (int i = 0; i < listSize; i++) {
@@ -824,7 +824,7 @@ public class MediaSessionPlayerTest {
     controller.setMediaItemsPreparePlayAddItemsSeek(initialItems, addedItems, /* seekIndex= */ 3);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_PREPARE, TIMEOUT_MS);
     boolean setMediaItemsCalledBeforePrepare =
-        player.hasMethodBeenCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS);
+        player.hasMethodBeenCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SET_MEDIA_ITEMS_WITH_RESET_POSITION);
     player.awaitMethodCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_SEEK_TO_WITH_MEDIA_ITEM_INDEX, TIMEOUT_MS);
     boolean addMediaItemsCalledBeforeSeek =
         player.hasMethodBeenCalled(MockPlayer.METHOD_ADD_MEDIA_ITEMS);