Spotify Error Code Auth:74 – 13 Ways to Fix Connection
Quick Fix
Spotify error code auth:74 means the app can’t connect to Spotify servers. To fix it: Check if a firewall or antivirus is blocking Spotify – add Spotify to the allowed apps list. If using VPN, disconnect it and try again. Also go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Advanced > Reset to clear corrupted data. This fixes auth:74 for most users.
What Is Spotify Error Code Auth:74?
Error code auth:74 appears when the Spotify desktop app cannot establish a connection to Spotify’s authentication servers. You’ll see “A firewall may be blocking Spotify” or simply “auth:74” when trying to log in. This error prevents you from signing into Spotify on your computer.
The error is almost always caused by something blocking Spotify’s network connection: firewalls, antivirus software, VPNs, proxy settings, or network restrictions. Less commonly, it can be caused by corrupted app data or incorrect system time. Let’s fix it.
Method 1: Check Your Firewall Settings
Windows Firewall or third-party firewalls often block Spotify.
Windows Defender Firewall:
- Press Windows key and type “Firewall”
- Open “Windows Defender Firewall”
- Click “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall”
- Click “Change settings”
- Find Spotify in the list
- Check both Private and Public boxes
- If Spotify isn’t listed, click “Allow another app”
- Browse to
C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Spotify\Spotify.exe - Add it and enable both network types
- Click OK
Method 2: Disable Antivirus Temporarily
Antivirus software can interfere with Spotify’s connection.
- Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray
- Look for “Disable” or “Pause protection”
- Disable for 10-15 minutes
- Try opening Spotify
- If it works, add Spotify to antivirus exceptions
- Re-enable your antivirus
Common antivirus programs that block Spotify:
- Avast
- AVG
- Norton
- Kaspersky
- Bitdefender
- McAfee
Method 3: Disconnect VPN
VPN connections frequently cause auth:74 errors.
- Disconnect from any VPN service
- Close the VPN application completely
- Restart Spotify
- Try logging in
If you need VPN, try:
- A different VPN server location
- Split tunneling (exclude Spotify from VPN)
- A different VPN provider
Method 4: Disable Proxy Settings
Proxy configurations can block Spotify authentication.
In Windows:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Network & internet > Proxy
- Turn OFF “Automatically detect settings”
- Turn OFF “Use a proxy server”
- Restart Spotify
In Spotify:
- Open Spotify (even if you can’t log in)
- Click Settings (gear icon) if accessible
- Scroll to Proxy section
- Set to “No Proxy”
Method 5: Clear Spotify Cache
Corrupted cache files can cause authentication errors.
- Close Spotify completely (check system tray)
- Press Windows + R
- Type
%appdata%and press Enter - Delete the Spotify folder
- Press Windows + R again
- Type
%localappdata%and press Enter - Delete the Spotify folder here too
- Restart your computer
- Open Spotify and sign in
This removes local data but won’t affect your playlists or account.
Method 6: Reset Spotify App (Windows)
Windows can reset the app to fix corrupted data.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Find Spotify
- Click the three dots and select “Advanced options”
- Click “Repair” first
- Try Spotify – if still failing, go back
- Click “Reset”
- Open Spotify and sign in
Method 7: Check Date and Time
Incorrect system time causes authentication certificate errors.
- Right-click the clock in the taskbar
- Select “Adjust date and time”
- Enable “Set time automatically”
- Enable “Set time zone automatically”
- Click “Sync now”
- Restart Spotify
Method 8: Flush DNS Cache
DNS cache issues can prevent Spotify from connecting.
- Press Windows + X
- Select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)
- Type:
ipconfig /flushdns - Press Enter
- Type:
netsh winsock reset - Press Enter
- Restart your computer
- Try Spotify
Method 9: Change DNS Servers
Your ISP’s DNS might be blocking Spotify.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Network & internet > WiFi (or Ethernet)
- Click your connection’s properties
- Click “Edit” next to DNS server assignment
- Select “Manual”
- Enable IPv4
- Set Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Set Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
- Save and restart Spotify
Method 10: Allow Spotify Through Windows Security
Windows Security might be blocking Spotify’s network access.
- Open Windows Security
- Click Firewall & network protection
- Click “Allow an app through firewall”
- Ensure Spotify is allowed on both Private and Public networks
- Go back and click Virus & threat protection
- Click Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings
- Add Spotify folder to Exclusions
Method 11: Reinstall Spotify
A clean reinstall fixes most persistent issues.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Find Spotify and click “Uninstall”
- Press Windows + R, type
%appdata% - Delete the Spotify folder
- Press Windows + R, type
%localappdata% - Delete the Spotify folder
- Restart your computer
- Download Spotify fresh from spotify.com
- Install and sign in
Method 12: Use Web Player as Workaround
While troubleshooting, use Spotify in your browser.
- Open your browser
- Go to open.spotify.com
- Sign in with your account
- Use Spotify while fixing the desktop app
The web player has most features and works independently of the desktop app.
Method 13: Check Hosts File
The hosts file might be blocking Spotify servers.
- Open Notepad as Administrator
- Click File > Open
- Navigate to
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc - Select “All Files” in the file type dropdown
- Open the hosts file
- Look for any lines containing “spotify”
- Delete those lines or add # at the beginning to comment them out
- Save the file
- Restart your computer
For Mac Users
Auth:74 can also occur on Mac. Try these:
- Check macOS Firewall in System Preferences > Security & Privacy
- Delete Spotify cache:
~/Library/Application Support/Spotify - Delete preferences:
~/Library/Preferences/com.spotify.* - Disable any VPN or proxy
- Check if Little Snitch or similar apps are blocking Spotify
Corporate/School Networks
If you’re on a work or school network:
- The network may intentionally block Spotify
- Contact IT to request access
- Use your phone with mobile data as a workaround
- Use the web player if the app is blocked but the website isn’t
FAQ
What does Spotify error auth:74 mean?
Error auth:74 means Spotify cannot connect to its authentication servers. Something is blocking the connection – typically a firewall, antivirus, VPN, or proxy. The app can’t verify your login credentials because it can’t reach Spotify’s servers.
Why does auth:74 say a firewall is blocking Spotify?
Spotify detects that its network requests are being blocked. This could be Windows Firewall, third-party firewall software, antivirus with network protection, or corporate/school network restrictions. Add Spotify to your firewall’s allowed applications list.
Can I use Spotify with a VPN?
Yes, but some VPNs cause auth:74 errors. If you get this error while using VPN, try disconnecting, connecting to a different server, or using split tunneling to exclude Spotify from the VPN tunnel.
Why did auth:74 suddenly start appearing?
Sudden appearance usually means something changed: a Windows update modified firewall settings, antivirus updated its rules, you installed new security software, or your network configuration changed. Check recently installed software.
Does reinstalling Spotify fix auth:74?
Reinstalling alone might not fix it because the blocking software (firewall/antivirus) will still block the new installation. First identify and fix the blocking issue, then reinstall if the problem was corrupted app files.
Is auth:74 a problem with my Spotify account?
No, auth:74 is a local network/software issue on your computer, not an account problem. Your account is fine. The Spotify app just can’t connect to verify your login. The web player (open.spotify.com) should work if it’s only the app being blocked.
