Spotify Not Playing? 10 Quick Fixes

Quick Fix

Spotify not playing songs? Force close and reopen the app. Check that you’re not in Offline Mode (Settings > Playback > Offline). Clear the app cache: Settings > Storage > Clear Cache. If songs skip or won’t load, check your internet connection and try switching between WiFi and mobile data.

Why Won’t Spotify Play?

Spotify playback issues come from app glitches, offline mode, cache corruption, account problems, internet connectivity, or device storage issues. Songs may also pause if another device takes over playback on the same account.

Method 1: Force Close and Reopen

Restart the app completely.

1. iPhone: Swipe up and swipe Spotify away
2. Android: Recent apps, swipe Spotify away
3. Desktop: Quit app fully (not just close window)
4. Wait 5 seconds
5. Reopen Spotify and try playing

Method 2: Check Offline Mode

Offline mode blocks streaming.

1. Open Spotify
2. Go to Settings (gear icon)
3. Scroll to Playback
4. Turn off Offline Mode
5. Try playing a song

Method 3: Clear Spotify Cache

Corrupted cache causes playback issues.

1. Open Spotify Settings
2. Scroll to Storage
3. Tap Clear Cache
4. Confirm when prompted
5. Restart Spotify

Method 4: Check Internet Connection

Streaming requires internet.

1. Test other apps that use internet
2. Switch between WiFi and mobile data
3. Restart your router
4. Move closer to WiFi router
5. Disable VPN if using one

Method 5: Check Device for Active Playback

Another device may be using Spotify.

1. Open Spotify and tap Devices Available
2. Look for green speaker icon at bottom
3. Check if another device is playing
4. Select This Device to switch

Method 6: Log Out and Back In

Refresh your account session.

1. Go to Settings in Spotify
2. Scroll down and tap Log Out
3. Close the app completely
4. Reopen and log back in
5. Try playing music

Method 7: Check Storage Space

Low storage prevents caching.

1. Check device storage in Settings
2. Delete unused apps or files
3. Clear Spotify downloaded songs if needed
4. Need at least 1GB free for smooth playback

Method 8: Update Spotify App

Outdated app has bugs.

1. Go to App Store or Google Play
2. Search for Spotify
3. Tap Update if available
4. Restart app after update

Method 9: Reinstall Spotify

Fresh install fixes persistent issues.

1. Uninstall Spotify from device
2. Restart device
3. Download Spotify from app store
4. Log in to your account
5. Re-download offline playlists if needed

Method 10: Check Spotify Status

Service may be down.

1. Visit downdetector.com
2. Search for Spotify
3. Check if others report outages
4. Check @SpotifyStatus on Twitter
5. Wait for service to be restored

FAQ

Why do Spotify songs keep pausing?

Songs pause when another device starts playing on your account (free accounts can only play on one device). Low power mode, battery saver, or poor connection can also cause pausing. Disable battery optimization for Spotify.

Why can’t I play certain songs on Spotify?

Some songs are region-restricted or have been removed by artists. Greyed-out songs in playlists aren’t available in your country. Free accounts have shuffle-only mode on mobile for albums.

Why is Spotify skipping songs?

Skipping usually indicates connectivity issues or corrupted cache. Clear the cache, check your internet, and try downloading songs for offline playback if the problem persists on streaming.