Spotify Not Working? How to Fix Common App Issues

Spotify is a popular music streaming service with millions of active users worldwide. Most of the time, it’s reliable, but a few common issues can stop it from working. This troubleshooting guide walks you through proven fixes for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android so you can get back to your music and podcasts.

What to do if Spotify won’t open

Follow these easy instructions to fix Spotify issues on Windows and Mac if the application won’t launch.

Restart your device

We know this sounds simple, but it often works. Try restarting your Windows or Mac device before attempting to launch the music service. This can help resolve functionality issues caused by hanging system processes.

Run Spotify as admin (Windows only)

The app might have trouble opening due to permission errors. To put this theory to the test, make sure to run the app with elevation rights, even if you’re signed in as the PC administrator. This step isn’t required on Mac, since apps don’t require admin rights by default.

How to run Spotify as admin on Windows 10/11:

1. Click the Start button and type Spotify
2. Select Run as administrator and approve the UAC prompt

3. Fully quit and relaunch Spotify

This is another solution that may sound too simple to work, but it usually helps if Spotify won’t open on your Windows or Mac computer. Before restarting the app, though, make sure to close all its processes.

How to restart the App on Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click the taskbar and go to Task Manager
2. In the Processes tab, select Spotify (end all Spotify processes/Web Helper if present)
3. Click End task
4. Press the Windows key, type Spotify, and launch it (optionally with Run as administrator)

How to restart the App on Mac:

1. Select the Spotify app window
2. Open the Apple menu
3. Select Force Quit
4. You can also press Option + Command + Esc, select Spotify, and select Force Quit
5. Start the Spotify app

Run in Compatibility mode

Important: Compatibility mode is only available for the desktop installer downloaded from spotify.com. If you installed Spotify from the Microsoft Store, the Compatibility tab won’t appear for that app package.

How to run the App in compatibility mode on Windows (desktop installer):

1. Right-click the Spotify shortcut or Spotify.exe (usually in %LocalAppData%\Spotify) and choose Properties
2. Open the Compatibility tab
3. Enable Run this program in compatibility mode for and try Windows 8
4. Click Apply > OK, then relaunch Spotify

Tip: You can also try the built-in Program Compatibility Troubleshooter in Windows 11 via Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Update the App on Windows

Microsoft Store apps get regularly updated. If the app won’t open anymore, it could be obsolete. Here’s how to bring it up to speed.

1. Open Microsoft Store > Library
2. Click Get updates, then update Spotify if available
3. Open the music player after the update

Installed Spotify from spotify.com? Updates are handled in-app; open Spotify and check Profile > Settings > About to verify your version, or reinstall from the official download page.

Check for system updates

Whether you’re running Windows or macOS, your operating system should be updated at all times to avoid app functionality issues caused by a lack of support. Outdated software could be the reason why the music platform won’t open anymore, especially if you haven’t been using your computer for a long time.

For Windows 10:

1. Click the Start button, type Check for updates, and press Enter
2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates
3. Restart if prompted, then check Spotify

For Windows 11:

1. Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update
2. Choose Check for updates, then select Download & install if offered
3. Restart if required, then open Spotify

For macOS:

1. Open Apple menu > System Settings (called System Preferences on older macOS)
2. Go to General > Software Update
3. Install updates, restart, then try Spotify again

Repair the Spotify app on Windows

The Microsoft Store has a repair function prepared for Spotify. It’s not as efficient as the reset mode, but it will spare your data so it’s worth trying. Here’s what to do:

1. Windows 10: Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Spotify > Advanced options > Repair
2. Windows 11: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Spotify (three-dot menu) > Advanced options > Repair
3. Launch Spotify

Reset the App on Windows

If the app won’t open on your Windows PC anymore, it’s a good idea to reset the app. This will delete the app’s data, including preferences and sign-in data, so you will have to enter your login credentials and customize options again.

1. Windows 10: Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Spotify > Advanced options > Reset
2. Windows 11: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Spotify > Advanced options > Reset
3. Open the app

Clean reinstall Spotify

If reset doesn’t work on Windows, or if you’re on Mac, we recommend performing a clean reinstall. It takes longer than the reset, but it usually works better.

How to clean reinstall the App on Windows 10/11:

1. Uninstall Spotify from Settings > Apps
2. In File Explorer, delete leftover folders:

   %AppData%\Spotify %LocalAppData%\Spotify

3. Restart the PC
4. Download the app from the Spotify website or install from Microsoft Store
5. Install and launch Spotify

How to clean reinstall Spotify on Mac:

1. Quit Spotify
2. Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder… and remove:

   ~/Library/Caches/com.spotify.Client ~/Library/Application Support/Spotify

3. Empty Trash
4. Download from the Spotify website, then install and open

Allow Background Apps on Windows

The Spotify app must be allowed to run in the background on Windows, or it may not open due to a lack of permissions.

1. Windows 10: Start > search Spotify > App settings > at App permissions set Background apps to On
2. Windows 11: Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Spotify > Advanced options > set Background app permissions to Always (or Power optimized)

How to disable hardware acceleration on Mac

By default, Spotify uses hardware acceleration to improve your music streaming experience. However, if you have old hardware, the acceleration could be putting too much pressure on it. In some cases, it could even prevent Spotify from opening correctly. But you can fix this problem by turning it off.

How to disable hardware acceleration on Mac:

1. Open Spotify
2. Select the Spotify menu
3. Click Hardware Acceleration to deselect it
4. Restart the app

How to disable hardware acceleration on Windows:

It’s a bit more complicated on Windows because it means accessing the settings section of Spotify, assuming that you can open the app in the first place.

1. Open Spotify
2. Click your profile (top right) > Settings
3. Scroll to Compatibility
4. Turn off Enable hardware acceleration
5. Restart the app

Update the GPU driver

If the music app won’t open on your computer, there might be display issues. You can fix the problem by updating your graphics adapter to the latest version. To update your GPU driver on Mac, it’s only necessary to run macOS updates.

How to update the graphics driver on Windows 10/11:

1. Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager
2. Expand Display adapters
3. Right-click your GPU > Update driver > Search automatically
4. If nothing is found, check Windows Update or your GPU manufacturer’s website
5. Restart your PC and open Spotify

If you don’t want to risk installing an incompatible driver, consider a third-party driver update application. This will keep all your drivers updated and automatically find newer versions.

Disable Spotify auto-start

Another possible solution for Spotify not working is to disable Spotify from starting automatically with Windows or macOS, and launch it manually after startup.

How to prevent Spotify from launching on Windows:

1. Right-click the taskbar and go to Task Manager
2. Open the Startup tab
3. Select Spotify and click Disable
4. Restart your PC and open the app

How to prevent Spotify from launching at startup on Mac:

1. Open the Apple menu
2. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items (on older macOS: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items)
3. Remove Spotify from the list
4. Restart the Mac and launch Spotify manually

Check the firewall settings

The system firewall might be preventing you from opening the app due to security issues. You can resolve this by temporarily disabling your firewall on Windows or Mac, then turning it back on and adding an exception for Spotify.

How to disable the firewall on Windows:

1. Sign in with an administrator account
2. Press the Windows key, type Check firewall status, and press Enter
3. Click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off
4. Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) under both Private and Public
5. Click OK, test Spotify, then turn the firewall back on and add an exception

How to disable the firewall on Mac:

1. Open Apple menu > System Settings
2. Go to Network > Firewall
3. Toggle Firewall off, test Spotify, then turn it back on

For a lasting solution, add Spotify as an exception in the firewall:

How to allow Spotify through the firewall on Windows:

1. Open Firewall & network protection from Start search
2. Click Allow an app through firewall > Change settings
3. If Spotify Music isn’t listed, choose Allow another app and browse to Spotify
4. Check Spotify Music and tick both Private and Public
5. Click OK and relaunch Spotify

How to allow Spotify through the firewall on Mac:

1. System Settings > Network > Firewall
2. Click Options… (or unlock with your password first)
3. Use + to add Spotify and set it to Allow incoming connections

Disable your antivirus software

If you have a third-party antivirus installed, it might flag the audio streaming application as malware. As a result, you won’t be able to open and use the app anymore. To fix this problem, disable your antimalware temporarily or add Spotify to its whitelist/exclusions.

Run the Microsoft Store troubleshooter (Windows)

Spotify relies on the Microsoft Store when installed from the Store. If Store components are having issues, Spotify may not open.

1. Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps > Run
2. Windows 11: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Store Apps > Run
3. Also open Microsoft Store > Library > Get updates to update the Store itself

Start Windows in safe mode

A useful way to troubleshoot Spotify app problems on Windows is by booting Windows in Safe Mode. It disables any non-essential processes, services, and drivers that may affect the streaming service.

1. Windows 10: Press the Windows key > Power > hold Alt and click Restart > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking
2. Windows 11: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > press F5 for Safe Mode with Networking

Clear the app cache

Issues with Spotify not working can also sometimes be resolved by clearing the app cache. Here’s how: 

For iPhones and Android devices:

1. Open Spotify and go to your profile
2. Open Settings and privacy
3. Go to Storage
4. Select Clear cache

For Desktop:

1. Open Spotify > Profile > Settings
2. Scroll to Storage
3. Choose Clear cache

Windows Error Code 17

If you see Windows Error Code 17, Spotify likely failed to install correctly. There are many possible causes, but here’s how to troubleshoot it:

• Uninstall and perform a clean reinstall (see steps above)
• Run the app in Compatibility Mode (desktop installer only)
• Use Disk Cleanup (search disk cleanup), then reinstall

Troubleshooting Other Spotify Issues

Aside from not opening, Spotify may also run into other problems. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

What to do if you can’t hear audio

Some things to try for audio issues: 

• Be sure the volume is up on your listening device.
• Check Bluetooth connection if using external speakers or headphones.
• Confirm your internet connection is stable.
• Try using Spotify’s Very High streaming quality setting (Premium subscribers only)
• Confirm the correct audio output is selected to ensure the music is playing from the right source.
• Test sound in other apps to rule out a system issue.
• Adjust your device’s sound settings if needed.
• Reboot or reset your device.
• Do a clean reinstall of the app.

Problems with the web player

If you’re using Spotify’s web player instead of their app, it may not work properly. To troubleshoot this scenario: 

• Make sure you’re not on a public or restricted network (office/school).
• Update your web browser and try a different one.
• Try a private/incognito window and disable extensions that may block playback.
• If you see a message about protected content, enable your browser’s DRM/Widevine module (see Spotify’s Web Player help).

Playback issues

If you’re having playback problems or the music tracks are grayed out, try this:

• Check your network connection.
• Make sure your device isn’t in Offline Mode.
• If only some songs are grayed out, they may be unavailable in your region.
• Update or reinstall the app.

Can’t download songs to play offline

Playing downloaded content offline is a feature for premium Spotify members only. If you’re already a premium member, here are some steps to try:

• Log out and back in, or use Sign out everywhere, then sign in again.
• Sign out of all devices, then sign back in on one device—too many linked devices can block downloads.
• Make sure you haven’t reached the download/device limit (Premium lets you download up to 10,000 tracks on each of up to 5 devices; see Listen offline).
• Contact customer support to confirm your premium membership.

Mobile device fixes

Here are some common fixes for phone or tablet users, such as the app not running on mobile data: 

• Clear the cache and make sure there’s at least 1GB free on your device.
• Enable Spotify’s permissions in your phone’s settings.
• Adjust your data/streaming settings as needed.
• Reset your phone’s mobile network settings.
• Turn off your VPN (if you use one) or set Spotify’s Proxy to No proxy under Settings > Proxy.
• Toggle off any power-saving settings.
• Update the app and/or your phone’s operating system.
• Clean reinstall the app.
• Lower the audio quality setting (if applicable).
• Remove and reinsert the SD card (if your device has one).
• Contact your mobile carrier and explain the issue.

See if Spotify is down

If the app has only recently started causing problems, it could be an issue on the app’s end. Here are some ways to check:

• Go to Spotify’s official Twitter status page to look for a community alert.
• Look into the Spotify Community Ongoing Issues forum to see what other members are saying about their experiences.
• Check downforeveryoneorjustme and downdetector for outage reports.

Contact Spotify support

If all the previous solutions on this list failed to fix your Spotify functionality issues, it’s time to get your hands dirty and contact Spotify support to ask for assistance. It could very well be an issue on their side that can’t be resolved on your computer.

Spotify Not Opening, Still?

In summary, if Spotify won’t open on your Windows or Mac, there’s no need to panic. As you can see, there are many potential resolutions to your issues with the app. You simply need to go through these logically to find the right fix for your problem.

If everything fails, contact their support team to ask for guidance. Until you get a response, you can fire up your browser and stick to the Spotify Web Player.

How did you manage to get the music app working again on your Windows PC or Mac? Tell us about your experience in the comments section below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s New in This Update

• Updated Windows 11 steps for Repair/Reset, background permissions, and Store troubleshooter.
• Modernized macOS paths (System Settings > General/Network) for Software Update, Login Items, and Firewall.
• Clarified Compatibility mode applies to the desktop installer, not the Microsoft Store app.
• Added clean-reinstall folders for Windows (%AppData%\Spotify, %LocalAppData%\Spotify) and macOS (~/Library/Caches, ~/Library/Application Support/Spotify).
• Expanded Web Player fixes with DRM/Widevine guidance and private/incognito troubleshooting.
• Refreshed device/OS support and Premium download limits with links to official Spotify pages.

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