
Many Spotify users have noticed the "Something Went Wrong" error appearing unexpectedly. You open the app to play something, but it stops suddenly, sometimes skipping through every track in your queue, all while showing the error message. This can happen on desktop, mobile, or the web player, interrupting your music. It's clear the error is still causing headaches, and the causes can seem complicated, leaving you unsure of what went wrong.
Fortunately - though some trial and error may be needed - there are practical steps that many users have found helpful to get their music playing again.
Part 1. Why Spotify Shows "Something Went Wrong"
Spotify may show the "Something Went Wrong" error for various reasons, such as an unstable internet connection, an outdated app version, or corrupted cache data. These issues can occur on any platform - Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or the web player - and often come from small but easily fixable glitches.
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Unstable or Weak Internet Connection:
A stable internet connection is essential for streaming music. If your Wi-Fi or mobile data is weak or keeps dropping, songs may fail to load, skip unexpectedly, or stop playback altogether. Even brief interruptions can make the app detect a playback failure and show the error, leaving you frustrated while trying to listen to Spotify.
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Using Ad Blockers, VPNs, or Firewalls That Interfere:
Spotify works best when it can connect freely to its servers, but certain network tools can get in the way. Ad blockers, VPNs, or firewalls may interrupt the connection, causing playback to stop and triggering the "Something Went Wrong" error. Even if your connection seems fine, these tools can prevent songs or playlists from loading until they're adjusted or disabled. You can test if they are the cause by closing them and seeing if the error disappears.
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Corrupted Cache or Browser Cookies:
Spotify uses cache and cookies to load content faster and remember your preferences. If the app or browser crashes, these files can become corrupted. When that happens, songs may fail to play, playlists may not load correctly, and the app can display the "Something Went Wrong" message until the cache is cleared.
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Logged in with Expired or Invalid Tokens:
Spotify relies on login tokens to verify your account and subscription status. If these tokens expire or become invalid, the app may lose authorization to stream music. This can happen if you haven't logged in for a while or if there's a problem syncing your account, leading to playback errors until you sign out and sign back in.
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Outdated Spotify App Version:
Like any app, running an older version of Spotify can lead to problems, including the "Something Went Wrong" error. Updating to the latest version ensures you have the newest fixes and often resolves these errors automatically. The update may also include other official solutions to common playback issues.
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Account Region Doesn't Match Your Location:
Spotify content is restricted by region. If your account's region doesn't match where you're currently located, certain tracks or playlists may fail to play, triggering the error. Traveling or using a VPN can cause this mismatch, and switching back to the correct region and refreshing your listening session usually resolves the problem.
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Spotify Server Outages or Issues:
Sometimes the issue isn't on your end at all. Even with a perfect internet connection, the app may still show errors if Spotify's servers are down or experiencing problems. These issues are usually temporary but can sometimes last several hours or even a few days.
Part 2. How to Fix Spotify "Something Went Wrong" Error
To fix the "Something Went Wrong" error, start by identifying what might be causing it - such as problems with your internet connection, network tools, or security settings. For real fixes, try restarting the app or reloading the page, clearing the app's cache and data, or reinstalling the app. These steps help get Spotify running smoothly again without the error.
Step 1. Check Internet and Network Settings
For the first step, make sure your internet connection is stable. Check that your Wi-Fi or mobile data is active and test it with other apps if necessary. For common network issues, try turning off Wi-Fi or mobile data for at least 30 seconds, then reconnecting. If the issue persists, restarting your router can help restore a stable connection.
Step 2. Refresh the App or Reload the Web Player
Next, close the app completely and reopen it. Forcing the app to stop first gives it a fresh start and can clear minor glitches that may have built up while it was running. If the problem was caused by a temporary playback issue, this step often fixes it immediately.
On Desktop (Windows & Mac)
Step 1 Close the Spotify app completely.
Step 2 Reopen Spotify from your desktop or Applications folder.
Step 3 Try playing a song or browsing your library.
On Web Player
Step 1 Open your browser and navigate to Spotify Web Player.
Step 2 Refresh the page (Ctrl + R on Windows, Cmd + R on Mac).
Step 3 Sign in if required and check playback. If issues persist, try another browser or clear the browser cache.
On Mobile (iOS & Android)
Step 1 Force stop the app (Swipe up on iOS or tap Recents on Android, then swipe the app away).
Step 2 Reopen Spotify from your home screen or app drawer.
Step 3 Try playing a song or browsing your library.
Step 3. Sign Out and Sign Back In
Now, log out of your account and then log back in. This refreshes your login tokens and ensures the app reconnects to its servers properly. If your session had expired or there were syncing issues, this step often resolves them.
On Desktop (Windows & Mac)

Step 1 Launch the Spotify app on your computer.
Step 2 Click your profile name or picture in the top-right corner, then select Log Out.
Step 3 Wait a few seconds, then log back in with your credentials.
Step 4 Try playing a song to see if the error is resolved.
On Mobile (iOS & Android)

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your mobile device.
Step 2 Go to Home > Settings (gear icon) > Log Out.
Step 3 Reopen Spotify.
Step 4 Enter your login credentials to log back in.
Step 5 Play a song to check if the issue is fixed.
Pro Tip
Step 1 Use another computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Step 2 Open Spotify Web Player or the app and log in.
Step 3 Play a song or browse the library.
Step 4 If it works on the new device, the issue may be specific to your original one.
Step 5 Continue troubleshooting only on the device that experiences the error.
Step 4. Use Private Session
Switching to a Private Session can sometimes help clear errors like "Something Went Wrong" and allow the app to run more smoothly.
On Desktop (Windows & Mac)

Step 1 Launch the Spotify app.
Step 2 Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
Step 3 Enable Start a private session under Social. A blue padlock will appear next to your profile name.
Step 4 Try playing music or accessing your library.
On Mobile (iOS & Android)

Step 1 Launch Spotify.
Step 2 Tap Home > Settings (gear icon) > Private session.
Step 3 Play music or browse your library.
Step 5. Clear App Cache or Browser Data
From the settings menu, find the option to clear cache or stored files. This removes old or corrupted data that might be causing the app to misbehave. After clearing, the app reloads everything fresh, often eliminating persistent errors.
On Desktop (Windows & Mac)
Step 1 Open the Spotify app.
Step 2 Click your Profile icon > Storage.
Step 3 Click Clear Cache to delete cache files.
Step 4 Restart Spotify and check if the issue is resolved.
On Web Player
Step 1 Open your browser and go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
Step 2 Locate Clear browsing data or Clear cache and cookies.
Step 3 Select a time range and clear the cache.
Step 4 Reload Spotify Web Player and sign in.
On Mobile (iOS)
Step 1 Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Spotify.
Step 2 Tap Offload App (keeps data) or Delete App (removes all data).
Step 3 Reinstall Spotify from the App Store.
On Mobile (Android)
Step 1 Open Settings > Apps > Spotify > Storage & cache.
Step 2 Tap Clear Cache.
Step 3 If the issue persists, tap Clear Storage or Clear Data.
Step 4 Reopen Spotify and log in.
Step 6. Update Spotify to the Latest Version
Whether you're on desktop, mobile, or using the web player, check for updates. Running the latest version ensures you have all the newest fixes and prevents problems caused by outdated software. If you use a browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari, make sure it's updated before trying Spotify Web Player.
On Desktop (Windows)
Step 1 Open Spotify.
Step 2 Click Menu (three dots) > Help > About Spotify.
Step 3 Follow the prompts to install any available updates.
Step 4 Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install system updates if available.
On Desktop (Mac)
Step 1 Open Spotify.
Step 2 Click Spotify > About Spotify.
Step 3 Follow the prompts to install updates.
Step 4 Go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update and install any updates.
On Mobile (iOS)
Step 1 Open the App Store.
Step 2 Tap your profile icon, scroll to Spotify, and tap Update if available.
Step 3 Go to Settings > General > Software Update to ensure iOS is up to date.
On Mobile (Android)
Step 1 Open Google Play Store.
Step 2 Tap Menu > My apps & games, find Spotify, and tap Update if available.
Step 3 Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System update and install updates if available.
Step 7. Review Firewall, Antivirus, and Security Settings
Check your firewall, antivirus, or other security software to make sure they're not blocking Spotify. Sometimes, new security programs interfere with the app. Adjusting permissions or adding exceptions can restore normal functionality.
On Desktop (Windows)
Step 1 Open Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
Step 2 Click Firewall & network protection.
Step 3 Ensure Spotify is allowed. If not, click Allow an app through firewall and add it.
Step 4 Open your antivirus and ensure Spotify is not blocked.
On Desktop (Mac)
Step 1 Open Apple menu > System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall.
Step 2 Click the lock to make changes and ensure Spotify is allowed.
Step 3 Open antivirus software and ensure Spotify is not blocked.
On Mobile (iOS)
Step 1 Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Step 2 Ensure Spotify is allowed under Allowed Apps.
Step 3 If using a VPN, go to Settings > VPN and make sure it's not blocking Spotify.
On Mobile (Android)
Step 1 Open Settings > Apps > Spotify > Permissions.
Step 2 Ensure all required permissions are granted.
Step 3 Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN and ensure Spotify is not blocked.
Step 8. Reboot Your Modem or Router
Restart your device, or if the app relies on a network, reboot your modem or router. This refreshes the connection and can solve issues caused by network glitches or device memory problems.
Step 1 Locate your modem or router.
Step 2 Unplug power cables for 30–60 seconds.
Step 3 Plug the cables back in and wait for full restart.
Step 4 Check your device's connection and open Spotify.
Step 9. Reboot Your Modem or Router
If the problem continues, open Spotify on another device or platform. This helps determine whether the issue is specific to one device. Switching devices can also fix bugs affecting a single installation.
Step 10. Reinstall Spotify
Finally, uninstall and reinstall the app. For a more thorough fix, consider a clean uninstall by removing corrupted files or misconfigured settings. Once reinstalled, the app usually runs smoothly, and previous errors like "Something Went Wrong" should no longer appear.
On Desktop (Windows)
Step 1 Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
Step 2 Right-click Spotify > Uninstall.
Step 3 Delete residual folders:
C:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Local\SpotifyC:\Users\[Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\Spotify
Step 4 Download and install the latest Spotify version.
Step 5 Log in and check if the error is resolved.
On Desktop (Mac)
Step 1 Open Finder > Applications.
Step 2 Right-click Spotify > Move to Trash. Enter password if required.
Step 3 Press Cmd + Shift + G, type ~/Library/Application Support/, and delete the Spotify folder.
Step 4 Download and install the latest Spotify version.
Step 5 Log in and verify the issue is resolved.
On Mobile (iOS)
Step 1 Press and hold the Spotify app until it jiggles.
Step 2 Tap X or – to delete, then confirm.
Step 3 Reinstall Spotify from the App Store and log in.
Step 4 Check if the error is fixed.
On Mobile (Android)
Step 1 Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Uninstall and confirm.
Step 2 Reinstall from Google Play Store and log in.
Step 3 Verify if the error is resolved.
Part 3. How to Play Spotify Music Without "Something Went Wrong"
If the "Something Went Wrong" error keeps interrupting your listening, there's an easier way to enjoy Spotify without depending on the app or a constant internet connection. With ViWizard Spotify Music Converter, you can download and convert your favorite songs, albums, and playlists directly through its built-in Spotify web player. This means you can access your full library and save tracks as common audio formats like MP3, WAV, M4A, M4B, FLAC, or AIFF - ready for offline playback anytime. Moreover, you don't need a Premium subscription, and you'll never have to worry about connection issues, ads, or playback errors.
Once your music is downloaded, you can transfer it to any device or media player, whether it's a phone, tablet, computer, USB drive, or even a smart speaker. Using ViWizard gives you complete freedom to listen to Spotify the way you want - without restrictions.
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