Solved: Spotify Black Screen Issue

Part 1. How to Fix Spotify Black Screen on Desktop

The desktop version can show a black screen for several reasons, such as a corrupted cache, a recent app update, or blocked permissions. Even though the black screen looks the same, desktop fixes target issues unique to computers, like hardware acceleration, which can interfere with the app and cause the black screen.

1. Check Internet Connection

Spotify relies on a stable internet connection to load your library, playlists, and streaming data. If the connection is poor or intermittent, the app may open to a black screen. Make sure your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection is stable. Restarting your router or switching networks can help if the signal is weak.

Step 1 Click on the network icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen).

Step 2 Select your Wi-Fi network or Ethernet connection.

Step 3 If using Wi-Fi, ensure you're connected to the correct network and that the signal strength is strong.

Step 4 If using Ethernet, make sure the cable is securely plugged into both your computer and the router/modem.

Step 5 If the connection seems unstable, try restarting your router or contacting your internet service provider for assistance.

2. Restart Spotify

Sometimes the simplest fix works best. Closing Spotify completely and reopening it refreshes the app's processes and clears glitches that may cause a black screen. Make sure the app is fully closed in the system tray before reopening.

Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app.

Step 2 Click on the downward arrow next to your profile name in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Select "Check for Updates" from the dropdown menu.

Step 4 If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and install it.

Step 5 Once the update is complete, restart the Spotify app and check if the black screen issue persists.

3. Clear Desktop Cache

Spotify stores temporary files in a cache to speed up performance, but corrupted files can cause display issues. Clearing the cache removes these files and forces Spotify to rebuild them, which often resolves the black screen. Access the app's Settings menu to perform this step.

Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app.

Step 2 Click on the downward arrow next to your profile name in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Step 4 Scroll down to the "Storage" section.

Step 5 Click on "Clear Cache."

Step 6 Confirm the action when prompted.

Step 7 Wait for Spotify to restart, and check if the black screen issue persists.

4. Disable Hardware Acceleration

Hardware acceleration shifts some processing tasks to your GPU to improve performance. On certain computers, this can conflict with Spotify's display and trigger a black screen.

Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app.

Step 2 Click on the downward arrow next to your profile name in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

Step 4 Scroll down to the "Advanced Settings" section.

Step 5 Toggle off the "Enable hardware acceleration" option.

Step 6 Close and restart the Spotify app to apply the changes.

Step 7 Check if the black screen issue persists.

5. Run as Administrator

Running Spotify with administrator privileges gives the app higher access to system resources. This can fix black screen issues caused by permission conflicts or blocked processes. You'll need administrative access on your computer to try this step.

Step 1 Close Spotify if it's currently running.

Step 2 Right-click on the Spotify desktop shortcut or the Spotify executable file.

Step 3 Select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.

Step 4 If prompted by User Account Control, click "Yes" to grant permission.

Step 5 Check if the black screen issue persists while running Spotify with elevated privileges.

6. Allow Through Firewall

Firewalls control which apps can access the internet. If Spotify or its helper app is blocked, it may fail to load correctly. Allowing Spotify through your firewall ensures it can connect to its servers. You may need to manually add the app if it doesn't appear in the list.

For Windows:

Step 1 Open the Windows Defender Firewall settings by searching for it in the Start menu search bar and clicking on it.

Step 2 Click on "Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall" on the left sidebar.

Step 3 Click on "Change settings" (you might need administrative privileges).

Step 4 Scroll down the list of apps and ensure that both Spotify and SpotifyWebHelper are checked for both private and public networks.

Step 5 If Spotify is not listed, click on "Allow another app…" and navigate to the Spotify installation directory to add it manually.

Step 6 Click "OK" to save the changes and then restart Spotify to see if the black screen issue persists.

For Mac:

Step 1 Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen, then select "System Preferences."

Step 2 Click on "Security & Privacy."

Step 3 If the padlock icon in the bottom-left corner is locked, click on it and enter your password to unlock the settings.

Step 4 Click on the "Firewall" tab at the top of the window.

Step 5 Click on "Firewall Options…"

Step 6 Click the "+" button, then find and select the Spotify app in your Applications folder. Repeat for SpotifyWebHelper if listed.

Step 7 Make sure both Spotify and SpotifyWebHelper are set to "Allow incoming connections", then click "OK."

Step 8 Click the padlock icon again to prevent further changes.

Step 9 Close and reopen Spotify to see if the black screen issue has been resolved.

7. Grant Access to Controlled Folders

Windows' Controlled Folder Access protects important files but can prevent Spotify from modifying necessary files. Granting access ensures the app functions properly without interference, which may resolve the black screen. This step is specific to Windows users with security features enabled.

Step 1 Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu search bar and clicking on it.

Step 2 Click on "Virus & threat protection" in the left sidebar.

Step 3 Scroll down to "Ransomware protection" and click on "Manage ransomware protection."

Step 4 Under "Controlled folder access," click on "Allow an app through Controlled folder access."

Step 5 Click on "Add an allowed app" and navigate to the Spotify installation directory to add both Spotify and SpotifyWebHelper.

Step 6 Restart Spotify to see if the black screen issue persists.

8. Restore Backup Settings (Spicetify)

If you've customized Spotify with Spicetify, some themes or modifications can cause conflicts that lead to a black screen. Restoring a backup removes these changes and returns the app to a stable state. You'll need a previously created Spicetify backup to use this fix.

Step 1 Open the Spicetify CLI (Command Line Interface) tool on your computer.

Step 2 Enter the command: spicetify restore backup

Step 3 Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.

Step 4 Restart Spotify to see if the black screen issue has been resolved.

9. Clean Uninstall and Reinstall

A clean reinstall removes all app files, caches, and settings that could be causing persistent issues. After uninstalling, delete leftover folders in AppData (Windows) or Library (Mac) before reinstalling the latest version. This ensures Spotify starts fresh, which often solves stubborn black screen problems.

For Windows:

Step 1 Close Spotify if it's currently running.

Step 2 Open the Control Panel by typing it in the Start menu search bar.

Step 3 Click on "Uninstall a program" under the Programs section.

Step 4 Scroll down to find Spotify, then right-click and select "Uninstall."

Step 5 Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

Step 6 Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, type %AppData%, and press Enter.

Step 7 In the AppData\Roaming folder, delete the Spotify folder.

Step 8 Navigate to AppData\Local and delete any Spotify folders present.

Step 9 Restart your computer.

Step 10 Download and install the latest version of Spotify from the official website.

Step 11 Sign in to your Spotify account and check if the black screen issue persists.

For Android:

Step 1 Go to your device's Settings app.

Step 2 Tap "Apps" or "Applications."

Step 3 Scroll through the list to find Spotify, then tap on it.

Step 4 Tap on "Storage" or "Storage & cache," then select "Clear Data." Confirm if prompted.

Step 5 Go back to Settings > Storage > Android > Data. Find and delete the folder named com.spotify.spotify.music.

For Mac:

Step 1 If Spotify is running, close it completely.

Step 2 Open the Finder app.

Step 3 Click on "Go" in the menu bar and hold down the Option/Alt key, then select "Library."

Step 4 Open the Caches folder and delete the folders named com.spotify.client and com.spotify.client.helper.

Step 5 Go back to the Library directory and open Application Support.

Step 6 Find and delete the Spotify folder.

Part 2. How to Fix Spotify Black Screen on Mobile

On mobile, black screens often appear after updates or when the device has low memory. Force closing the app, clearing the cache, updating the OS, or reinstalling Spotify usually resolves the issue. Mobile devices handle app permissions and memory differently from desktop, so these platform-specific steps are necessary.

1. Force Close Spotify

Sometimes the app just needs a reset. Force closing Spotify clears its active processes and frees up memory that may be causing the black screen. On most devices, this is done through the multitask menu or app switcher. Make sure the app is fully closed before reopening.

On Android/iPhone

Step 1 Swipe up from the bottom (or tap the recent apps button) to view all open apps.

Step 2 Find Spotify and swipe it away, or tap Force Close if your device shows that option.

Step 3 Reopen Spotify and check if the black screen disappears.

2. Clear Mobile Cache

Mobile apps store temporary files to improve performance, but corrupted cache data can trigger black screen issues. Here's how to clear it:

On Android/iPhone

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your phone.

Step 2 Go to Settings > Privacy > Data-saving and Offline > Storage > Clear Cache.

Step 3 Tap Clear.

3. Update Spotify App

Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Running an outdated version may cause black screen errors, especially after a device or system update. Make sure you're using the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store.

On Android/iPhone

Step 1 Open the Google Play Store or App Store.

Step 2 Search for Spotify and see if an update is available.

Step 3 Tap Update to install the latest version, which often fixes black screen glitches.

4. Update Device OS

Mobile operating systems periodically release updates to fix compatibility issues and improve security. An outdated OS can interfere with Spotify, leading to crashes or black screens. Check your device settings for system updates and install them if available.

On Android

Step 1 Go to Settings > System > Software Update.

Step 2 If an update is available, download and install it.

Step 3 Restart your device after updating to ensure all changes take effect.

On iPhone

Step 1 Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 2 If an update is available, download and install it.

Step 3 Restart your device after updating to ensure all changes take effect.

5. Clean Uninstall and Reinstall

If the black screen persists, a clean reinstall often solves the problem. Uninstall Spotify, restart your device, and reinstall the app from the official store. This removes all corrupted data or conflicting files and gives you a fresh start.

On Android

Step 1 Open Settings > Apps > Spotify.

Step 2 Tap Storage & Cache > Clear Data, and confirm if prompted.

Step 3 Optionally, navigate to your phone's internal storage and delete any leftover Spotify folders.

Step 4 Reboot your device.

Step 5 Install Spotify again from the Google Play Store and sign in.

On iPhone

Step 1 Delete Spotify: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Spotify > Delete App.

Step 2 Turn off your iPhone completely and wait a few seconds.

Step 3 Turn it back on and reinstall Spotify from the App Store.

Step 4 Sign back in and check if the black screen issue is resolved.

Part 3. Part 3. How to Fix Spotify Black Screen on Web Player

The web player can also display a black screen, depending heavily on the browser you're using. Start troubleshooting by clearing the browser cache and cookies. This guide uses Chrome as an example, though other browsers have similar interfaces and settings.

1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Browsers store temporary files and cookies to speed up web pages, but corrupted data can prevent Spotify Web Player from loading properly. Clearing the cache and cookies forces the browser to fetch fresh data, which often resolves the black screen. Make sure to close and reopen the browser after clearing.

On Chrome

Step 1 Open Google Chrome.

Step 2 Click on the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step 4 In Settings, click Privacy and security in the left sidebar.

Step 5 Click Clear browsing data.

Step 6 Choose a time range (e.g., Last hour, Last 24 hours, All time).

Step 7 Check the boxes for Cookies and other site data and Cached images and files.

Step 8 Click Clear data and restart Chrome.

2. Open in Incognito/Private Mode

Sometimes browser extensions or cached sessions interfere with Spotify. Using an incognito or private window disables most extensions and clears session data temporarily. If Spotify works in this mode, the issue is likely caused by your regular browser settings or add-ons.

Step 1 Open Chrome and click the three-dot menu icon.

Step 2 Select New incognito window.

Step 3 Navigate to Spotify Web Player and log in.

Step 4 Check if the black screen persists. If not, browser extensions or cache may have been the cause.

3. Disable Adblockers/Extensions

Adblockers, script blockers, and other browser extensions can block content that Spotify needs to display properly. Disabling these extensions or whitelisting Spotify ensures the web player loads all necessary scripts and visuals.

Step 1 Click the puzzle icon (Extensions) in Chrome's top-right corner.

Step 2 Find installed adblocker extensions and toggle them off temporarily.

Step 3 Refresh Spotify Web Player and check if the issue is resolved.

4. Reset Host Files if Modified

Custom or modified host files on your computer can block Spotify servers, preventing the web player from connecting. Resetting the host files to default ensures Spotify can reach its servers and display correctly.

On Windows

Step 1 Open Notepad as administrator.

Step 2 Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc and open the hosts file.

Step 3 Look for entries with "spotify" or "fastly" and delete or comment them out (#).

Step 4 Save changes and refresh Spotify Web Player.

On Mac

Step 1 In Finder, select Go > Go to Folder and type /private/etc/hosts.

Step 2 Drag the hosts file to Desktop and open it in TextEdit.

Step 3 Remove any lines containing "Spotify".

Step 4 Save changes, close TextEdit, and refresh Spotify Web Player.

5. Disable Hardware Acceleration in Browser

Browser hardware acceleration uses your GPU to process graphics, which can sometimes conflict with web-based apps like Spotify. Disabling this feature shifts processing to the CPU, often resolving display issues including black screens.

Step 1 Open Chrome and type chrome://flags in the address bar.

Step 2 Search for Hardware-Accelerated video decode.

Step 3 Set it to Disable and restart Chrome.

6. Update Browse

An outdated browser may not support the latest web standards required by Spotify Web Player. Updating your browser ensures full compatibility and can fix rendering or loading issues.

Step 1 Open Chrome menu (three-dot icon) > Help > About Google Chrome.

Step 2 Chrome will automatically check for updates. Install if available and restart.

7. Restart Browser & Device

Restarting the browser clears temporary glitches, and restarting your computer or device refreshes network connections and system resources. Many black screen issues are resolved with a simple restart.

Step 1 Close Chrome completely.

Step 2 Reopen Chrome and try Spotify Web Player.

Step 3 If needed, restart your device.

8. Try a Different Browser

If the problem persists, using a different browser can help identify whether the issue is browser-specific. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari generally support Spotify, so switching browsers can isolate the cause of the black screen.

Step 1 Open Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari.

Step 2 Navigate to Spotify Web Player.

Step 3 Log in and check if the black screen issue persists.

How to Fix Spotify Web Player Not Working

Part 4. How to Prevent Spotify Black Screen While Playing Music

Sometimes, when facing issues like the black screen on Spotify, you might seek an alternative way to enjoy your favorite music hassle-free. One solution is to convert Spotify music directly to MP3 for playback on any device and media player. This method not only bypasses the need for the Spotify app but also ensures seamless listening experiences without interruptions.

No matter on what platforms or devices, there's also the best alternative to fix the issue at hand - download songs to listen to offline. Once the music is downloaded for offline use, it is accessible without relying on Spotify's API.

While the download service is typically available for Premium subscribers, tools like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter can download music for users without an existing subscription and convert it into various formats, including MP3, AIFF, M4A, M4B, WAV, and FLAC at an impressive 15x super faster speed. Once the conversion is complete, the black screen issue won't appear, and the listening experience is even greater!

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