Keeping your music playing nonstop is simple and automatic with Spotify's Autoplay feature. The feature, turned on by default, continues playing similar songs after a playlist, album, or song ends. Available for both Premium and free users, it works on mobile, tablet, and desktop apps - but not the Web Player - so you can discover new tracks and expand your library without searching or managing playlists.
The settings are found in the app's Playback options, alongside features like the explicit content filter, crossfade, and equalizer. Turning Autoplay on or off is straightforward, but many users are more interested in knowing when to use it intentionally for a more satisfying listening experience, rather than simply leaving it on or off. And when Autoplay seems uncontrollable on certain devices, it helps to know how to fix it for peace of mind.
Below, we'll show you how to turn Spotify Autoplay on or off across devices, plus everything you need to know to get the best results.
When to Turn It On:
- You want music to keep playing automatically
- You want to discover new songs
- Your playlist or album is short
- You want hands-free listening
When to Turn It Off:
- You want full control over songs
- You're offline or have limited internet
- Your recommendations feel repetitive
- You want music to stop after your playlist
Part 1. What Does Spotify AutoPlay Do?
Autoplay keeps your music playing automatically after a song, playlist, or album ends. Once your playlist finishes, Spotify selects the next track based on what you've been listening to.
Spotify explains: "When you reach the end of an album, playlist, or selection of songs, Spotify automatically plays similar songs so the music never stops." This creates a continuous stream, helping you discover new tracks without manually adding them. Think of it like a radio station tailored to your taste - Autoplay provides the trigger, while your playlist or album sets the starting point.
The "Next up" recommendations are based on your listening habits, the current playlist or album, and what other users with similar tastes are enjoying. It considers tempo, mood, genre, and even song skips or likes to ensure the next track fits your vibe.
In short, Autoplay makes it easy to explore new music while keeping your sessions flowing. Whether you're working, exercising, or just relaxing, your music doesn't have to stop.
- Key Benefits:
- Keeps music playing automatically
- Helps discover new songs and artists
- Extends short playlists seamlessly
- Supports hands-free listening
- Works across devices with account sync
- Key Limits:
- Doesn't work offline
- May repeat familiar artists or songs
- Free users get ads between tracks
- Limited control over exact songs played
- Recommendations affected by cleared listening history
Part 2. How to Turn Spotify AutoPlay On or Off on Mobile (iPhone & Android)
On the Spotify mobile app, go to Profile > Settings & Privacy > Playback > Autoplay similar content. Switch it on for continuous music, or off to stop unexpected related songs at the end of your playlist or album. Many users check this setting before long listening sessions to make sure their music behaves the way they want.
Turning Autoplay On for Spotify Mobile
Autoplay is enabled by default on mobile, so normally you don't need to double-check. But if you ever turned it off by mistake, you can switch it back on.
Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your iPhone or Android device.
Step 2 Tap the Gear icon in the upper-right corner to open Settings.
Step 3 Scroll down and select Playback.
Step 4 Find the Autoplay section and toggle it on.
Step 5 To check the upcoming songs, tap the Now Playing bar at the bottom of the screen.
Step 6 Tap the Queue button in the bottom-right corner to see the list of upcoming tracks.
Turning Autoplay Off for Spotify Mobile
If you notice related music popping up from the "Next up" queue, you can turn Autoplay off in your mobile settings to stop it completely.
Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your mobile device.
Step 2 Tap the Gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings.
Step 3 Scroll down and select Playback.
Step 4 Locate the Autoplay section and toggle it off.
Step 5 After this, Spotify will stop automatically playing similar tracks when your current playlist or song ends.
Part 3. How to Turn Spotify AutoPlay On or Off on Desktop (Windows & Mac)
On the Spotify desktop app, go to Profile > Settings. The Autoplay toggle is located right under Settings, so there's no need to scroll much. You can easily control this feature to ensure your music continues - or stops - exactly as you want.
Turning Autoplay On for Spotify Desktop
Because Autoplay is on by default, your music will continue with similar songs unless you turn it off.
Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app on your Windows PC or Mac.
Step 2 Click your Profile icon in the top-right corner, then select Settings.
Step 3 Scroll down to the Autoplay section.
Step 4 Toggle the switch on next to: "Enjoy nonstop listening. When your audio ends, we'll play you something similar."
Step 5 Play a playlist or album. Once it ends, Spotify will automatically continue with similar tracks. Note that shuffling or looping options may be grayed out during Autoplay.
Step 6 To view the upcoming songs, click the Queue button to see the next 50 tracks in line.
Turning Autoplay Off for Spotify Desktop
If you want your music to end naturally, you can switch Autoplay off in your desktop settings.
Step 1 Open the Spotify desktop app on your PC or Mac.
Step 2 Click your Profile icon at the top-right corner and select Settings.
Step 3 Scroll down to the Autoplay section.
Step 4 Toggle the switch off next to: "Enjoy nonstop listening. When your audio ends, we'll play you something similar."
Step 5 Once turned off, Spotify will stop automatically playing recommended songs after your playlist or album finishes.
Part 4. How to Stop AutoPlay on Spotify in Bluetooth or Car
Spotify's Autoplay keeps your music playing automatically after a playlist, album, or track ends. That's usually convenient, but sometimes music starts unexpectedly when you connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth or Android Auto. Automatic playback like this can be frustrating if you prefer to control when music starts.
Besides turning off Autoplay in the Spotify app's Playback settings, it's important to check your car's infotainment system. Many cars have options like "Automatically resume media" or "Start music automatically". Disabling these ensures your music only plays when you want it to. You can also turn off Spotify's Car Mode, which may trigger automatic playback, by going to Settings & Privacy > Apps and Devices > In the Car.
Once Autoplay is disabled on your devices, you can further prevent Spotify from playing automatically by addressing the issue in another guide or by using local media playback via a USB drive if needed.
Encounter Spotify Music plays automicatically unecpectedly and don't know how to fix this problem? We'll colelct possible fixes to this issue. Come check this out.
Part 5. How to Intentionally Use AutoPlay on Spotify
Using Autoplay intentionally can make a big difference.
Tip 1. Start with a Favorite Song
Choose a track you really enjoy and play it first. Let it finish without skipping. Spotify's Autoplay will then generate a series of songs similar to your choice, creating an instant personalized listening session and helping you discover new artists that match your taste.
Tip 2. Extend Short Playlists
If your playlist doesn't have enough songs to fill your session, start it and let it run. When it ends, Autoplay automatically queues up related tracks. This keeps your music flowing without needing to manually add songs, making short playlists feel longer and more complete.
Tip 3. Turn Albums into Continuous Sessions
Play an album from start to finish, then let Autoplay take over. Spotify will queue up additional tracks that fit the album's style and mood, which is perfect for long work, study, or relaxation sessions without interruptions.
Tip 4. Use Autoplay to Explore Genres
If you want to branch out from your usual music, start with a song from a genre you like but don't usually listen to. Autoplay will suggest tracks within that genre, helping you explore new sounds while staying in familiar territory.
Tip 5. Monitor Your Queue
Occasionally, Autoplay may add tracks you don't want. Check the "Up Next" queue to see what's coming and remove any unwanted songs. This keeps your listening experience smooth and ensures the recommendations stay relevant.
Tip 6. Let It Run During Long Sessions
Autoplay works best when left uninterrupted. For studying, workouts, or road trips, start your playlist or album, turn Autoplay on, and let it fill the session with related music automatically. This hands-free approach maximizes continuous playback.
Part 6. How to Fix Spotify AutoPlay Not Working
Frustration with Autoplay is common on Spotify. Issues often occur when using Spotify Connect, Chromecast, or other connected devices via Bluetooth. Even though users can access and use Autoplay, it doesn't always work the same way across all devices.
Step 1: Clear the Spotify Cache
On desktop, open Spotify and go to Profile > Settings > Storage > Cache, then click Clear Cache and confirm. On iOS or iPadOS, open the app, go to Settings > Storage > Cache, and tap Clear Cache. On Android, open the device Settings > Apps > Spotify, and select the option to clear the cache.
Step 2: Log Out and Back In
On desktop, click Profile > Log Out. On mobile, open Spotify settings via the gear icon and select Log Out. Then reopen the app and sign back in with your account. This refreshes your session and often resolves playback issues.
Step 3: Disable Low Power Mode or Battery Saver
Low Power Mode can limit background activities, which may affect Autoplay. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Battery and toggle Low Power Mode off. On Android, open Settings > Battery (or Battery & Power Management) and disable any similar power-saving mode.
Step 4: Adjust Background App Refresh (iOS/iPadOS only)
Background App Refresh lets apps update in the background. If disabled, Spotify may not autoplay properly. Go to Settings > General > Background App Refresh. You can either turn it off for all apps or scroll to Spotify and toggle it off just for the app.
Workaround. Get Full Control of Spotify Playback
Since users can't fix the Autoplay glitches themselves, the best way to avoid these problems is to download Autoplay songs from Spotify queue and listen to them without any disturbance. Thanks to ViWizard Spotify Music Converter, you'll be able to download Spotify Autoplay songs directly to your computer for playing anytime and anywhere.
Not only functioning as a music converter but also as a music downloader, ViWizard Spotify Music Converter enables you to download songs, albums, playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks from Spotify without a Premium subscription. It supports exporting Spotify music into six audio formats like MP3 and M4A. Here's a detailed guide on how to download Spotify music via ViWizard software.
Key Features of ViWizard Spotify Music Converter
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- Lets you play Spotify tracks offline on any device without restrictions
- Works seamlessly on Windows and macOS, supporting the built-in Spotify Web Player
Part 7. Spotify AutoPlay FAQs
Why does Spotify keep playing music even when I turned off Autoplay?
Sometimes Spotify continues playing because the app or device settings haven't fully updated. Certain devices may also override the Autoplay toggle.
Does turning off Autoplay stop all automatic playback?
Not always. Some smart speakers, cars, or connected devices may still start music automatically.
Why does Autoplay repeat the same recommended songs?
Spotify tries to suggest songs you might like based on your listening history, which can make it feel repetitive.
What if Autoplay doesn't work at all?
It may not work if the app is outdated, the internet connection is unstable, or device settings conflict. Restarting the app or device usually helps.
Why does music start automatically when I connect to Bluetooth or a car?
Many phones and car systems automatically start music when connected. This is controlled by the device, not just Spotify.
Can I block songs or artists from Autoplay?
Yes. You can hide songs or block artists to stop them from playing automatically.
Does Autoplay work differently on different devices?
Yes. Autoplay can behave differently on phones, computers, smart speakers, or TVs.
What's the difference between Autoplay, Smart Shuffle, and Enhance?
Autoplay plays related songs after your playlist ends. Smart Shuffle mixes recommended songs into your playlist. Enhance adds extra songs inside your playlist.
Conclusion
And voila! That's how to turn on/off Autoplay on Spotify. And you will encounter the problem. No matter how you toggle the switch to turn on Autoplay, Spotify still won't keep on playing songs. You can follow the above solutions to fix it. If you want to listen to those Auotplay songs offline, you can try using ViWizard Spotify Music Converter for downloading them without a Premium subscription.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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