Spotify Connect Not Working? Solved!

Part 1. Basic Checks if Spotify Connect Is Not Working

Before trying more advanced fixes, it's best to start with basic checks. Simple issues like network problems, outdated apps, or devices that aren't compatible can often cause Connect problems.

1: Check Device Compatibility

Your devices may not cooperate with Spotify Connect for a few simple reasons. Some speakers, TVs, or consoles don't support Connect. That means even if they appear in the app, they might not actually connect. Checking compatibility first can save a lot of time.

Here's a list of some of the most common devices that support Spotify Connect. For the full list, visit https://connect.spotify.com/ in any browser and search for your device to see if it's compatible.

2: Check Wi-Fi Network

Spotify Connect relies on a strong Wi-Fi connection. If your network is weak or unstable, devices may fail to appear or drop connections. Public or restricted networks (like office or school Wi-Fi) can make the problem worse.

3: Check Spotify Server Status or Outages

Sometimes the issue isn't on your end - Spotify servers occasionally go down. Even if your devices are set up correctly, Connect won't work during an outage.

You can confirm this by visiting Spotify Status on X (formerly Twitter) for official updates or checking Downdetector for Spotify for live outage reports.

4: Ensure Devices Are on the Same Wi-Fi

Your phone, tablet, or computer must be on the same Wi-Fi as the device you want to connect. If they are on different networks, Connect won't recognize them. Even being on different bands of the same router (2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz) can sometimes cause issues.

5: Restart Devices and Spotify App

Glitches sometimes happen. Restarting your phone, speaker, or TV can fix minor errors. Closing and reopening the app refreshes the connection and often resolves problems. Basically, you're restarting everything for a fresh start.

How to Restart Spotify:

How to Restart Devices:

6: Test Spotify Connect on Another Device

If one device fails, try using another to isolate the issue. This helps identify whether the problem is specific to one device or related to your Spotify account.

7: Restart Wi-Fi or Switch Networks

Routers sometimes run into conflicts or IP address issues. Restarting your Wi-Fi or switching to another network can help refresh connections and make your devices visible again.

8: Update Spotify App

Older app versions can cause compatibility problems. Updating ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes. An outdated app might fail to connect even when your devices are otherwise compatible.

Once updated, reopen Spotify and check if Connect works correctly.

9: Update Device Firmware or OS

Your speaker, TV, or console may need the latest firmware for Spotify Connect to work smoothly. If your devices fail to connect or get stuck on "Connecting," outdated firmware is often the main cause. Phones and tablets should also stay updated to avoid compatibility glitches.

10: Sign Out of Spotify and Sign Back In

Account sessions sometimes get corrupted. Signing out and back in refreshes your account authentication and often fixes devices that appear but won't connect. You can log out from your phone, computer, or even all devices through your account page for a full reset.

After that, reopen Spotify on your main device, log back in, and try opening Now Playing > Device icon to see if your speakers or TV show up correctly.

Part 2. Common Fixes if Spotify Connect Is Not Working

If basic checks don't solve the problem, there are common fixes you can try. Some may seem a bit more technical, like dealing with firewall blocks, app cache issues, or network conflicts. Following these steps usually resolves problems that prevent Spotify from detecting or connecting to your devices.

1: Check Firewall, Security, or Antivirus Settings

Security software can block the ports Connect uses. This is mostly relevant for PC and Mac, where you can control permissions. Ensuring proper access allows your devices to connect over the network.

If you use a third-party antivirus app, check its settings to whitelist Spotify or disable it to test if it's the cause.

2: Clear Spotify Cache

Cached data can interfere with device detection. Clearing the cache removes old files and refreshes the app.

3: Unlink and Reconnect Spotify Devices

Devices may be registered incorrectly. If Spotify is linked to your speakers through the app, try unlinking and relinking them. This often fixes connection problems.

4: Disable VPN or Custom DNS Settings

VPNs, unusual ad-block DNS, or private relay setups can block local network detection. Connect requires devices to communicate on the same network. Disabling these ensures proper communication.

First, disconnect any active VPN and switch back to your normal Wi-Fi connection. If you're using a custom DNS:

After that, restart your Wi-Fi and reopen Spotify to test Connect again.

5: Reset Network Settings

Old Wi-Fi configurations or IP conflicts may prevent devices from appearing. Resetting network settings clears these issues and refreshes connections. You can do this by forgetting and reconnecting to saved networks and VPNs. Remember to write down your Wi-Fi passwords before doing this so you can reconnect afterward.

6: Perform a Clean Uninstall of Spotify

Sometimes the app itself is the problem. A clean uninstall removes corrupted files or misconfigured settings and gives you a fresh start.

7: Reinstall Spotify

After uninstalling, reinstalling ensures the app is up to date and restores default settings. This often fixes persistent Connect issues that basic troubleshooting didn't resolve.

Part 3. How to Fix Specific Spotify Connect Issues

Sometimes Connect has more specific problems. This section focuses on step-by-step solutions for issues like devices not showing, being stuck on "Connecting…," or failing to recognize a device.

Spotify Connect Devices Not Showing

Step 1 On your phone or tablet, open the Spotify app.

Step 2 Tap your profile picture, then go to Settings & Privacy > Devices.

Step 3 Scroll down and make sure Show Local Devices Only is turned off.

Step 4 On iPhone or iPad, open Settings > Spotify and toggle Local Network on. This allows Spotify to discover devices on your local network.

Step 5 If a device still isn't showing, log into it directly using the same Spotify account. For example, open the speaker's companion app and confirm your account is connected.

Step 6 You can also remove old devices from your account. Just find and tap the three dots next to the device name in the device list, then select Log out of this device.

Spotify Connect Doesn't Recognize a Device

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your phone or desktop.

Step 2 Make sure both your controller device (phone/tablet/PC) and target device (speaker, TV, etc.) are on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3 Reauthorize your device:

• For Google Home/Nest, open the Google Home app > Account > Settings > Music > Spotify and tap Unlink, then link it again.
• For Amazon Echo, open the Alexa app > Settings > Music & Podcasts > Spotify and choose Disable Skill, then enable it again.

Step 4 Close and reopen the app on both devices to refresh the connection.

Stuck on "Connecting…"

Step 1 Unplug your Wi-Fi router for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

Step 2 Restart your phone, tablet, or computer.

Step 3 Open Spotify and try connecting again.

Step 4 Clear Spotify's cache:

• On desktop, click your profile > Settings & Privacy > Storage > Clear cache.
• On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Storage & cache > Clear cache.
• On iPhone/iPad, open Spotify > Settings & Privacy > Storage > Clear cache.

Step 5 If the problem persists, reset network settings:

• On iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset Network Settings.
• On Android, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.

Part 4. Best Alternative Ways to Control Spotify Playback

If Connect still doesn't work, you don't have to stop listening. You can try alternative ways to play Spotify, such as using AirPlay, Chromecast, Bluetooth, or even transferring files via USB to another device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, resolving Spotify Connect issues can significantly enhance your music streaming experience. Whether you are dealing with devices not showing up, connectivity problems, or duplicates, the solutions provided aim to cover a wide range of scenarios. If you want to extend your Spotify experience further and play your favorite tunes on multiple devices without the constraints of online streaming, consider using a tool like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter.