Why does my Spotify keep pausing? + Solutions to common Spotify problems
Spotify is arguably the best audio streaming platform in existence today, but that certainly doesn’t mean there aren’t errors to worry about when using the service. Let’s take a look at the most common issues reported on Spotify.
Spotify has a host of features and is still considered the best music streaming service, beating out competitors like Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, and Amazon Music, among others.
New features have been constantly added to the platform since the company’s founding in 2005. These features include instant song sharing, private listening, remote group sessions, and algorithmically grown playlists to meet your preferences.
We’d be hard-pressed to think of a single online platform or technology that wouldn’t pose problems, though, and Spotify is no exception.
A common problem reported by users of the platform is that the service may stop randomly with no apparent cause or explanation.
So why is this?
Why does Spotify keep going on hiatus?
Unfortunately, there’s not just one reason why your Spotify may be pausing, so you may need to try a few troubleshooting procedures. Corrupted cache files, unauthorized usage, low power mode, poor internet connection, server crashes and other issues are some of the potential causes.
Low power mode and data saver mode are the main causes of Spotify malfunctioning. These two modes, when enabled, prevent background programs from drawing battery power or accessing the Internet to retain data. Therefore, checking and removing these features can help Spotify.
Another factor that could hinder a smooth Spotify experience is a slow internet connection. Those experiencing problems can try switching to another connection, such as switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data. The program would not stop until it had adequate bandwidth to play consistently.
More Common Spotify Problems
Spotify’s random pausing is certainly not the only common problem the platform encounters. Let’s take a look at some of the other most common problems users may encounter when using Spotify:
Spotify stutters during playback
When you listen to music on Spotify, it sometimes sounds crackly, like it hasn’t been buffered properly. The music then becomes unintelligible.
Enabling hardware acceleration usually fixes the problem. Go to More > Display > Hardware Acceleration in the Spotify app. Keep in mind that if your machine is old and underpowered, the program may experience significant latency.
No sound during Spotify playback
A muted device or faulty line output are the most common causes of no sound when listening to Spotify on a computer.
Right-click the volume symbol in the system tray and choose Volume Mixer to check in Windows. Hold down the Option key and click the speaker symbol on a Mac.
Spotify doesn’t work on Android
If your problem only concerns your Android device, you can almost guarantee its resolution by performing a few simple steps.
To get started, clear your cache, which stores data so Spotify can work faster and more efficiently in the future. Cache data can sometimes become corrupted, causing usability issues.
Fortunately, Android makes clearing your cache simple, allowing the app to create a new set of uncorrupted data. Clear cache can be found under Settings > Apps & notifications > Spotify > Storage & cache. You also need to press the Clear Data button.
No chance? There are a number of cleaning programs that include an option to remove processes that may damage Spotify. Process managers and battery managers can also interfere with Spotify’s multiple ongoing operations. When the screen is off or an app is running in the background for a long time, it can be extremely aggressive.
Try adding Spotify to app whitelists if you really need/want to keep them installed.
Spotify does not work on Apple devices
Users of Apple devices – iPhone and iPad – do not have access to a clear cache button. Instead, it’s up to each program to provide a way to clear its caches.
If you’re using an iOS device, launch Spotify and go to Home > Settings > Storage > Clear Cache.
Error code 17: Spotify failed to start
This Windows-specific bug has been bothering people for years and it still appears occasionally.
When you try to open Spotify, you will encounter a problem. Everything will seem to work fine until you get a pop-up on the screen just before the client is ready to start, at which point the software will crash.
The answer is to download and save the Spotify installation to your PC. Then right-click the software and choose Properties to get the Compatibility tab.
Run Spotify in compatibility mode for Windows XP from here when you want to use it.
Can’t add local music to Spotify
Spotify’s desktop client has a nice feature that allows you to import your locally stored music. Spotify songs can be mixed with your own songs in your playlists.
Spotify’s Windows and Mac desktop apps now handle local music differently. Previously, you could simply drag and drop selected files onto a playlist, but that’s no longer the case: the change in approach has caused some customers to fear the service might malfunction.
To add files, go to Edit > Preferences > Local Files (Windows) or Spotify > Preferences > Local Files (Mac). You can direct Spotify to your stored songs or ask it to search your iTunes songs or music library.
Unable to download songs for offline listening
Spotify allows you to download music and listen to it offline. This is a great feature to have in the gym, in your vehicle, or anywhere else where Wi-Fi isn’t accessible, as it ensures you don’t go over your data limit.
There is, however, a limitation that few users know about: a maximum of 10,000 songs can be synced to each device for offline listening. You will no longer be able to download songs unless you erase some of your current offline audio if you reach this threshold.
Enabling the Download option in a playlist’s More menu will gradually destroy its contents. You can also delete the cache if you want faster resolution.
Jake McEvoy
Jake is a professional writer, journalist, and lifelong tech fan. It covers KnowYourMobile news and user guides.
