If you’ve been trying to use Spotify with a VPN and it’s not working, your VPN isn’t good enough to stay ahead of Spotify’s VPN blocking measures.
Spotify doesn’t officially support VPNs, and if you’re using a lesser VPN, you’ll more than likely run into errors when using it in conjunction with the music streaming service.
Don’t panic though, there’s several fixes you can try to fix Spotify not working with VPN.
This article will explain how to fix Spotify not working with VPN, and how you can prevent the issues you’re coming across from happening again.
Which VPNs work with Spotify?
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | PIA | Ivacy | CyberGhost | |
| Spotify | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Download Speed | 79 Mbps | 71 Mbps | 27 Mbps | 31 Mbps | 41 Mbps |
| Throttling | 79% | 71% | 27% | 31% | 41% |
| Price per month | $6.66 | $3.79 | $2.03 | $1.00 | $2.19 |
We regularly check which VPNs are working with Spotify. Our last test was on 20th November 2023.
Spotify not working with VPN: Checklist
- Check if Spotify works with your VPN on another device
- Connect to a server with a low user count (if possible)
- Clear Cookies and Cache: Remove old location data from your browser/device
- Verify VPN IP Address: Use whatismyip.com to check you have an IP address provided by your VPN
- Disable GPS and/or location services on mobile devices
- VPN Software Update: Make sure your VPN software is the latest version. Try uninstalling and reinstalling
- Switch VPN protocols
- Reach out to your VPN’s customer service for Spotify-specific recommendations
- Upgrade VPN: If all else fails, consider switching to a known Spotify-friendly VPN
- I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Spotify
Tip: Sometimes, simply restarting your VPN or changing the server can resolve access issues. If consistent problems arise, it may be time to consider a more reliable VPN service.
Spotify not working with VPN: Fixes
Try these fixes in order. If one doesn’t work, move onto the next until you can use Spotify with a VPN again.
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Check if your VPN works on another device
This is the easiest thing you can do to figure out what you need to do next. If you VPN works with Spotify on your smartphone, but not your computer, then you know your VPN isn’t the problem. If your VPN does work on one device, jump to Step 3 below.
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Contact your VPNs live chat service
This is another easy one. Cycle through your VPN’s available servers. If you only have a few options available to you, go to your VPN’s website and find the Live Chat feature (if they have one) and ask for a specific server number that works with Spotify. This is the single most effective way to diagnose if your VPN is the problem or not. If they can’t point you towards a server that works with Spotify then you know, without doubt, that the VPN is the problem.
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Delete your cookies
Deleting your cookies can potentially fix VPN issues. Accumulated or corrupted cookies in a browser might interfere with the way websites and online services function, especially when using a VPN. Clearing these cookies removes any old or problematic data, thereby ensuring a cleaner slate for your VPN connection to operate. This can help in establishing a more stable connection and resolving conflicts between the VPN and certain web services like Spotify.
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Connect to a different server
If your VPN has suddenly stopped working with Spotify, it might be because the IP address your VPN has given you has been identified and blocked by the service. Changing to a different server will give you a different IP address, and if that one hasn’t been blocked, your VPN will work with Spotify again.
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Reinstall or update your VPN
Think of this as the classic “turn it on and off again” tactic. Removing your VPN, and its settings, from your device and starting again is a good way to get the most up-to-date settings configured on your devices without much effort. If you don’t want to reinstall the software, you can always check to see if there’s an update available to download any fixes your service may have introduced.
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Switch VPN protocols
VPN protocols are the beating heart of a VPN. They determine how the VPN works. When you use a VPN the protocol is responsible for hiding your data and rerouting it via VPN servers. If Spotify isn’t working with your VPN, it might be because the protocol you’re using is no longer working with the service. If your VPN allows it, try changing to a different protocol to see if that fixes the issue. Take a look at our VPN protocols article to discover more about which technology might be best for you.
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Upgrade your VPN
If all of the above fails, you should consider upgrading to a high-end VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) or NordVPN ($3.79/month) for Spotify. For more information, check out our VPN list below to see which VPN suits your needs and budget.
The best VPNs for Spotify: Quicklist
ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) is the gold standard of VPNs. With servers in 94 countries and top-tier encryption protocols, it provides users the fastest and most reliable way to unblock streaming services from anywhere in the world.
NordVPN ($3.19/month) has an expansive network of 5,800+ high-speed servers in 60 countries – making it a great option for anyone looking to unblock popular streaming services, at a more mid-range prince point. An excellent choice.
Private Internet Access ($2.03/month) is the “best of the rest” VPN. It stands out as a solid streaming VPN with a budget price tag. It’s not as reliable, or fast, as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Making it a more suitable choice for a casual VPN user.
Ivacy ($1.00/month) the price is the selling point here. If you want a VPN that works with major streaming services “most of the time” and don’t mind a bit of buffering during peak periods, Ivacy is fine. But it’s a nowhere near as good as ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
CyberGhost ($2.19/month) is a decent VPN option that offers user-friendly apps and a range of servers worldwide. While it may not lead the pack in all features, it provides a satisfactory balance of privacy, speed, and ease of use.
Why does Spotify block VPNs?
The reason Spotify blocks VPNs is because of copyright and licensing agreements it has with record labels.
Similar to TV and movie streaming services, music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music need to purchase the rights to albums and songs.
Spotify needs to buy the rights to music from record labels in order to have that music on its service.
Theses rights come with geographic caveats though. Record labels often decide where in the world they want their music to be made available. This is why Spotify has different music libraries depending on the country you’re in.
Because VPNs allow users to get around these location based stipulations, they could result in Spotify being fined as it would breach the agreements they’ve made with the record labels.
To prevent this from happening, Spotify tries to block VPNs. These blocks are why you’re VPN has stopped working with Spotify.
How does Spotify block VPNs?
Spotify blocks VPNs using three main techniques:
- The most common technique is to do with the IP addresses that your VPN can provide. VPN providers have more customers than the number of IP addresses they can provide; this means that customers can use the same IP addresses. Usually, only a household with a few devices uses the same IP address. When ISP sees hundreds or even thousands of connections coming through on the same IP address, it knows that it is a VPN and it blocks it.
- Spotify monitors for IP, DNS and WebRTC leaks that can tip the service off you are using a VPN.
- Spotify teams up with GeoIP databases like Maxmind to identify IP addresses. If the IP address your VPN provides is on one of these databases, ISP will be able to find out where in the world you are connecting to the internet from and it will block you.
Lesser VPNs struggle to get around Spotify’s blocks, and subsequently all the IP addresses they can provide no longer work with the music streaming service.
To fix this you need a VPN that can stay one step ahead of Spotify’s blocks.
Does Spotify still work with VPNs?
Spotify still works with VPNs, however, you need to use a VPN that has a good track record working with Spotify and has the resources to ensure you can continuously and consistently use Spotify with a VPN.
VPNs like ExpressVPN ($6.67/month) or NordVPN ($3.19/month) are very good at this.
These VPNs work reliably with Spotify because they play a game and cat and mouse with the music streaming service.
If an IP address provided by either of these VPNs is blocked by Spotify, they will close that IP and open a new one.
This means there will always be an IP address for you to connect to, allowing you to listen to Spotify consistently with a VPN.
Spotify not working with VPN: FAQs
Q: Why is Spotify not functioning when I use a VPN?
Answer: Spotify may not work with a VPN due to the service detecting and blocking VPN IP addresses, as it needs to adhere to licensing agreements which are often region-specific.
Q: Can I use any VPN to access Spotify from a different country?
Answer: Not all VPNs are effective for accessing Spotify from another country, as some might be already blocked by Spotify. It’s advisable to choose a reputable VPN known for successfully bypassing geo-restrictions.
Q: What should I do if Spotify stops working while I’m connected to a VPN?
Answer: If Spotify stops working with your VPN, try switching to a different server or region in your VPN app, as this can often resolve the issue.
Q: Is it legal to use a VPN with Spotify?
Answer: Using a VPN with Spotify is generally legal, but it may violate Spotify’s terms of service. It’s important to check both local laws and Spotify’s user agreement.
Q: Why does my VPN connection speed affect Spotify streaming?
Answer: A slower VPN connection can lead to buffering or poor quality streaming on Spotify, as VPNs can sometimes reduce your internet speed due to the encryption process and the distance of the server.
The VPNs we recommend for Spotify
1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month
The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN
- ✔Optimized for HD streaming speed
- ✔Wide network with 160 locations across 94 countries
- ✔Split tunneling feature to select apps using VPN
- ✔TrustedServer technology for enhanced security
- ❌Limited to 5 simultaneous device connections
ExpressVPN is a strong choice for Spotify users due to its exceptional speed and reliability. This VPN is known for its fast server speeds, which is crucial for uninterrupted music streaming. ExpressVPN has a vast network of servers in numerous countries, making it easier to access Spotify from regions where it might be restricted.
Additionally, its strong encryption and privacy policies ensure your online activities remain secure and anonymous, which is especially important for users in regions with strict internet regulations.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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(30-day money-back guarantee)
2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Extra encryption with Double VPN
- ✔Over 5,500 servers in 59 countries
- ✔SmartPlay technology to unblock 400+ geo-restricted streaming services
- ✔CyberSec feature for ad and malware blocking
- ❌The interface can be complex for new users
NordVPN is another excellent option for Spotify listeners. It stands out with its extensive network of servers across the globe, which provides plenty of options to bypass geo-restrictions on Spotify.
NordVPN is also known for its strong security features, including double VPN and Onion over VPN for extra privacy. Its consistent performance and speed make it ideal for streaming music without lags or buffering, enhancing the Spotify experience.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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(30-day money-back guarantee)
3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔Strong encryption for secure connections
- ✔Extensive server network enhancing connectivity
- ✔Built-in ad and malware blocking
- ✔Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously
- ❌Can have slower speeds
4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔Cost-effective pricing
- ✔Servers optimized for P2P activities
- ✔Strict no browsing logs policy
- ✔Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
- ❌Smaller server network compared to others
5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Large server network with streaming-optimized servers
- ✔Strong encryption standards for security
- ✔Specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
- ✔Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
- ❌Speed performance can be mixed
Is using a VPN with Spotify legal?
Using a VPN with Spotify is legal, so long as you’re in a country where VPNs are legal. There’s a handful of countries where using a VPN is prohibited or restricted, these are China, Russia, Iran, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Egypt, Eritrea, Seychelles, Suriname, Namibia, Slovenia, Nicaragua and Tajikistan.
If you’re outside these countries, you can legally use a VPN with Spotify, however it’s important to know that changing your location does go against Spotify’s terms and conditions of use.
When you sign up to Spotify, you automatically agree to follow the terms and conditions of use, these outline your legal rights on Spotify, explain the rights you give when you use Spotify and describe the rules everyone needs to follow when using Spotify. In here it says “The following is not permitted for any reason whatsoever: circumventing any territorial restrictions applied by Spotify or its licensors.”
Because a VPN allows you to change your location, using one to access Spotify goes against the terms and conditions of use and Spotify is within its rights to ban your account.
With that said, given the wide-spread use of VPNs, plus the many legitimate and legal use cases for VPNs, it’s fair to suggest that banning customers for using a VPN would be a heavy-handed and financially costly policy for 9Now (and other streaming services) to enforce.
If you’re trying to use Spotify outside your home region you risk having your account banned. However, as the best VPNs use military-grade encryption it is impossible for Spotify to trace where you’re physically accessing its content from.
There’s one final thing to note on the subject: Spotify has never banned anyone for using a VPN to access its service.
