topic Smart shuffle automatically turning on in Other (Podcasts, Partners, etc.)

Smart shuffle automatically turning on

deletedconstitution — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:04:11 GMT

I saw a post saying this issue was resolved last year - but with the recent update, it seems like it's back.

With the new Spotify Free update, every so often I realize that the only songs playing on my Liked Songs playlist are only a certain genre. Turns out Smart Shuffle keeps turning on automatically - which I don't want. I've never willingly used Smart Shuffle, and I don't intend to do so.

I typically listen on my phone (a Samsung), but I'm logged into Spotify on my iPad as well - and the only way to turn Smart Shuffle off is through my tablet, which is a hassle considering how much it randomly turns back on on its own.

I'm using the free plan, so I have no way to permanently disable Smart Shuffle (and in all honesty, I think it's a little ridiculous to lock that feature behind Premium, but that's another thing), and I really want this issue to stop. Any advice/similar experiences/anything?

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

ribezaz — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 00:38:28 GMT

Hello how are you?

Welcome to the Spotify Community! I'm happy to have you here 🙂

It may be that a clean reinstall of your Spotify can solve your issue!

You can check out how to do this in this link:
https://community.spotify.com/t5/FAQs/Perform-a-clean-reinstall-of-the-app/ta-p/4746485

Keep me informed, so I can keep helping you!

Cheers
ribezaz

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

deletedconstitution — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 03:36:06 GMT

Tried reinstalling on both apps - but it's still happening, unfortunately. Thank you for the suggestion, though!

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

Hgr — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 23:20:23 GMT

Hi. I just talked to a (very kind) costumer's service worker. Spotify is apparently changing the free plan, so we wouldn't be able to disable smart shuffle in the near future- on the computer nor mobile. Personally i am very upset. If anyone finds a solution, let me know. I'm desperate.

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

Yordan — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:57:19 GMT

Hi there, folks,

Jumping in here with some clarifications regarding the current experience on mobile & tablet for free users (desktop behavior remains unaffected for the time being).

We've recently introduced some major improvements to our ad-supported free experience, giving listeners more freedom to play, discover, and share the music they love the most. There's more info on the topic in this article, check it out if you're interested.

As for Shuffle, this remains the main listening mode for free users on mobile, with the ability to switch between the different playback modes (regular play, Shuffle and Smart Shuffle) being reserved to Premium users. We're always looking for opportunities to enhance the user experience for everyone though, so we’ll continue to innovate and test in order to find the right balance for our listeners.

Hope this clears things up. The Community is here if there's anything else you need assistance with 🙂

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

deletedconstitution — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 02:22:41 GMT

Hello! I appreciate the tip - but with all due respect, I think you've missed the point of my post. I'm aware that shuffle SHOULD be the only option for Free users - but it's not. It keeps switching to Smart Shuffle on my Liked Songs list when I don't want it to. I'm okay with being limited to regular Shuffle - I just don't want to constantly go through the hassle of switching devices just to make sure I don't listen to the same 7 niche songs over and over again.

I'm not sure this is a bug or something, but I'd appreciate it if this was looked into. Thank you.

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

Joan — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 14:02:14 GMT

Hi @deletedconstitution,

Thanks for the reply.

We appreciate the feedback and we get your concern. Just to clarify though, it's Smart Shuffle that should be the default for the mobile free experience. In other words, shuffled songs from the playlist or album with suggestions mixed in. However, if you get the same songs playing over and over again and the sequence isn't changing, then this is something worth investigating that we'll gladly help you with.

We've noticed a similar issue being resolved by force closing the app, clearing the cache and then reinstalling as per these steps. Consider trying that on your phone and let us know how it goes.

Keep us posted.

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

hellothere2524-poopy — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 05:33:23 GMT

i rekon its great love it never been able to have it tho and thought you could only get if gotten paid version which i was bummed bout but love it still

Re: Smart shuffle automatically turning on

31dowbiyad4gn2m3acbi — Wed, 27 May 2026 07:13:39 GMT

Please can you give us free users the ability to turn of smart shuffle, shuffle or any automatic stuff that gives you songs that is not in the playlist? I can't find a way to do so and it's very frustrating. I've went through like a lot of tutorials but it isn't working. When I go to my playlist and click the 2 green arrows right next to the pause and play button because the tutorials says to do so, it just tells me to buy premium or something like that. Are you saying I can't just listen to my playlist with no recommend songs showing up without buying premium?