Spotify doesn't work with VPN, even connected through a US>US server

[chrisjoonior]

Add VPN support or provide a business case why VPNs are blacklisted.

Plan

Premium

Country

US

Device

PC - Win 10

[rajniszp]

Hi, after useless contact with Spotify support I managed to solve the problem (Windows). In my case I use VPN to connect with servers in my workplace, so I don't need to direct all traffic via VPN. Apparently, Windows does that by default. Quick google search, first link: https://superuser.com/questions/12022/how-can-i-make-the-windows-vpn-route-selective-traffic-by-dest.... First (accepted) answer worked for me. Screen below (Polish language, sorry).

[AlwinM]

@spotify. for reasons i have VPN always on. if you don’t fix this problem me and my family will switch to a streamer that does support VPN

[eargaergaerhgea]

 I am having problems using spotify desktop with F-secure VPN. The browser version works just fine.

Can you please fix this?

When you say you dont "support" VPNs, what exactly do you mean? You don't have to *support* a VPN, it's an internet connection like any other. You actually have to actively UNSUPPORT VPNs by blacklisting them. Can you remove this feature, as it renders the desktop application rather useless. Using internet without a VPN is out of question for me.

I'm a loyal paying customer, so this feature to blacklist VPN connections appalls me.

[Aerenor]

Hi there, I'm finding out for the first time (like some of you) that Spotify doesn't work with a VPN. Well isn't that fan-frickin-tastic. They're already *only barely* supporting the artist you like, so consider going straight to the artist's site/page/etc and downloading their content, rather than streaming it. Spotify plays ads during podcasts, even if you pay for premium. And when you "skip ahead" during the podcast, it'll skip 15 seconds - but only 10 seconds during an ad! Super sneaky annoyances like that are what push me over the edge. I can't recommend Spotify to anybody, please empower yourselves and explore alternatives, VPN using kings and queens!

[dantaeusb]

I use a VPN for security reasons, using servers in the same country I am located. I do not use it to save $0.0001 that you will not pay to artists anyway. It is my right to keep privacy and security of the internet connection, and it is my business which VPN solution I am using, custom or pre-built. "Technical issues" or "Not intended behavior" is BS, we all know that. For your servers, it's _absolutely_ the same connection, and it is direct and intentional disrespect for the user's right of security and privacy, as you cut the connection from the known VPN solutions. Most importantly, it's blocking VPNs in countries, where it's well known that the government inspects traffic, you intentionally design your system to risk your users' privacy, as they have to disable the traffic tunneling to just listen to the music - many devices and solution do not allow to whitelist Spotify (and it is leaking a lot of information which can be fingerprinted anyway). I consider this an open statement about your company values: money over privacy and security of your customers.

[nowinsonlypotatos]

I'm connected to VPN all day at work, and this policy has kept me from becoming a customer for literally years. People use VPNs for legitimate purposes you know. This policy sucks for those of us who would be a customer, but can't because VPNs aren't supported. I had to move everything to Apple music, and I won't be back until this policy changes — I don't have time for the nonsense.

[lucas441]

Dear [Chris],

I understand that you're experiencing issues with Spotify while using a VPN, even when connected to a US server. It can be frustrating when certain services don't work as expected with a VPN, but there are a few reasons why this might be happening.

1. VPN Detection: Streaming platforms like Spotify often have measures in place to detect VPN usage. They do this to comply with licensing agreements and regional restrictions. Despite connecting to a US server, Spotify might still be able to detect that you're using a VPN and restrict access.

2. IP Blacklisting: Some VPN IP addresses might be blacklisted by Spotify. This can occur if the VPN server's IP range has been associated with suspicious or abusive activities in the past. In such cases, Spotify might block access from those IP addresses, even if they are located in the United States.Best Regards
   Lucas Devid

[lucas441]

I'm experiencing a frustrating game of limitations when I'm connected to my work VPN. Are you telling me that I can not play the music of my choice and use my work VPN simultaneously? That is  an unfair rule. I eagerly updated Spotify to the latest version, only to discover that it does not work while connected to my work VPN. This situation needs to be resolved promptly, or else I'll be forced to forfeit my premium subscription, which I've been a part of since Spotify first made its debut in the US. It is  disheartening to find myself caught in this unexpected challenge, especially as a long-time player in the Spotify game.

[Aerenor]

Hi there, I regret to confirm that you are unable to use Spotify with a
VPN. Just dreadfully stupid design. If you have the means to pick up a
portable SSD, since you're already familiar with VPN's, you can access
means to circumvent the need for music streaming. Happy to help if you have
further questions regarding how to do that 🙂 🏴‍☠️

[cubicupcake]

Using my work VPN, the web player still works. So a workaround is to open that in a chromium based browser (Firefox needs extra steps but still supports PWAs) and install the page as a Progressive Web App (install button should be in the address bar to the right). So far the UI and features seem identical to the windows app. It wouldn't show up as Spotify in task manager processes and I don't know if you can make it open at startup but it has the Spotify icon and the window manager treats it as it's own app so I think this is good enough for most people.

Saying this doesn't make me any less dissapointed in Spotify for their anti-consumer attitude on this issue. I enjoyed the service for over 6 years , recommending it to friends and family. I can easily use any other platform or even stream my music without paying, but I liked the Spotify experience. I got premium as soon as they joined my country precisely because I was using the US version with a VPN before that. So it's truly disgusting how they deny service to loyal paying customers that have legitimate work or privacy reasons to use a VPN that doesn't even route outside of their country!

[F5D]

Hello, i was trying to visit web spotify from my VPS , and still get error (your client does not have permission to get url), can u help me fix it, or mb it's banned ip, and u can unlock it?

[rhodesy]

Hi, for the benefit of a less tech savvy individual like myself, how would I do that in practice?

Many thanks.

[recondart7]

Hey chrisjoonior,

Yeah, sometimes Spotify can be a bit tricky with VPNs, even when using a US server. Unfortunately, Spotify's policy doesn't support VPN usage due to various reasons, like ensuring proper licensing and preventing misuse.

For instance, they might block VPNs to maintain the correct content for each country based on music licensing agreements. They want users to access the content available specifically in their regions.

While it's a bummer for VPN users, Spotify's goal is to ensure fair access and adherence to licensing terms. They're pretty strict about it.

If you're encountering issues, disconnecting from the VPN might be the only way to access Spotify. It’s a bit inconvenient, but it's how Spotify ensures everything is in line with their content regulations.

Hope this sheds some light on why Spotify isn't too friendly with VPNs! 

[recondart7]

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[Uppers]

Got to say, I'm in agreement with others. It's just another advertising platform taking your money. Unlike the old formats, you used to actually own something, now you just pay a subscription, forever, for a service that does not always work and at the end of it own nothing. I'm going re-think my music collection - had enough of all these subscriptions.

[Yellownotmellow]

spotify is tryna make me upgrade to premium or change my location for my account, this sucks.