[Mobile] Downloaded playlists do not load without an internet connection

[Vasil]

Hey folks!

We’ve received multiple reports that Android and iOS users are unable to play downloaded content while using offline mode. You might get stuck on a loading screen or get an error message saying "Something went wrong. Try again?". 
This is being looked into.

[Jonowalker]

Vasil, 

I am surprised that you have said that the problem seems to be resolved for most people- as I still see a lot of comments suggesting otherwise. 

I have previously provided videos in February via Twitter showing the issues I was having- the issue has still not been resolved. 

I have this morning cleared my cache,deleted all downloads, deleted app- reinstalled app and the issue is still the same 

hopefully link for video works- it shows I can play individual albums- however when selecting shuffle from 1 artist for multiple albums- the app stops and does not play. 

https://share.icloud.com/photos/090ZamV6OVzlFCXVqqgVVKxRw

[alfomail]

I can't believe this comment. The problem I have is with the Apple Watch; we've been struggling with it for years, and now you minimize the issue by suggesting we simply follow some troubleshooting steps? The situation is already desperate. We've followed those steps dozens of times. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. But it's exhausting. Do you understand that we just want to put on the watch and go for a run without spending an hour configuring it each time? Do you really understand that, or do you not consider it a necessity?

By the way, I've never had any problems with the phones. My problem has always been with the watches. First with Tizen on Samsung and now with iOS Watch on Apple.

[1140834453]

Come on Spotify. The real problem is the Apple Watch. It is not working for so many years.

These troubleshooting links are really useless.

[dap212004]

I already provided screen shots, which show what my video shows.  Also a detailed description.

https://youtu.be/aw4r6J0sN2c

[Jindo_US]

Here are some steps to help resolve this problem:

1. Ensure Proper Download

Make sure the content has been fully downloaded before going offline.

• Open your app and navigate to your downloaded playlists.
• Check if all the songs have been downloaded completely (indicated by a green download icon or similar).

2. Update the App

Ensure you are using the latest version of the app.

• Go to the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) and check for updates.
• Update the app if a newer version is available.

3. Check Storage and Permissions

Ensure that the app has the necessary permissions and enough storage space.

• Android:

  • Go to Settings > Apps >Spotify > Permissions.
  • Ensure storage permissions are granted.
  • Check available storage space in Settings > Storage.

• iOS:

  • Go to Settings > Spotify > Permissions.
  • Ensure storage permissions are granted.
  • Check available storage space in Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

4. Clear Cache (Android)

Clearing the app cache can sometimes resolve issues with downloaded content.

• Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Storage > Clear Cache.

5. Re-download Playlists

Delete the downloaded playlists and download them again.

• Navigate to your downloaded playlists.
• Delete the playlists and re-download them while connected to the internet.

6. Check Offline Mode Settings

Ensure the app is correctly set to offline mode.

• Open the app and navigate to settings.
• Ensure offline mode is enabled.

7. Reinstall the App

Uninstall and reinstall the app to ensure no corrupted files are causing the issue.

• Uninstall the app from your device.
• Reinstall it from the Google Play Store or App Store.
• Re-download your playlists.

8. Check for OS Updates

Ensure your device's operating system is up to date.

• Android:
  • Go to Settings > System > System Update.
• iOS:
  • Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

[Skideh]

Lionel T in support recommended I comment here with my issue.

Pixel 6 user here. Up to date OS, up to date app. Tried reinstalling all, etc.

I cannot play downloaded podcast episodes offline. If the app starts in offline, the episodes are just greyed out. If I go online, the episodes become available and I can start playing, then go back offline. But my primary use for Spotify is offline since I don't have data. So this is a pain for me since I cannot listen to my podcasts if I don't open the app before I leave home.

I told support this doesn't have much to do with the linked issue, but they insisted I comment. Thanks.

[23Mi]

I have trying resetting my phone, app, clear cache and data, different internet. And I still have the issue with no downloading. I don't have the option to download, the download playlist, nothing. It's almost the entire cycle or no downloads.

[31v4fs6otvctajqcn5xv]

Mobile: - Samsung A30

Android Version: - 11 (One UI 3.1)

App version: - 8.9.52.552

Plan: - Individual Premium

Whenever my device stays without internet all my downloaded files get deleted and upon connecting to Wi-Fi all the files start to download from 0. This is even more frustrating on vacations at remote places where internet connection is not available.

Tried re-installing the app, Clearing cache, Re-downloading on fresh installs. Nothing seems to be working for now.

Please suggest solution for the problem.

[Vasil]

Hey folks,

Thank you for all the inputs!

Please keep in mind that the only topic this Ongoing Issue is covering is the situation where Android and iOS users were unable to play downloaded content while using offline mode on their phones. Folks were getting stuck on a loading screen or getting an error message saying "Something went wrong. Try again?".

This behaviour seems to now be resolved. For issues with anything else, please open a new thread in the respective Help Boards:

@Jonowalker - it looks like your issue differs from the original one - thanks for the recording!
I'd create a new thread in the iOS boards in regards to it and mention all troubleshooting steps done.
Make sure to go over one complete clean reinstall of the app beforehand if you haven't already.

@alfomail & @1140834453-  in regards to the Apple Watch issues, please open a new thread in the iOS boards and describe them, mentioning which troubleshooting steps you've tried so far. 

@dap212004 - this OI thread is regarding mobile issues and what you've sent us shows the desktop app. We do thank you for the recording though! On the video we can see that you're attempting to download a playlist and all available tracks with the exception of the local files (which are already present offline) seem to be downloading. Do any of the items with or without the download arrow not play? If yes - does this happen in offline or online mode?

I'd open a new thread in the Desktop boards so that this can get looked into. It would be best if you share any troubleshooting steps performed as well 🙂

@Skideh - what you've reported is on our radar and seems to be Pixel-related, although we can't guarantee exactly when a fix for this would get pushed. We'd advise keeping your app up to date at all times.

@23Mi & @31v4fs6otvctajqcn5xv - your issues seem to be downloads-related but they still differ from what this Ongoing Issue thread is about. With Wi-Fi available, try performing a complete clean reinstall of the app. Download your offline content after this and put the app in offline mode. See if the downloaded content is displayed as available offline and check if it plays. If it doesn't - open a new thread in the Android/ iOS boards and share your issue as well as which troubleshooting steps you've tried so far.
A link to a video recording would come in handy as well!

Thanks for understanding. Cheers!

[Jonowalker]

@Vasil 

this issue was first reported by myself in February - various videos and screenshots have previously been supplied. 
Therefore it’s slightly frustrating to now be told it might not be this issue (it certainly seems to mirror other reports on this thread)

I’ve uploaded the video to YouTube

https://youtube.com/shorts/p4_zJcZ0Tpc?si=msQBQbth2Ylwpgjg