Spotify Connect not working on multiple 3rd party devices

[Alex]

Recently there have been numerous reports that Spotify Connect is not working on 3rd party devices like wireless smart speakers, multiroom speakers, sound systems and receivers. 

It's either possible to connect to the speaker using the Spotify Connect picker, but songs cannot be played and playback cannot be controlled, or the speakers appear grayed out and cannot connect at all.

[MikaelElkiaer]

Same issue here, starting a few weeks ago. Definitely a Spotify issue as these Samsung speakers don't see any updates anymore.

I bet it still work with the other supported services such as Tidal. 

[Christian-BH]

I've had it play once or twice since the issue started. No discernable reason why. Next morning, it didn't work again.

Screenshot is from pc, but it's the same for all players.

Sees the speaker, can choose it and says "connecting to" but when you press play, nothing happens. Same for groups and single speakers.

[bribrab]

Ok, I just did another reset of my router and now things are working. Not sure if this will turn out to be a definitive solution. Time will tell. For anyone who did the router reset routine already: maybe just give it another try 😉

[MrMEEE]

I have just talked to Samsung, and they say that they are aware of the issue, but not planning to do anything as the Multiroom Speakers are discontinued.. so all seems up to Spotify...

[MrMEEE]

@Eni I have just talked to Samsung, and they say that they are aware of the issue, but not planning to do anything as the Multiroom Speakers are discontinued.. so all seems up to Spotify...

[JohnnyHefty]

Yeah thats The reason, for me not to buy anything from Samsung anymore. Was such a fanboy when I biught The speakers.

I got 6 in total, and I should have bought Sonos. 

[Jochem5]

My speakers decided to play spotify again! Don't know why, but I like it. For as long as it lasts... 🤞

[Ver]

Hey folks,

Thank for the info.

It sounds like the speakers aren't compatible with changes that must've happened on the backend / API side of things.

In this case this will require a firmware update on the speaker's end.

Hope this sheds some light on the matter. The Community is here for you if there's anything else!

[MrMEEE]

@Ver do we have any technical description on the backend/api changes.. I don't believe that Samsung will implement any changes for these older devices.. But I find it quite worrying that Spotify just changes stuff in the protocol, which can then lead to devices being useless..

[Kiril]

Hey there @MrMEEE,

Thanks for keeping us in the loop here.

If your information about Samsung discontinuing their product is correct, then I'm afraid there's nothing we can do on our end, as fixing this would require a firmware update on the speakers' end.

Unfortunately, such situations can arise, as backends (APIs) change and it's completely natural for devices that don't get constant updates to not work forever.

Please note, that we cannot influence compatibility on all devices out there, especially when it concerns third-parties and their decision to end their support for a certain product. 

We hope this clears things up. Take care!