Users on Android devices can't play content in Offline mode

[Yordan]

We've received reports from Android users mentioning issues with Offline mode. When the device is set in Airplane mode or internet access is disabled, the app gets stuck on a black screen until a “You’re currently offline” error is displayed.

[urielneves]

After one of the previous updates, I don't remember which, my Android app does not load if my internet is disabled but offline mode is also disabled, it only loads if I enable offline mode, or if I turn on the internet, thing that was happening before.

[AlejaR]

Hey there @urielneves,

We hope you don't mind us moving your post out of the ideas section to one of our help boards as it fits better here.

Just to confirm, have you tried some troubleshooting? If you haven’t, you can start by clean reinstalling the app, so you can be sure the stored cache is not leading to this behavior.

If the above doesn’t do the trick, we’d like to gather some additional info. Please send us:

• The make/model and OS of the affected device.
• The exact Spotify version you’re running.
• Does this happen on a different mobile device? You can ask for the phone of a relative or a friend to open your account there and check.

On a different note, remember that our Ideas board is to help us receive new product and feature suggestions that will allow us to improve our app and service for everyone. You can learn more about Ideas Exchange here.

Keep us in the loop!

[LinkRar]

Hello, I am also having this issue! I am unable to play any content on Spotify when on mobile data, with the app claiming its offline. Despite that, I'm unable to load anything, including downloaded content. I'm currently using Spotify on a Google Pixel 8, running Spotify version 9.0.50.416

[Susan_GP]

Hi there @LinkRar,

Thanks for your reply in this thread.

First up, go to your device's settings > Apps > Spotify and make sure the permission to use mobile data is enabled. Additionally, make sure no battery or data-saving options are enabled. 

If that doesn't work, and you haven't tried it, perform a clean reinstall of the Spotify app. No worries, you won't lose any content, but you might have to download your offline  music again. 

If the issue persists, send the following details:

• The exact Spotify version you're running.
• Try logging in to a different account (a relative or friend's account will do) and let us know if you can replicate the behavior there.
• Did you notice if this started to happen after a specific event such as an OS update?

We'll keep an eye out for your reply.

[LinkRar]

After attempting a clean reinstall multiple times and clearing cache and storage, that did not seem to fix it. I am currently running Spotify version 9.0.50.416 on a Google Pixel 8. This issue has been going for a couple of weeks now, so while I can't say what version it started happening with, it has been going on for around 2-3 weeks at this point.

[Dessi]

Hey @LinkRar,

Thanks for the reply and the info you provided!

Just to double-check - are Offline mode and Offline access turned on in the app's settings? You can find them in Settings and privacy -> Data-saving and offline. You also mentioned this happening when using mobile data, does it also occur on WiFi? It'd also be great if you can log in on another device (you can ask a friend or a relative to lend you one for a couple of minutes) to check if the issue occurs there as well. 

Keep us posted.

[Ellrixx]

I have the excact same problem. It started after the latest update. If my phone signal is off and I want to listen to offline downloaded playlists spotify wont open. It will not open until I go off airplanemode. It will not open and just shows a black screen when my phone is offline. Very very very annoying I'm running version 9.0.50.416 on a samsung galaxy A13 5G

[Ellrixx]

Im another user also having this problem. Not the OP. For me it happens when I set my phone to airplanemode. Spotify wont open in airplanemode. No Internet, and the screen is just black. As soon as I turn on Internet, spotify opens. It never used to do this. The offline mode is off, but the offline library, my playlists are on. Offlineacces is on. All my playlists are stored there. Tried reinstall, redownloads, change storage from sd card to phone. Everything. Still the same black screen if I'm in airplanemode. 9.0.50.416 on a samsung galaxy A13 5G

[Dessi]

 Hey @Ellrixx,

Thanks for joining the thread and for your feedback on this!

I'd recommend turning on Offline mode as well before switching to Airplane mode, since that should do the trick and you should be able to see your downloads afterwards.

Hope this helps.

[Starmaster]

Plan

Premium

Country

Netherlands

Device

Google Pixel 5

Operating System

Android 14, Android Security Update November 5th, 2023(latest)

Spotify App version: 9.0.50.416(latest)

My Question or Issue

Opening the app without internet connection on a device that has not been connected to the internet since start-up results in app being stuck on black screen. Unable to reach landing screen.

• Issue does not occur when smart device has internet connection.
• Issue does not occur when app had prior access to the internet before going offline
• Cache clear and storage clear did not resolve the issue.

App reinstall has not been attempted yet.

Issue did not occur before week 23 (might be off one or 2 weeks, started noticing issue last week).

Steps to reproduce:

Prerequisites:

• App installed on device.
• Logged in with premium/basic(no audiobook access) account.
• Playlist available for offline playback.
• No internet connection available on initial device boot-up.
• No internet connection prior to opening the app.

Steps:

1. Enable the smart device without internet access.
2. Open the Spotify app while offline.
3. Observe the black screen.
4. Close the application.
5. Gain internet access.
6. Open the application.
7. Observe the app reaching the landing screen.