"Playback error" in Spotify in Tesla

[gio575]

Hello,

pls help me.

I used Spotify in my car, Tesla model s.

about 4-5 days I can not listen music. When music began to play, immediately stopped and is written "playback error". why?

[Ivelina]

Hey @gio575,

Thanks for posting in the Community and welcome to the forum!

Have you noticed if this error message appeared after something specific for the first time and is it a particular playlist this is happening with (Liked songs, playlist created by you or by Spotify)?

It would be helpful if you could let us know in case you've performed any troubleshooting steps so far. I recommend making sure that you're using the newest app version, as well as that there aren't any pending software updates in your car.

Something else that comes to mind is to test connecting a mobile device to the car and then try starting the playlist from the phone app.

We'll be on the lookout.

[Greg91]

Same problem with my Tesla Model Y even though I have a Spotify premium account. 

[mschlueter13]

Same here with our model 3! Seems a lot of people are having the same issue. 

[AlejaR]

Hey there folks,

Thanks for your reply here and welcome. 

The team is aware of this behavior. Some folks have noticed that updating the Tesla software on their car solved this. In that sense, make sure you're running the latest version. 

If issues persist, we'd need some further details to pass them onto our folks, so they can continue investigating. Please send us: 

• Tesla Model and year
• The Tesla software Version you're running
• The Spotify Version

We'll be around!

[gginesta]

Seems this is a common issue across different models and different software versions (most are on the latest):

https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/comments/1ke11db/playback_error_playererrorinvalidstream_cant/

Please help

[WM33]

I’ve been having the same issues. Model Y, premium connection, software up-to date as of today, premium Spotify account. I have done a car reboot and had a trouble shooting session with Tesla and no resolution. 

[WM33]

Tesla just pushed a software update for me. MY V12(2025.8.7) and it solved the Spotify license error issue!!!

[Twitchling77]

2022 model 3, latest software. Plays for a second or 2 and stops with label player error invalid stream. Also on Disney plus, the Home Screen loads and I can search through titles but when I hit play it just spins the blue circle

[Jorr1]

TESLA - continuous Playback Error Invalid Stream

[Myemmons]

Apparently this is a widespread problem among Tesla owners.  I reached out to Tesla and they sent me firmware to update (it took about 24hrs!) they set an appointment up to check it out next week and expect me to approve a payment of $148 for it!  WTH Elon?!

[tonnylee]

i have read an article on this problem and i want all of you should check that article if you are experiencing same issue. Stay tunes i will share the article link here very soon.

[Yippydog]

Tesla Spotify app displays playback error license error and cannot be cleared even after logging out and back in. The chosen content doesn’t seem to matter when this error happens. The only way found to clear the error is a reboot of the MCU. Tesla version 

v12 (2025.26.8 999df00895bc)

[Dessi]

Hi folks,

Thanks for all the reports about this!

We've passed this info on to our tech folks so they can investigate further. We're unable to provide an ETA for a fix at this time, but rest assured this will remain on our internal teams' radar. In the meantime, make sure you're always running the latest version of Spotify, as well as keep your Tesla up-to-date, so you don't miss out on any potential fixes.

The Community is always here if something else comes up.

[Psfleming]

2022 Tesla Y. Just got the latest update last night. Still a problem today. 

[brooklyndj]

Just adding this piece of information: Spotify works fine for my partner, but not for me. We have a Spotify Premium Duo account.

Another weird thing: I can play podcasts fine, but when I try to play one of my music playlists (or any music), I get the dreaded Playback error/License error. 

[Shmuelman]

It didn't help me.

[Shmuelman]

The license error seems to be related to listening to a Spotify audiobook. Once you get that error, there is no way around it. My daughter uses her Spotify account and that doesnot work either.  Tesla really cut corners on the entertainment app by not allowing any access to a specific app such as  a) clear app cache or b) restart a specific app.

[hendry]

Plan

Premium

Country

UK

Device

Tesla

Operating System

Tesla

My Question or Issue

Constant License errors whilst trying to playback.

Absolutely no way to offer feedback or a video to show problem.

[afrofish11]

Same as everyone here - Tesla have no answer for the fix.  

Long time subscriber to Spotify over 15 years.  Wil have to switch to Apple Music if not resolved soon!