Tens of thousands of Spotify users across the globe were left frustrated on Wednesday after the popular music streaming app experienced a major outage. Many were unable to search for music, stream songs, or access artist profiles — leading to a wave of complaints online.
Let’s break down what happened, what Spotify has said, and how you can stay updated.
What Happened to Spotify?
On Wednesday afternoon, Spotify users started reporting problems with the app.
The main issues were with search functions, streaming, and accessing artists.
Users could still play music they had already downloaded, but most online features stopped working.
Some users also noted that the app was slow or completely unresponsive.
When trying to search for a song or artist, many people were met with a message that said:
“Something went wrong” — along with a button asking them to refresh the page.
How Many People Were Affected?
According to Downdetector — a website that tracks service outages — more than 48,000 Spotify users around the world reported problems at the peak of the issue.
In the UK, reports spiked around 1:30 PM (BST).
Issues began around 1:00 PM, and by 3:00 PM, the number of reports had dropped to around 10,000.
This shows just how widespread the issue was — affecting users from multiple countries at the same time.
What Did Spotify Say?
Spotify responded quickly to growing concerns. A company spokesperson confirmed:
“We are aware of the outage and working to resolve it as soon as possible. The reports of this being a security hack are completely inaccurate.”
The company also shared that:
The search issue had been fixed, and
They were rolling out an update to improve performance and resolve remaining glitches.
They advised users to follow their official support channel @SpotifyStatus on X (formerly Twitter) for real-time updates.
Was It a Hack?
No — Spotify made it very clear that the issue was not the result of a security breach or cyberattack. Despite rumours spreading on social media, the company denied these claims and reassured users that there was no threat to their data or accounts.
How Did Users React?
Many Spotify users took to social media to share their frustration:
Some said the app crash had disrupted their gym workouts.
Others mentioned it affected their study sessions or daily routines.
Several posted memes and jokes, hoping for a quick fix.
While some users regained access to features soon after, others continued to face issues for a while longer.
What Can You Do If Spotify Stops Working?
If you’re having trouble with Spotify, here are some tips:
Check Spotify’s Status Page: Visit @SpotifyStatus on X for updates.
Update the App: Spotify is rolling out fixes, so make sure your app is updated to the latest version.
Use Downloaded Music: If you’ve already downloaded music, you can still enjoy it offline.
Restart the App: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the app helps.
Reboot Your Device: It’s a classic fix, but it often works!
Conclusion: Is Spotify Back to Normal?
Spotify has resolved the main search issue and is working on updates to fully restore all features. Although the exact cause hasn’t been revealed, the platform insists it was not a hack.
With over 675 million users worldwide, it’s no surprise that even a short disruption can make a big impact. If you’re still facing issues, check for updates and keep an eye on Spotify’s official channels.
Sources
BBC News: Spotify Users Hit by Global Outage
Downdetector: Spotify Outage Reports
Spotify Status: @SpotifyStatus on X